There are a few different types of coconut milk you might use in your cooking. One is fresh coconut milk that comes directly out of a fresh coconut, one is from a carton, and one is from a can. Each of these versions of coconut milk have their own lifespan, so it’s important to know how long each type of coconut milk can last after it’s been opened.
In this article, we’re going to explore the various types of coconut milk and explain how long each of them will last, when properly stored, and how you can extend the life of coconut milk once it’s been opened.
How Long Does Coconut Milk Last?
Canned Coconut Milk
Canned coconut milk is often used in dishes such as Panang Curry or to make Coconut Curry Chicken. It can last for a very long time while it’s still in the can, so you can store the cans in your pantry until it’s time to use them.
Once you open a can of coconut milk, any of it that you don’t use immediately should be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator. It will typically last for about 4 to 7 days when properly stored.
Coconut Milk in a Carton
You can buy coconut milk in carton for drinking. It’s usually used as a replacement for dairy milk in coffee or tea, or on your cereal in the morning.
Coconut milk sold in cartons as a dairy milk substitute is usually processed and contains stabilizers and preservatives to extend its shelf life. An unopened carton of coconut milk can generally last for several months if stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Check the expiration or best-by date on the package to determine its specific shelf life.
Once the carton is opened, it should be refrigerated and used within 7 to 10 days. Always check for signs of spoilage, such as an off smell, curdling, or mold, before using the milk. If you notice any of these signs, discard the milk and do not consume it.
It is worth noting that the shelf life and storage guidelines for carton coconut milk may vary by brand and formulation, so it’s always a good idea to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on the packaging.
Fresh Coconut Milk
It’s less likely that you’ll be using fresh coconut milk straight out of the coconut for cooking. It doesn’t have the creamy aspect that canned coconut milk would have. However, if you’ve bought a coconut and want to store the milk, when properly stored, it can last for about 4 to 6 days in the refrigerator.
If you want to extend its shelf life, you can freeze coconut milk for up to 3 months. Remember to store it in an airtight container or a sealed plastic bag to prevent any contamination or spoilage.
Why Does It Need to Be Refrigerated?
Refrigerating coconut milk is the best way to extend its life past a few hours, once it’s been opened.
Cartons and canned coconut milk don’t need to be put in the refrigerator until after they are opened, because they’re stable at room temperature. Manufacturers include preservatives, like potassium dichromate, to make their products last longer.
However, once you’ve opened the canned coconut milk, you have to refrigerate it immediately after using it. Considering that coconut milk is highly moist due to its high oil content, exposing it to humidity will only cause it to spoil faster.
According to the USDA, you should keep coconut milk at room temperature for no longer than two hours. Otherwise, you’re putting it at risk of developing harmful bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus.
How to Check if Coconut Milk Has Gone Bad?
Check the Expiration Date
The quickest way is to check your canned or carton coconut milk’s expiration or best-by date.
Most pre-packaged milk has a date stamped somewhere on the package, and it can either be an expiration date or a best-by date. The former means you should no longer use it, while the latter is a looser indication that it might still be okay to consume the product but it has likely passed its prime.
If your carton or canned coconut milk has an expiration date, for safety reasons it should be followed as closely as possible. If it has a best-by date, it’s probably still safe to consume it but you’ll want to check for other signs of degradation.
Do a Visual Check
Conduct a visual check on your coconut milk before using it. The liquid should have an opaque creamy white color. If it has yellow hues, it might have gone bad.
Additionally, if there are signs of mold on the can or the surface of the liquid, discard it immediately.
You shouldn’t worry if there are lumps in your canned coconut milk. It’s normal for the liquid to develop chunky curds because it has high amount of saturated fat. It’s similar to coconut oil and butter, which solidifies when stored at room temperature.
Smell the Milk
Smelling your coconut milk is also a great way to determine whether it has gone rancid.
Good coconut milk will, of course, smell like coconuts. However, it will begin to emits a foul, sour odor as it goes bad. It’s hard to mistake it, so a smell test is a good way to know whether you need to throw it out.
Conduct a Taste Test
If you’re not yet convinced by the appearance and smell of your coconut milk, you can do a taste test to determine if it has gone bad.
Grab a spoon, take a small amount, then taste it. If it has an acidic and sour flavor, that means it has gone bad or is on its way to bad. It’s best not to continue to consume it at this point.
How to Properly Store Coconut Milk?
Keep it at Room Temperature
If you have an unopened can or carton of coconut milk, you can keep it at room temperature. It’s best to store it in an area that isn’t humid, preferably a cool and dark place, like your pantry.
Storing coconut milk in an area with direct sunlight will make it prone to bacterial growth. The temperature of the liquid can rise, putting it in the “Danger Zone”.
Freeze the Milk
If you have fresh coconut milk or canned coconut milk that you haven’t used, you can extend its life by storing it in the freezer.
Just transfer the liquid into cube trays or an airtight container or bag, then put it in the freezer.
The only downside of this method is it’ll make the coconut milk grainy once you thaw it out. The flavor wouldn’t change though, so this might be an okay method for a dish where texture isn’t a deal breaker.
Before You Go
Since you made it to the end of this article, you’re probably pretty interested in kitchen tips and food storage. Here are a few more articles we think you might enjoy.
- Does BBQ Sauce Go Bad?
- How To Freeze Asparagus in 5 Easy Steps
- Can You Make Brownies Without Eggs?
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- How Much Rice To Serve Per Person
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Laura is a home cook, with 25 years experience behind the stove, who spends an extraordinary amount of time in the kitchen cooking. She loves making new recipes and finding wonderful new things to eat, both at home or abroad. She spends a lot of time researching, crafting, and perfecting her recipes.