Does coconut water go bad?

Yes, coconut water spoils rapidly once exposed to air. Fresh coconut water taken directly from an opened coconut should be consumed immediately or kept refrigerated and consumed within 24 to 48 hours. Store-bought, packaged coconut water that is shelf-stable remains fresh in the pantry until opened.

Once opened, packaged coconut water must be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within 3 to 5 days. Signs of spoiled coconut water include a sour odor, cloudy or slimy consistency, unexpected carbonation, or a sharp, acidic taste. Because untreated coconut water contains natural sugars, bacteria and yeast multiply quickly at room temperature.