Whether you use coconut oil often or every once in a while, it’s a good idea to learn how to properly store it so it stays fresh and maintains its nutritional value.
Coconut oil should be stored in a dark, dry place for long-term storage. You can also store coconut oil in a refrigerator or freezer, but those methods aren’t likely to extend the shelf life much beyond its typical two years. (After all, buying a new jar of coconut oil every two years really isn’t a huge investment!)
What is the best way to store coconut oil?
Coconut oil has a naturally long shelf life of around two years (possibly even longer for unrefined/virgin coconut oil!) which is good news if you don’t usually go through it sooner than that. The best way to ensure your coconut oil stays fresh for those two years is to store it in a dark and dry place, such as in your pantry or cupboard.
If you store coconut oil in an area that gets lots of sunlight, the fatty acids and other nutrients can break down from ultraviolet (UV) light exposure. Storing coconut oil in the direct sun won’t necessarily make it go rancid, but its quality and nutritional value will likely take a hit.
Coconut oil has a very low melting point of 78 degrees Fahrenheit, the point when it starts to turn into a liquid. Storing coconut oil in warm areas might result in it turning into liquid, or at least having some liquid on top of the solids. This is completely normal and isn’t a sign that the coconut oil has gone bad!
Does coconut oil need to be refrigerated?
Coconut oil does not need to be refrigerated. If you choose to refrigerate coconut oil it won’t hurt it at all, but it will take longer for it to melt and be easily absorbed into your skin if you’re using it for skincare purposes. It’s also trickier to scoop cold, solid coconut oil out of the jar (if you know, you know!)
Refrigerating coconut oil won’t significantly extend its shelf life beyond the typical two years, so only put coconut oil in the fridge if it’s your personal preference – such as a cooling moisturizer for sunburns.
Factors that influence coconut oil storage
Container
Coconut oil stored in a glass jar is ideal to ensure that nothing from the plastic has seeped into the oil. However, most plastic jars coconut oil is stored in are BPA-free, which is one of the main concerns with the safety of plastic containers.
An opaque or dark glass container is the optimal storage solution for coconut oil. Dark or opaque glass blocks the coconut oil from sunlight, which can preserve its freshness. Another option is to cover the coconut oil container with a dark towel to block light.
Temperature
Storing coconut oil in hot areas such as an uninsulated garage can shorten its shelf life, so that type of environment isn’t ideal. Storing coconut oil in a cool or even cold environment is better than storing it in a hot area for a long time.
Type of coconut oil
Unrefined coconut oil contains more of its natural antioxidants, which can help protect it against spoiling. This means that it may have a longer shelf life compared to refined coconut oil. (One of the many advantages of making your own coconut oil at home.)
Can you freeze coconut oil?
Coconut oil can be frozen, which may extend its already long shelf life even more if it’s frozen under ideal circumstances. To freeze coconut oil, make sure it’s in an airtight container so it doesn’t form ice crystals.
Ideally, the coconut oil would be heated to a liquid form before being transferred to a freezer-safe container; just check out our step-by-step guide on how to freeze coconut oil!
How to spot spoiled coconut oil
Just because it has a long shelf life doesn’t mean coconut oil isn’t prone to spoiling. If your coconut oil shows any of these traits, it’s time to toss it!
- Coconut oil smells rancid upon opening the container.
- The oil takes on a yellow tint when it’s in a liquid form (some slight yellowing of solid coconut oil can be normal, especially if it’s unrefined/virgin coconut oil).
- Black spots appear on the coconut oil (mold).
- The coconut oil tastes and/or smells bad.
- The coconut oil’s texture is no longer smooth.
FAQs:
Fractionated coconut oil also has a long shelf life of around two years. However, you should store it under similar conditions as regular coconut oil – in a cool, dark place, or even in the refrigerator if you’d like.
Unrefined coconut oil may have an even longer shelf life (over two years) than refined coconut oil. This is likely due to the fact that it maintains its natural antioxidants, which can help prevent spoiling. We still recommend replacing your coconut oil every two years regardless of whether it’s refined or unrefined to ensure ideal freshness!
