24shares
4
12
6
2

How Long Does Coconut Water Last?

Since virgin coconut water has a fairly long shelf life, many people ask "does coconut water go bad"? The shelf life of coconut water depends on the best by date, the processing method to retrieve the water, and how the coconut water is stored.

Coconut water is extracted from fresh young coconuts. It is fat free, low in calories and loaded with potassium. Coconut water is great for replenishing lost fluids in the body as it is lower in sugar and sodium yet higher in potassium than most sports drinks. It's carbohydrates are so easily digestible that it was once used in IV's during WWII. Coconut water is believed to have multiple health benefits, thus it is even used a medicine in many cultures.

Coconut water is generally stamped with a "best by" date 12 months from production. It should not turn rancid before this time unless you have introduced some type of contaminant, but should last beyond this time as in the table below.

So, does coconut water go bad? When properly stored, the shelf life of coconut water past its purchase date or best-by date is approximately ...

Our Favorite Food Storage Set!

With oven-safe glass and water-tight lids, these food storage containers are ready for action! Not a Prime Member? Try a 30-day free trial today!

SHOP NOW

Coconut Water Expiration Date

	Pantry/Refrigerator
	Past Printed Date
Coconut Water (Unopened) lasts for	6-9 months
	After Opening - Refrigerator Only
Coconut Water (Opened) lasts for	1 - 3 Days

Of course, coconut water lasts for a shorter period of time if it is not stored properly. Containers usually have a best by date which is a date set by the manufacturer to guarantee best product quality and not an expiration date or an expression of safety.

How to tell if Coconut Water is bad, rotten or spoiled?

Practicing proper hygiene and food safety techniques will help prevent foodborne illness.

Use your senses to determine if coconut water has gone bad. If anything looks or smells different than normal then discard the water.

With coconut water, there are different packaging materials being used to preserve the natural water. The worry is that the packaging may begin to break down over time and leak chemicals into the water.

Vita Coco Coconut Water currently states that "Tetra Pak's unique design allows the product to stay fresh for 12 months with no additives! We don't recommend drinking Vita Coco past the expiration date marked on the pak."

There are, of course, certain health risks associated with spoiled drinks so always remember to practice food safety and enjoy your drinks before their shelf life has expired!

How to store Coconut Water to extend its shelf life?

Coconut water should be stored in the pantry if it was purchased on the grocers shelf and in the refrigerator if it was purchased refrigerated.
Do not expose either package to extreme heat or light conditions.
The packaging will last longer under refrigeration.

Some benefits of proper food storage include eating healthier, cutting food costs and helping the environment by avoiding waste.

How long is Coconut Water good for when prepared in a dish?

Does coconut water go bad? That depends. How long do bakery products last? In general, all foods and drinks last only as long as the quickest expiring ingredient in the dish.

What are our shelf life resources?

In determining how long Coconut Water lasts, our content incorporates research from multiple resources, including the United States Department of Agriculture and the United States Food & Drug Administration. In addition, we scoured the web for informative articles and reports related to food safety, food storage and the shelf life of Coconut Water.

*An important note about expiration dates...

Although the Coconut Water shelf life information on Eat By Date is generally reliable, please remember that individual cases will vary and that our advice should only be taken as an opinion and not a replacement for your health care professional. Please drink responsibly!