Coconut milk powder, the versatile and creamy ingredient that adds a tropical twist to your favorite recipes, from the trending golden milk latte to just plain homemade coconut milk. It’s a great dairy-free alternative to evaporated milk powder, but how long does coconut milk powder last after opening?
Coconut milk powder can last for 6-12 months after opening, depending on storage conditions. Since it’s a dry powder, the biggest enemy of coconut milk powder is moisture. To keep it fresh for as long as possible, make sure you store coconut milk powder in an airtight container in a cool and dry place.
What is the shelf life of coconut milk powder?
Coconut milk powder is a shelf-stable product with a relatively long shelf life. It has a longer shelf-life than regular coconut milk as it has had all the moisture removed. The shelf life of coconut milk powder can vary depending on the brand and storage conditions (such as humidity, temperature, and exposure to light) but generally, unopened packages of coconut milk powder can last for up to 2 years if stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture.
Once opened, the shelf life of coconut milk powder may be shorter and can depend on factors such as how well it is sealed and stored, as well as the temperature and humidity of the storage area. Most manufacturers recommend using opened packages of coconut milk powder within 6 to 12 months. I highly recommend checking the label of your coconut milk powder to find the “best by” or expiration date to determine how long it will last.
Comparison of coconut milk powder shelf life
| Shelf life – room temperature | Shelf life – refrigerator, unopened | Shelf life – refrigerator, opened | |
| Coconut milk powder | ~2 years | ~2 years | 6-12 months |
Should coconut milk powder be refrigerated?
Coconut milk powder does not need to be refrigerated (unless otherwise stated on the container) and you can safely keep it at room temperature without worrying about it. Coconut milk powder is dried coconut milk, and because it has no moisture, it doesn’t require refrigeration.
Putting coconut milk power in the fridge likely will not extend its shelf life compared to storing it at room temperature, unless you live in a very hot or humid place where finding a cold, dry storage spot is not possible. In that case, I recommend keeping the container in the back of the fridge where it is coldest and away from any strong-smelling foods that could affect its flavor.
In general, you’ll want to use up opened coconut milk powder within a year or by the “best by”/expiration date on the container. Whether it’s in the fridge or not, in my experience, it’s important to store the powder in an airtight container to prevent moisture and odors from affecting its quality.
How do you know if coconut milk powder is bad?
Coconut milk powder can go bad, especially if it’s left open for long time. How do you know if it’s bad? The first thing you should do is check its expiry date. If the powder has passed its expiration date, it may have lost its flavor, aroma, and nutritional value. But even if it’s still within its best-before date, look for signs of spoilage.
Bad coconut milk powder may have a rancid or off smell, a clumpy or discolored texture, or show signs of mold growth. If you notice any of these signs, it is likely spoiled and should be discarded. It’s always better to be safe than sorry and not risk consuming coconut milk powder that appears to be spoiled.
Potential risks of consuming coconut milk powder that has been open for a long time
Coconut milk powder that’s been open for a long time will not be as flavorful, potent, and will lack nutritional value. That is the best-case scenario. The worst case? Over time, it might develop a rancid, unpleasant taste that gives you an upset stomach.
If you consume old or expired coconut milk powder, this increases the risk of bacterial growth, which may lead to foodborne illnesses. Therefore, it’s always best to check the product’s expiration date and store it properly to ensure its freshness and quality.
So, how long does coconut milk powder last after opening?
When stored properly, opened coconut milk powder can last 6-12 months, while unopened packages can keep for up to 2 years. If you want your coconut milk powder to stay as fresh and flavorful as possible, store it in an airtight container in a cool place or in your refrigerator, and keep it away from moisture at all costs! Otherwise, you could end up with bad coconut milk powder that could potentially make you sick if eaten. Always check the label for the expiration date and discard any expired products.
FAQ
Yes, like any food product, powdered coconut milk can go bad. Its shelf life depends on various factors such as the quality of the product, storage conditions, and whether it has been opened or not. Generally, unopened coconut milk powder can last for up to two years or more, while opened powder can last for 6 to 12 months if stored properly.
Yes, coconut powder can go bad over time. Generally, unopened coconut powder can last for up to two years or more, while opened coconut powder can last for several months to a year if stored in a cool, dry place away from moisture and direct sunlight.
Yes, powdered milk can go bad once opened. In general, opened powdered milk can last for 2-6 months if stored properly in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from moisture and direct sunlight. It’s best to check the label for specific storage and expiration guidelines.
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