Unrefined coconut oil is often labeled as extra virgin or virgin, but unlike olive oil , there are no regulatory standards that distinguish between extra virgin and virgin coconut oil.
Depending on the temperature of stored coconut oil, it may take either a solid form or semi-liquid form. Lauric acid is healthy but slow to be absorbed by the body, acting more like a long-chain triglyceride LCT than a medium-chain one. MCT coconut oil is produced by removing the lauric acid and all LCTs; that ensures the oil stays in a liquid form. For health reasons, and for ease of use in cooking, coconut oil is a better choice than MCT coconut oil.
Since it takes a long time for oxidation to occur in properly-stored coconut oil, the oil will generally last for about two years when protected against sunlight and contaminants.
However, the expiration date will vary depending on whether the oil is virgin or refined. The first may stay usable for as long as five years, while the second may go bad after just 18 months.
Coconut oil should always be kept in a dark place for food safety reasons. However, it does not require any sort of special storage equipment to keep it fresh for a long time. In fact, where you keep your oil can simply be a matter of preference.
Cold temperatures will cause the oil to solidify into a curdled form, allowing it to stay fresh for as long as possible. When refrigerated coconut oil is in solid form, it can be harder to use. However, be sure to store your coconut oil in an airtight container to help it stay fresh for as long as possible. It should not turn rancid before this time unless you have introduced some type of contaminant, but should last beyond this time as in the table below.
So, does coconut oil go bad? When properly stored, the shelf life of coconut oil past its purchase date or best-by date is approximately With oven-safe glass and water-tight lids, these food storage containers are ready for action! Not a Prime Member? Try a day free trial today! Of course, coconut oil lasts for a shorter period of time if it is not stored properly.
Containers usually have a best before date which is a date set by the manufacturer to guarantee best product quality and not an expiration date or an expression of safety.
Use your senses to determine if coconut oil has gone bad. There is always a rancid smell to spoiled oil which you will notice when opening the jar. The white oil will also begin to turn slightly yellow in color. So, how do you know if it has become rancid? Well, you can check out the signs in a section below….
It is possible for mold to grow in coconut oil. Some people may try to only remove the part with mold, but this will not do.
As such, there is no telling how much of the coconut oil has been impacted by the mold. Your best bet is to throw it out. Most coconut oils are clear or have a milky tint to it. So, any changes in color tend to mean that something is wrong with the oil.
If you find the coconut oil turning brown , yellow , or green, then you will need to toss it. The same goes for any oddly colored particles that you find in the oil. If the coconut oil smells bad on skin or in the bottle, it probably means that it has gone bad.
Typically, any rancid odors are the first noticeable sign that something is off with your coconut oil. It means that you should definitely not use it. If the coconut oil looks fine, but tastes bad you should still throw it away.
A bad taste shows that the coconut oil has spoiled to a certain degree. Does this mean that you can use the expired coconut oil on hair? Well, you should probably not risk it as this could lead to negative consequences. So, what can happen if you try to use expired coconut oil? Well, if you add it food, it is possible for you to experience an upset stomach or other digestive issues. However, these symptoms may only present themselves if you consume a great deal.
And, what about the use of rancid coconut oil for skin and hair care? When coconut oil goes bad, it may become rather irritating to the skin.
This could potentially result in rashes, itchy skin, or some other skin condition. The good news is that you can actually help your coconut oil to last even longer than its best by date. Not all coconut oils are prepared with organic coconuts. If this is your concern, make sure to check the organic certification logo on the label or reach out to the manufacturer.
Choosing a suitable replacement for coconut oil is not too difficult, depending on the recipe or how you want to use the oil. For other oil substitution, consider sunflower oil, vegetable oil, etc. For baking, you can use butter.
Coconut oil has gained popularity for its myriad uses and health benefits. Despite its long shelf life, coconut oil loses its quality and eventually goes bad. Coconut oil is shelf-stable and keeps well outside the fridge, as long as in a dark, dry area, away from heat and lights.
Poor storage and contamination speed up its spoilage. Skip to content Share. Pin 4. Table Of Contents. What Is Coconut Oil? Does coconut oil go bad if it melts? What are white balls in coconut oil? Is coconut oil organic? What are substitutes for coconut oil? About The Author. Recently, she started a consulting agency to facilitate the improvement of food safety, quality, and sustainability.
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