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How Long Does Coconut Milk Last? [Shelf Life Guide]

Coconut milk is an excellent alternative to cow’s milk for allergic or intolerant dairy products.

When buying coconut milk, always look for the words “coconut cream” or “pure” on the label to ensure you purchase pure coconut milk products without any preservatives added.

Coconut milk goes bad over time if stored improperly or left out at room temperature for too long.

To know more about this popular food item, read on below.

What is Coconut Milk?

what is coconut milk

Coconut milk is a liquid that comes from the dilution of coconut flesh and its water.

Coconut Milk can be used for much more than just drinking.

Coconut milk makes an excellent base for soups or sauces because of its mild flavor so that you won’t overpower your dish with too many flavors.

It’s been commonly used in desserts such as Thai iced tea, but it can also be enjoyed on top of porridge or rice.

It is also a staple ingredient in Thai, Vietnamese, and Indian cuisine.

Coconut milk is rich in iron, calcium, and manganese.

This natural beverage has been used for centuries to maintain good health.

It also contains certain enzymes that help digestion when taken regularly with meals.

In some places, it’s even considered a nutritious replacement for cow’s milk.

Spoiled Coconut Milk Side Effects

spoiled coconut milk side effects

Coconut milk is a popular dairy alternative for those who want to avoid lactose intolerance.

It tastes great and contains healthy fats that are good for the heart, but it has one major drawback: spoiling quickly at room temperature.

The thin liquid separates into oils when stored at warm temperatures, leading to the explosive growth of bacteria.

The consequences are dire: the milk becomes sour, and it will emit a rancid, unpleasant smell that is hard to get rid of.

The oil separates into clumps and sticks to whatever surface it touches, which means you have to scrub everything down after using spoiled coconut milk for cooking or baking.

Consuming spoiled coconut milk can lead to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

It’s also a potential risk factor for diabetes because it contains large amounts of sugar, which increases blood glucose levels when digested.

How Long Does Coconut Milk Last? Does Coconut Milk Go Bad?

how long does coconut milk last

Coconut milk may be great for your health, but how long can you keep that stuff around before it turns into a disgusting gelatinous goop?

If you plan to use the coconut milk in dinners or desserts monthly and don’t want anything to change from its original consistency, store open cans of unopened containers at room temperature and consume within two to three days.

But if you’re saving some for later, these tips can help your coconut milk last a little longer:

Canned Coconut Milk – Cans of unopened canned products typically lasts four to six days at room temperature before it may get contaminated with bacteria.

Unopened cans in the fridge will keep for about two to three months; after that, the oils start going rancid as they oxidize.

Once opened, store in the refrigerator and use up within five or so days since oxygen exposure hastens oxidation processes.

Carton Coconut Milk – These cartons are more fragile than cans because their shelf life is only seven days when refrigerated.

They won’t last long enough on shelves to be sold, so always refrigerate them.

Once the coconut milk has been opened, it will spoil.

Thicker types of coconut milk will last for about ten days in the refrigerator, while thinner versions of cream will expire seven to eight days sooner.

Be sure to check your canned or carton coconut milk before using it, as freshness may not be what you had hoped for.

How to Tell if Coconut Milk is Bad?

how to tell if coconut milk is bad

Is canned coconut milk still safe to use even after the “expiration” date on its package? Yes, but only if it has been stored correctly and there are no signs of spoilage.

Coconut milk is usually packaged in a carton which can be placed on the refrigerator shelf.

It should not have any leaks, and the expiration date should also still be readable.

If these are present, then it’s safe to say that your coconut milk has gone sour.

The best-before date is usually on the coconut milk canister, and it designates the period within which the product should remain in top condition.

If you wonder whether the coconut milk in your fridge is bad, here’s a guide to help inform that decision.

The smell of coconut milk will sour and take on a robust and off-putting odor when it spoils.

Checking for taste can help you determine whether the altered flavor is due to spoilage or an extra bit of sweetener added beforehand.

Does it have floating particles (usually white)? If so, this could also indicate spoilage from bacteria growth during storage at ambient temperatures, along with improper filtration before packaging, which can lead to oil separation and premature spoiling.

Is there any visible mold on the surface of the milk? If so, it is a clear sign that spoilage has occurred, and you should discard it.

How to Store Coconut Milk?

how to store coconut milk

Coconut milk keeps for three to four days in the fridge in an airtight container.

Canned coconut milk also stays fresh for those same number of days if it is tightly sealed with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

To freeze coconut milk, make sure it is the right consistency (not too watery) and then seal it into an airtight container.

All recipes for dairy substitutes that call for coconut milk will work with frozen coconut milk concoctions.

If you’re planning on adding fresh ingredients like garlic or ginger to your dish after refrigerating coconut milk, plan so that these can be added at the last minute.

Once those flavors have soaked into the dairy products, there’s no way to get them out again.

Conclusion

Coconut milk is an excellent alternative to dairy or soy milk.

It has fewer calories, and it’s also vegan-friendly.

However, there are some misconceptions about how long coconut milk lasts before spoiling.

The good news is that you don’t have to worry about your leftover cartons of coconut milk going bad if they’re stored in the fridge at all times because this will prevent them from growing bacteria.

So go ahead and enjoy your favorite creamy beverage today without any worries, as these tips should make sure that your drink stays fresh tomorrow too.

does coconut milk go bad

How Long Does Coconut Milk Last? Does Coconut Milk Go Bad?

5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Shelf Life
Servings 1 Serving

Ingredients
  

  • Coconut milk
  • Air-tight containers or Ziplock bags
  • Labels and markers

Instructions
 

  • Read the guide thoroughly to learn how long it lasts.
  • Label your container with the content and date and keep track of how much you’re using!
  • Make sure to store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place (pantry or fridge).
Did you make this recipe?Mention @EatDelights or tag #eatdelights!

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