Keeping coconut oil fresh and ready to use can seem trickier during the summer due to its low melting point. If you're wondering how to store coconut oil, the good news is that it's much easier than many people think.
One of the most common questions people ask is does coconut oil need to be refrigerated? The answer depends on your preference and the temperature in your home. This guide explains the best way to store coconut oil in summer and throughout the year so it stays fresh for as long as possible.
Does coconut oil need to be refrigerated?
That is certainly one place you can store it. However, you may find it hardens. That’s not a problem though. Simply leave it to stand on a worktop for a short time, and it will soften enough for you to scoop out the exact amount you need using a spoon.
The simple answer to should coconut oil be refrigerated is no. Refrigeration is optional rather than necessary. Coconut oil naturally has a long shelf life and stays fresh when stored correctly.
Where else can I keep coconut oil?
You don’t need to store coconut oil in the fridge, even when your jar or tub has been opened.
If you're asking does coconut oil need to be refrigerated after opening or do you refrigerate coconut oil after opening, the answer is still no. Once opened, coconut oil can safely be stored in a cool, dark place, provided the lid is tightly sealed and you always use clean utensils.
The rule of thumb for all edible oils is to store them in a cool, dark place to keep them fresh and retain their nutritional value.
A cupboard or larder will be fine, as long as it's away from any heat sources like an oven or direct sunlight. If you use coconut oil as part of your beauty regime, it will also store well in a bathroom cupboard away from heat and steam.
Can coconut oil go bad?
Many people ask can coconut oil go bad, does coconut oil go bad, does coconut oil go off, or does coconut oil expire.
The answer is yes—but only eventually. Thanks to its high saturated fat content, coconut oil has an exceptionally long shelf life compared to many other cooking oils.
The purity of our products is beyond any doubt, and if you store and use them correctly (once opened, use only clean utensils to extract the product), you can be 100% confident in the freshness for up to 12–18 months.
However, even the best coconut oil can be negatively impacted by excessive heat, direct light, or contamination from dirty utensils.
There are a couple of ways you can tell if coconut oil has gone bad. Check whether it:
- has changed colour,
- has mould or unusual growth,
- develops an unpleasant or rancid smell.
If you notice any of these signs, it's best not to use it
What if my coconut oil goes solid or melts?
Coconut oil is packed full of saturated fats, making it very stable, so melting or solidifying won't affect the integrity of the oil.
It can sometimes go hard during cooler months or if left in the fridge, but there's no need to panic. You can leave it out for a while or soften it over a low heat to make it scoopable again.
The same applies if it melts during warmer months. Simply move your coconut oil back to a cooler place—or refrigerate it if you prefer—and it will naturally solidify again.
Find the Right Coconut Oil for Your Needs
Now that you know how to store coconut oil and how to keep it fresh for longer, choosing a high-quality coconut oil is just as important. Explore our full range of organic, extra virgin, cold-pressed coconut oils in a variety of sizes—from convenient sachets to family-sized jars—and find the perfect option for cooking, baking, beauty, and everyday use. Browse our full collection here: Organic Coconut Oil Collection
More tips for how to store coconut oil
This is common sense but worth repeating, to make sure coconut oil bought online lasts and keeps all its nutritional goodness intact.
Store your coconut oil in its original container, making sure the lid is on nice and tight to lock in freshness.
It also helps if you buy quality assured, 100% pure coconut oil in the first place. That is bound to continue to taste and perform well over time compared to cheap, poor-quality alternatives.
That’s why we only sell extra virgin, raw, unrefined, cold-pressed, organic coconut oil. Nothing added. Nothing taken away. Enabling us to be confident in our use-by dates and storage instructions.
