Unrefined coconut oil, also known as virgin or pure coconut oil, has become a popular oil to use for cooking, beauty regimens, and natural remedies. But once you open a jar or bottle of unrefined coconut oil, how long does it last before it goes bad?
Quick Answer
An opened jar of unrefined coconut oil will generally last 12-18 months past its printed expiration date. However, there are a few signs to watch out for to know if your coconut oil has gone rancid, including changes in smell, taste, and texture.
How to Tell if Unrefined Coconut Oil Has Gone Bad
Here are some of the main signs that your opened coconut oil has gone bad:
- Smell – Fresh, unrefined coconut oil has a mild coconut scent. If it starts smelling sour or unpleasant, it has likely gone rancid.
- Taste – Coconut oil should have a neutral taste. Rancid coconut oil will taste bitter or sour.
- Color – When fresh, unrefined coconut oil is white or creamy in color. If it turns yellow or orange, that indicates spoilage.
- Texture – Coconut oil is normally solid below 76°F and liquid above that temp. Rancid oil may have grainy chunks or foam at the top.
- Smoke Point – Coconut oil’s smoke point is 350°F. If your oil smokes at a lower temp, toss it.
If you notice any of these signs in an opened jar of coconut oil, it’s best to throw it away rather than risk getting sick from rancid oil.
Shelf Life of Unopened vs. Opened Coconut Oil
The shelf life of coconut oil depends on whether it is opened or not:
- Unopened – Unrefined coconut oil can last 12-24 months past the printed expiration date if the jar is unopened.
- Opened – Once opened, the shelf life decreases to 12-18 months past the printed date.
The reason an opened jar has a shorter shelf life is exposure to air, light, fluctuating temps, and contaminants that speed up spoilage once the protective seal is broken.
How to Store Unrefined Coconut Oil
To help maximize the shelf life of your opened coconut oil, proper storage is key. Here are some tips for storing it:
- Keep in a cool, dark place – Light and heat accelerate rancidity, so store coconut oil in a cupboard away from the stove or oven.
- Store in an airtight container – Keep coconut oil in the original jar with the lid sealed tight to block air exposure.
- Refrigerate after opening – The cold fridge temp helps slow oxidation and spoilage.
- Use clean utensils – Spoon coconut oil out with clean spoons and knives to prevent bacteria contamination.
- Don’t store near odor-producing foods – Absorption of strong odors can lead to off tastes.
How to Prolong Usable Life of Opened Coconut Oil
Aside from optimal storage methods, here are some extra tips for extending the usable life of your opened coconut oil:
- Buy small containers – The more coconut oil you open at once, the faster it will oxidize. Stick to small jars.
- Check for signs of spoilage before each use – Give it a smell, taste, and look to check for rancidity.
- Use within 1 year of opening – For maximum freshness, try to use opened coconut oil within a year.
- Store unused portions in the fridge – Put back any leftover oil in the fridge to slow oxidation.
- Avoid double-dipping if used for beauty regimens – Contaminants accelerate spoilage, so use clean applicators.
How to Use Up Coconut Oil Before It Spoils
If you want to try to use up opened coconut oil within a shorter timeframe, here are some tips:
- Use it more frequently for oil pulling – Swishing daily helps use it up.
- Apply as a moisturizer after showering – Skin absorbs it quickly.
- Use it for homemade lotions, soaps, or scrubs – Adds nourishment and richness.
- Replace other oils with coconut oil in recipes – Works well in baked goods.
- Add to smoothies or coffee – Adds a boost of healthy fats.
- Use it for homemade play dough – Keeps it pliable.
Getting creative with ways to use up extra coconut oil can help you enjoy it while it’s at peak freshness.
Can You Use Coconut Oil Past Its Expiration Date?
Coconut oil doesn’t necessarily go bad immediately after its printed expiration date, but it’s best not to use it too long past that guide. Here are some tips on evaluating older coconut oil:
- Unrefined coconut oil can last 12-24 months past its printed expiration date if stored properly.
- If it was opened a while ago, toss it after 12-18 months even if not expired.
- Check carefully for signs of spoilage like smell, taste and texture changes.
- If it seems normal, you can try using it, but taste and watch for any changes.
- Be extra cautious if using for cooking – rancid oil can make you sick.
Trust your senses to determine if older coconut oil seems spoiled rather than solely relying on the expiration date. When in doubt, throw it out.
Does Refrigeration Extend Unrefined Coconut Oil’s Shelf Life?
Yes, refrigerating unrefined coconut oil after opening can help extend its usable shelf life. Here’s why it helps:
- Cold temps slow oxidation – The cool environment retards oxidation reactions.
- Slows bacterial growth – Refrigeration inhibits microbial contaminants.
