Does Coconut Milk Need To Be Refrigerated

If you’re new to the world of coconut milk, you might be wondering if this product requires refrigeration. It does! But not in the same way that most other drinks do. And there are different kinds of coconut milk, each of which needs to be stored differently. The type of storage that a particular product need depends on how it is packaged and what is in it. There are three primary kinds of coconut milk: canned, boxed, and shelf-stable canned. Each one requires a different storage strategy to keep it fresh and safe for drinking (or using in recipes). So read on to learn more about why you need to refrigerate coconut milk.

Does Coconut Milk Need To Be Refrigerated?

Yes, coconut milk needs to be refrigerated. Coconut milk is a dairy-free product made from the meat of a coconut that has been grated and then mixed with water. Because it contains dairy, it will spoil if not refrigerated. Coconut milk can be used as a substitute for cow’s milk in many recipes. It can also be used in smoothies or shakes, or as a creamer for coffee or tea.

How Long Will Coconut Milk Last In The Fridge? 

1. Canned Coconut Milk

Canned coconut milk should be kept in the refrigerator at all times. The can itself is not considered to be a storage container, and it will not retain the freshness of the milk inside. This product is best stored in an area of your fridge that is at or near 40 degrees Fahrenheit. It will last for about 2 weeks in this environment. If you leave it out on the counter for too long, it may develop a sour flavor or even spoil. So please, don’t keep your cans on the counter!

2. Boxed Coconut Milk

The boxed version of this product should be stored in the same way as canned coconut milk—refrigerated at all times. It can last for about 1 week if it’s kept cold, but if you want to extend its shelf life, you can freeze it instead. You can also combine frozen and refrigerated coconut milk to make one big block that will last up to 3 months in your freezer.

3. Shelf-Stable Canned Coconut Milk

If you’re looking for a product that can be stored at room temperature, then shelf-stable canned coconut milk is the one for you. This product is completely safe to keep out of the fridge, and it will stay fresh for about 2 years. If you would like to keep it longer than that, you can freeze it instead of refrigerating it. Just remember that if you freeze this kind of coconut milk, it will need to be thawed before use!

What Are The Benefits Of Coconut Milk?

1. It contains healthy fat. Coconut milk is made from the flesh of a coconut, which is naturally packed with healthy fat. Most of the fats in coconut milk are saturated fats, which are an important part of a balanced diet. There’s no need to worry about consuming too much-saturated fat when you use this product in moderation.
2. It’s high in protein and fiber. Coconut milk is also rich in protein and fiber, making it a filling drink that will keep you full for hours after drinking it. This means that you don’t have to worry about snacking on unhealthy food when you drink this beverage at a meal or as part of your daily routine.
3. It contains fewer calories than cow’s milk, or even soy milk, or almond milk. The calories in coconut milk are also lower than what you get from many types of cow’s or soy milk, making it an ideal choice if you want to include more healthy fats in your diet.
4. It’s rich in vitamins and minerals. Coconut milk is also a good source of vitamins and minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium, vitamin E, and iron.
5. It can help you lose weight. Coconut milk can also help you lose weight by promoting healthy digestion and boosting your metabolism. Coconut water is another valuable product that contains all of the above benefits (except for the liquid found in the coconut) in addition to being a natural source of electrolytes that will replenish lost fluids during exercise or activity.

How To Store Refrigerated Coconut Milk

1. Canned Coconut Milk

Canned coconut milk is a liquid that is packaged in cans. It is often used as an ingredient in cooking, but coconut milk is also used as a beverage. The cans are typically made of aluminum and are sold in grocery stores. Canned coconut milk may be labeled as “full fat,” “lite,” or “creamy.” This type of coconut milk can be stored at room temperature for up to two years. However, it must be kept away from direct sunlight and heat sources to avoid spoiling. This type of coconut milk should not be refrigerated because the fatty acids will solidify into a solid mass when chilled.

2. Boxed Coconut Milk

Boxed coconut milk is found on the shelves of many grocery stores and comes in a box-like container that is usually made from cardboard or plastic-coated paperboard. It has a long shelf life (usually one year) and does not need to be refrigerated. This type of coconut milk is often found in the baking aisle of a grocery store. Boxed coconut milk is typically used for cooking, but it can also be used as a beverage if you prefer.

3. Shelf-Stable Canned Coconut Milk

Shelf-stable canned coconut milk comes in cans that are made from metal or plastic and has a shelf life of up to five years. It must be kept out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources, but does not need to be refrigerated. Shelf-stable coconut milk is typically used for cooking recipes and for making beverages, though it can also be used as an ingredient in some recipes (such as smoothies). If you have shelf-stable canned coconut milk on hand, you can use it right out of the can or transfer it to another container (such as a glass jar) if you prefer to keep it cold.

Tips To Help Your Coconut Milk Stay Fresh

1. The biggest tip is to be sure you are buying a product that is meant to be stored at room temperature. If you see any indication that the product needs refrigeration, such as a refrigeration symbol (the circular “refrigerate” sign) or a “keep refrigerated” statement on the label, then by all means put this in your fridge. This also goes for canned coconut milk.
2. If you have boxed coconut milk and it does not state that it should be kept cold, then you can store it at room temperature.
3. Shelf-stable, canned coconut milk does not require refrigeration. It has been packaged in an airtight can and should last for up to two years past its “best by date” if unopened! Once opened, this product can last up to one year if kept unrefrigerated (but still cool). Refrigerate any unused portion after opening if you wish (this will help to keep it fresher for longer).
4. If you are buying boxed coconut milk, be sure it is not “lite” or “low-fat”. These are usually not shelf-stable and need to be refrigerated. You can tell if a product is a low fat if the fat content is listed as less than 1%. If the fat content is higher than that, the product should be fine at room temperature.
5. Whether you have canned or boxed coconut milk, be sure that you check the “best by” date on the package before opening it, as this date indicates how long the product will stay fresh once opened (and refrigeration isn’t required).
6. If you have a hard time finding shelf-stable coconut milk, there is an alternative: make your own! This is the least expensive method of getting a product that will last for a long time at room temperature. It can be stored in the fridge if you prefer though.
7. Coconut milk is best used within six months of opening, so be sure to drink it up quickly if you don’t think you will finish it all before then.

Conclusion

Coconut milk is an excellent way to add a tropical flair to your favorite dishes. There are a few options to choose from, but each one requires special storage to keep it fresh. Canned coconut milk can be kept unrefrigerated for up to two weeks before you should start to notice a decline in quality. After two weeks, it should be kept in the fridge. Coconut milk that is packaged in a box or a bag needs to be refrigerated from the moment you open the package. Shelf-stable coconut milk can be kept unrefrigerated for up to six months before it should be refrigerated. If you want to add coconut milk to your diet in a big way, you can buy it in large quantities and store it in your pantry or a cabinet. You can also store it in the fridge if you only need a small amount.