Coconut milk is one of the most popular non-dairy milk alternatives on the market. If you have a carton of coconut milk in your kitchen now, you might be wondering when it goes bad!
Coconut milk isn’t likely to go bad until several weeks or months past its best-by date (when sealed/unopened), depending on whether it’s refrigerated or shelf-stable. Once opened, coconut milk will stay good for at least 7-10 days (and often much longer). Coconut milk can also last up to six months in the freezer.
You can get the longest shelf life out of coconut milk by practicing proper storage guidelines, which we’ll review in this article.
What is coconut milk?
Coconut milk is a plant-based alternative made by heating coconut flesh in hot water and then straining the liquid. There are two types of coconut milk: carton and canned.
Carton coconut milk is lower in fat, whereas canned coconut milk is very high in fat and is mostly solid at room temperature. Carton coconut milk is meant for drinking, whereas canned coconut milk is usually reserved for cooking, such as curries, soups, and stews.
In this article, we’re referring to drinkable carton coconut milk, not canned coconut milk.
What is the shelf life of coconut milk?
Drinkable coconut milk in a carton will either be perishable/refrigerated or shelf-stable (UHT milk). Shelf-stable coconut milk is fine to store at room temperature (just keep it below 95 degrees Fahrenheit) for many months, while refrigerated coconut milk is typically good for a few months in the fridge (but always refer to the best-by date).
Many brands of coconut milk add stabilizers and emulsifiers to make coconut milk creamier – some of the more popular ones are carrageenan and guar gum. However, some brands don’t add these to their coconut milk, which means it’ll be a bit more watery.
Once you open coconut milk, it’s ideal to use it within 7-10 days – and it MUST be stored in the fridge once opened, even if it’s shelf-stable and was stored at room temperature first.
If you choose to freeze coconut milk, you’ll need to remove enough liquid from the container to allow for expansion or transfer the milk into another container (ice cube trays are a popular one). Keep in mind that the milk will likely take on a different consistency once it’s thawed, but it’s still safe to use.
Coconut milk shelf life summary
| Room temperature | Refrigerator (sealed) | Refrigerator – opened | Frozen | |
| Refrigerated coconut milk | N/A | Until the best-by date (likely okay for a couple of weeks past the best-by date) | 7-10 days (if not past its best-by date) | ~6 months |
| Shelf-stable coconut milk | Until best-by date (likely okay to use 1-2 weeks past this date) | Likely 1-2 months past the printed best-by date | 7-10 days | ~6 months |
How long does coconut milk go bad after opening?
After you open coconut milk, plan to use it within 7-10 days for ideal freshness, though it’s likely fine to use beyond this time frame if there are no signs that it’s going bad.
Can you use coconut milk after its expiration date?
If coconut milk has been sealed and it’s past its best-by date, it’s likely fine to use. If it’s been open for several weeks and it hits its best-by date, it’s a good idea to replace it with a fresh batch.
How to tell if coconut milk went bad
Color: Coconut milk is white, so if it darkens over time, it’s time to toss it.
Consistency: Coconut milk will range from watery to somewhat creamy depending on the type. If there is any grittiness or lumps that persist after shaking the container, it’s a sign it’s likely past its prime.
Smell: The smell of coconut milk should be mild and neutral with a slight coconut-y scent. If it smells bad (sour, rancid, etc) then don’t risk it and throw it out!
Taste: Coconut milk will taste a bit like coconut, and it might be neutral or sweet depending on whether you choose a sweetened version. If you can’t stand the taste (and you know what coconut milk tastes like when it’s fresh), then it’s likely gone bad.
What’s the danger in using coconut milk after it’s gone bad?
Drinking a small amount of coconut milk after it’s gone bad won’t likely cause any serious issues. However, if you drink a large amount of coconut milk after it’s gone bad you might experience symptoms similar to food poisoning (stomach upset), but it should resolve within a day or so. Always contact your healthcare provider if you need to, though!
Best storage practices for coconut milk
- Always keep refrigerated coconut milk in the fridge, even if you haven’t opened it yet. (If you bought it cold, keep it cold!)
- Store coconut milk in a tightly sealed container in the back of the fridge where temperatures are the coldest. This can help it stay fresher longer, especially if your fridge doesn’t run super cold. (If you have a super cold fridge it might freeze the coconut milk, though!)
- Store shelf-stable coconut milk below 95 degrees Fahrenheit – long-term storage at high temperatures reduces its shelf life quickly.
- Shake coconut milk before using it since some separation can occur (both refrigerated and shelf-stable).
- Once you open shelf-stable coconut milk, treat it like refrigerated coconut milk and keep it in the fridge.
FAQs:
Shelf-stable coconut milk doesn’t require refrigeration until it’s opened, and all other types of coconut milk need to be refrigerated.
You can freeze coconut milk and use it later. The consistency will likely change a bit once thawed, so this technique is better for using coconut milk in recipes (soups, etc) than drinking plain.
If drinkable (not canned) coconut milk is one year past its best-by date, you’re better off replacing it with a fresh carton since it likely doesn’t taste as good as it did fresh.
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