- Reduces temperature fluctuations – Fridge temps stay more constant than cupboards.
- Blocks light exposure – Enclosed fridges block light that accelerates rancidity.
- Containment – Airtight fridge space contains odors that can spoil oils.
Studies show oils can last over a year longer when refrigerated versus left in cupboards. So for maximum shelf life, keep that coconut oil chilled.
Does Unrefined Coconut Oil Need to be Refrigerated?
Refrigeration is strongly recommended for optimizing the shelf life of opened unrefined coconut oil. Here are some key reasons why:
- Slows oxidation – The cool temps substantially slow the oxidation rate.
- Retains nutritive quality – Heat and light degrade vitamins and antioxidants over time.
- Prevents texture changes – Warmth can cause liquefaction and separation.
- Reduces risk from contaminants – Bacteria and molds grow faster at room temp.
- Blocks light exposure – Light accelerates the oil’s degradation.
- Absorbs fewer odors – Tight, cold space prevents absorption of smells.
While not 100% required, refrigeration after opening is best for reducing nutritional decline and lengthening the shelf life of your unrefined coconut oil.
What Temperature Should You Store Unrefined Coconut Oil?
The ideal storage temperature for optimizing unrefined coconut oil’s shelf life is about 40-50°F or below. Here’s why this cooler range is best:
- Slows rancidity – Colder temps substantially slow oxidation reactions.
- Inhibits microbial growth – Cooler temps discourage bacteria or mold.
- Reduces pressure buildup – Lower heat minimizes gas expansion in sealed jars.
- Maintains firm texture – Warmth causes oil separation and liquefaction.
- Retains nutrients – Vitamins and antioxidants degrade faster in warmth.
Refrigerator temps of 40°F or below provide the perfect environment for inhibiting spoilage reactions and maintaining coconut oil’s nutritional quality longer.
Can Unrefined Coconut Oil Be Frozen?
Yes, you can freeze unrefined coconut oil to help extend its shelf life even longer than refrigeration. Here are some key points about freezing coconut oil:
- Pack in airtight containers to prevent freezer burn or absorbing odors.
- Thaw slowly in the fridge rather than countertops.
- Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles as it can accelerate degradation.
- Stir after thawing as some separation may occur.
- Opened oil keeps 6-12 months in the freezer.
- Use within 3-6 months for best quality and freshness.
Freezing unopened, unrefined coconut oil can basically pause the clock on shelf life, allowing it to last years while retaining its purity and nutrition. But stick to shorter timeframes for opened.
Signs Unrefined Coconut Oil Has Gone Bad
Watch for these key signs that your opened coconut oil has gone bad and needs to be tossed:
- Smell – Rancid, paint-like, or unpleasant sour odor.
- Color – Change to a yellow, orange, or darker hue.
- Taste – Bitter, unpleasant, or sour flavor.
- Texture – Graininess, bubbles, separation, or foam.
- Smoke Point – Begins smoking at under 350°F.
- Expiration – More than 18 months past printed expiration date.
Trust your senses – if unrefined coconut oil shows signs of aging like changes in smell, taste, feel, or appearance, it’s safest to discard it.
How to Revive Rancid Unrefined Coconut Oil
Unfortunately, once unrefined coconut oil has gone rancid, there is no way to safely revive it. Here’s why it can’t be restored:
- Oxidation creates free radicals that can’t be reversed.
- Off odors and flavors can’t be eliminated.
- Bacteria growth can’t be fully destroyed without compromising nutrition.
- Changes to the fragile fatty acids are permanent.
- Heating to high temps can’t restore freshness and may worsen quality.
Rancid coconut oil simply can’t be restored to its original fresh quality, flavor, and nutrition. So the safest option is to discard and start fresh.
Is It Safe to Consume Rancid Coconut Oil?
No, it is not safe to consume rancid coconut oil. Here are some key risks with ingesting spoiled, oxidized coconut oil:
- Can cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
- Contains free radicals that damage cells in the body.
- Has decreased levels of beneficial lauric acid.
- May promote inflammation in cells and tissues.
- Poses a higher risk of food poisoning or illness.
- Unpleasant taste and smell are hard to disguise.
Your body provides clear warning signs coconut oil has gone bad for a reason – to prompt you not to eat it! Heed those red flags and refrain from using rancid coconut oil.
Key Takeaways
- An opened jar of unrefined coconut oil will generally last 12-18 months past its printed expiration date if stored properly.
- Signs that coconut oil has gone bad include changes in scent, taste, color, texture, or smoke point.
- Refrigerating opened coconut oil is strongly recommended for maximizing shelf life.
- Once coconut oil shows clear signs of rancidity, it’s unsafe to consume and should be discarded.
- With proper storage methods, opened coconut oil can retain quality and freshness for over a year.
