It is known that drinking coconut water is a great way to keep yourself hydrated. So, I would not blame you if you ran out and bought dozens of bottles of coconut water. In fact, many people do. For that reason, a frequently asked question people have about it is: Does coconut water go bad?
Unlike bottled water which has an indefinite shelf life, coconut water can go bad. Unopened and stored at room temperature, coconut water can last for about one year. Once it is open and exposed to air, it should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within 24 to 48 hours. If you notice a sour smell or flavor, discard it.
In this article, we will discuss whether coconut water goes bad over time, as well as how to properly store coconut water. We will also highlight a few alternatives to coconut water. Let’s dig in!
Contents
Does Coconut Water Go Bad Over Time?
Coconut water can go bad over time, especially if stored improperly. To maintain its quality for a longer period of time, keep it in its original bottle and make sure the bottle is not damaged. Once opened, keep it in the refrigerator and consume within 24 to 48 hours. Coconut water does not have to be refrigerated after opening, but doing so will maintain its quality for a longer period of time.
If you plan on drinking the entire contents of the bottle in a short period of time, the storage method will not make a big difference. However, if you do not plan on finishing the bottle the same day you opened it, it is best to keep it in the refrigerator to maintain its quality. If you notice a change in smell, flavor or appearance, it should not be consumed and discarded immediately.
How Can You Tell If Coconut Water Has Gone Bad?
Coconut water contains no preservatives or additives, so it will go bad if not stored properly and consumed within a short period of time. If you are worried that you will not know if your coconut water has gone bad, do not be. You will know. Here is how:
- Smell. If your coconut water has developed a sour smell, it should not be consumed and discarded immediately.
- Taste. If your coconut water has developed a sour taste, it should not be consumed and discarded immediately.
- Appearance. If your coconut water does not look the same as it did when you bought it, do not consume and discard immediately.
If you are buying your coconut water by the box, you will most likely find a “best-by” date on the label. That date will most likely be one year after the production date. However, as soon as you twist the top open and expose the coconut water inside the box to air, it should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed rather quickly (i.e. 24 to 48 hours).
How To Properly Store Coconut Water
Coconut water, whether in a box or a bottle, can be stored in the pantry if it is unopened. As soon as it is opened, it should be stored in the refrigerator. As a result of coconut water containing no additives or preservatives, it will go bad quickly if it is not stored properly. After one year for an unopened bottle of coconut water, or after 48 hours for an opened bottle, the smell and appearance should be examined before consuming.
How To Store Coconut Water
- Find a cool, dark place such as the pantry or kitchen cabinet for all unopened bottles of coconut water.
- Make sure there is a constant temperature. This means it should be kept away from the stove and dishwasher, and it should not be moved back and fourth from the pantry to the refrigerator. If it is unopened, keep it in the pantry. If it is opened, keep it in the refrigerator.
- Keep it in its original bottle. This will prevent any cross-contamination from other bottles.
- Once opened, make sure the cap is tightly sealed and the bottle is not damaged before storing it away in the refrigerator.
Does Coconut Water Go Bad After Opening?
An unopened bottle of coconut water can last up to one year in the pantry. However, after opening, coconut water will go bad very quickly. This is because coconut water does not contain any additives or preservatives. As a result of that, it is important to store your opened bottle of coconut water in the refrigerator and consume it within 24 to 48 hours. In order to experience the full quality and flavor of coconut water, it is best to consume it by the best-by date on the bottle and follow proper storage guidelines. In case I have not been clear enough, proper storage is key when it comes to maintaining the freshness of coconut water.
Can You Get Sick From Old Coconut Water?
Coconut water is similar to milk in the way that it can spoil after its best-by date or if not stored properly. Despite that, there is no harmful bacteria in coconut water, which means it most likely will not make you sick. So, if you think you may have drank some old coconut water, do not panic. You most likely will not get sick. Although, you probably will have a sour taste in your mouth. A piece of gum, swig of mouthwash or a quick teeth brushing should fix that problem.
Alternatives To Coconut Water
Coconut water is the clear liquid that is found inside of coconuts. It has a sweet, nutty taste and is naturally refreshing. It is a great way to keep yourself hydrated, especially if you have trouble drinking plain water. Although nothing can replace the unique flavor of coconut water, there are some alternatives you can try instead that may offer a similar flavor profile. Those alternatives include:
Equinox Harvest Birch Water
Birch water is a clear, colorless liquid that has a slightly sweet taste. It has less sugar than coconut water and most sports drinks, and there are only 16 calories per bottle. It is also high in manganese and other minerals. If you do not like how sweet coconut water can be, give birch water a try.
Drink Simple Organic Maple Water
Maple trees pull water through the ground and filter it through their roots. Maple water has half the sugar of coconut water and is great before, during or after a workout. You can drink it on its own or try it in smoothies, overnight oats, coffee, tea and so much more.
Best of all, the antioxidants found in maple water have been known to help with the prevention of aging. Be right back, I am going to stock up on maple water!
WTRMLN WTR Cold Pressed Watermelon Juice
![WTRMLN WTR | Cold Pressed Watermelon Juice [Original HYDRATION]| Natural Electrolytes + Antioxidants | No Added Sugar | 1 liter bottles (Pack of 6)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41VRr9mMXLS._SL160_.jpg "WTRMLN WTR | Cold Pressed Watermelon Juice [Original HYDRATION]| Natural Electrolytes + Antioxidants | No Added Sugar | 1 liter bottles (Pack of 6)")
Each bottle of this cold-pressed watermelon juice is deliciously hydrating, and packed with natural electrolytes and antioxidants. It contains real, simple ingredients that are vegan, gluten-free, kosher and non-GMO. Not only is it great for hydration, but also immunity, muscle recovery and detoxing. If you like watermelon, you are going to love this cold-pressed watermelon juice.
AloeCure Pure Aloe Vera Juice
AloeCure aloe is grown on AloeCure’s certified organic farms and is processed within 12 hours of harvest, ensuring the highest quality and most nutritious aloe possible. It acts as an acid buffer, improving pH regulation and overall digestive function to relieve discomfort. T
hat means it is great for bloating and other digestive issues. Simply take one 2-ounce serving in the morning and at night for full day and night relief.
Lemon Perfect Organic Cold-Pressed Lemon Water
This lemon water uses natural ingredients to deliver a naturally refreshing lemonade-like flavor without the sugar. It is certified organic, non-GMO, keto, gluten-free, vegan and kosher. Not to mention lemon water is packed with health benefits.
For example, it promotes hydration, it is a great source of vitamin C, it supports weight loss, improves your skin quality, aids digestion and so much more. So go grab yourself a bottle of this lemon water. Your body and your tastebuds will thank you for it.
Related Questions
Is Coconut Water Good For Hydration?
Evidents suggests that coconut water is comparable to sports drinks. However, it is no more hydrating than plain water. If you have trouble drinking plain water, though, coconut water may be a good option for you to help you stay hydrated. It has a sweet, nutty flavor that may be more enjoyable for some than plain water.
Does Coconut Water Break A Fast?
Whether you do intermittent fasting or fast for any other reason, do not be misled by the “water” part of coconut water. Coconut water contains simple carbohydrates and therefore drinking it will break your fast. Although boring, plain water would be the best option for those who want to stay hydrated while fasting.
Is Coconut Water Keto?
Coconut water is not exactly keto-friendly as a 100ml serving of coconut water contains 8.9g of carbs. You should be consuming no more than 50g of carbs per day on the keto diet. So, as long as your carb intake is between 30 to 40g per day, you can have coconut water.