Are you a fan of MCT oil?
This popular supplement has been touted for its potential health benefits, including improved cognitive function and weight loss.
But have you ever wondered if MCT oil can freeze?
In this article, we’ll explore the freezing properties of MCT oil and answer some common questions about its storage and shelf life.
So, grab a cup of coffee and let’s dive in!
Can MCT Oil Freeze?
Yes, MCT oil can freeze when stored at sub-freezing temperatures of below 32°F. Unlike coconut oil that solidifies in the fridge, MCT oil retains its liquid state.
When MCT oil is stored at temperatures below 32°F, it may solidify and turn pure white. It will not freeze like ice but is more comparable to the solidification of coconut oil. While freezing it is not necessary to extend the shelf life, freezing it can help you if you are in a hurry and want to have cubes you can just drop into a drink.
In the freezer, both opened and unopened bottles of MCT Oil will be good for up to two years past the best by date printed on the bottle. Storing your MCT Oil like you store all of your other oils is the best way to go. Keep it in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and any sources of heat.
If you’re using your MCT oil regularly, storing it in the pantry itself is enough to make it last. But if you need your MCT oil to be cold, you can also refrigerate it. Remember that MCT oil will remain liquid even when stored in the refrigerator.
Freezing MCT oil is not a very common practice. Freezing is an option for long-term storage. But when it comes to items that retain their quality for years, even at room temperatures, such as oils, freezing them doesn’t quite make sense. However, if you want to freeze your MCT oil, you absolutely can! You can simply store your MCT oil in the bottle that they came in. Most importantly, make sure that the bottle or the container you’re storing your MCT oil in is freezer-safe.
What Is MCT Oil?
MCT oil stands for Medium Chain Triglycerides oil. It is a type of oil that is derived from coconut oil or palm kernel oil. MCT oil is thinner and lighter than coconut oil, and it is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. It does not freeze at room temperature like coconut oil does.
Coconut oil is a combination of many fatty acid oils, including C6 (Caproic acid), C8 (Caprylic acid), C10 (Capric acid), and C12 (Lauric acid). Collectively, but only technically, these 4 fatty acids are called Medium Chain Triglycerides. When we separate the C6, C8 and C10 from coconut oil, we get ‘true’ MCT oil. Usually, C6 will be present in trace amounts only. C8 and C10 will be commonly in the 60:40 ratio. There are also 70:30 blends. There are products in the market that are sold as MCT oil that have significant percentages of C12. You are not getting the ‘true’ Medium Chain blend in those cases.
The smaller the carbon chains, the easier it is for our body to absorb them in the system. Hence the popularity of MCT oil as a food supplement and in sports nutrition. Add to it the advantages of being colorless, odorless, and tasteless (which means it doesn’t mess up your food recipe) and its ability to remain liquid at room temperature.
MCT oil can be added to beverages like coffee or smoothies, or used as an oil replacement (or combined with coconut oil) in most baking recipes. It is popular among people on low-carb or ketogenic diets because of how easily it is converted to ketones.
Freezing Point Of MCT Oil
MCT oil becomes solid at sub-freezing temperatures, which is below 32°F. When stored in the freezer, both opened and unopened bottles of MCT oil will be good for up to two years past the best by date printed on the bottle. However, it is important to note that freezing MCT oil is not necessary to extend its shelf life.
Despite being able to freeze, MCT oil does not freeze like ice but rather solidifies and turns pure white. This solidification is more comparable to the solidification of coconut oil. While freezing MCT oil is not a common practice, it can be helpful if you want to have cubes you can just drop into a drink when in a hurry.
It is important to store your MCT oil like you store all of your other oils. Keep it in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and any sources of heat. If you need your MCT oil to be cold, you can also refrigerate it. Remember that MCT oil will remain liquid even when stored in the refrigerator.
How To Store MCT Oil
Storing MCT oil is a simple process, and it can be done in various ways depending on your preference. The most important thing to keep in mind is to keep the oil in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and sources of heat.
If you use MCT oil regularly, storing it in the pantry or cupboard is sufficient. However, if you prefer your MCT oil to be cold, you can store it in the refrigerator. It’s important to note that MCT oil remains liquid even when stored in the fridge, unlike coconut oil that solidifies.
If you need to freeze your MCT oil for long-term storage or for making convenient cubes for your drinks, you can do so. However, freezing MCT oil is not a common practice since oils retain their quality for years even at room temperature. If you decide to freeze your MCT oil, make sure that the bottle or container you’re using is freezer-safe. The oil will turn pure white and solidify at sub-freezing temperatures below 32°F.
It’s also essential to keep your MCT oil in its original container or a container made of glass or metal. Avoid using plastic containers as they may not be able to withstand the oil’s chemical properties and may lead to leakage or contamination.
Lastly, always check the best by date on the bottle of your MCT oil before storing it. Both opened and unopened bottles of MCT oil will last up to two years past the best by date when stored correctly.
Shelf Life Of MCT Oil
MCT oil has a longer shelf life compared to other oils, thanks to its stable saturated fat content. Most manufacturers claim that their MCT oil has a shelf life of two years from the date of packing. However, this date is not an expiration date but rather an indication of how long the product should retain its best quality. If stored properly, MCT oil can still be of good quality for a few more years even past its expiry date.
When stored in a cool, dry place with the cap firmly closed, MCT oil will not go bad for many months after the listed date. The oil may slightly degrade over time, but it will remain safe to consume. If you have an expired MCT oil, give it a thorough inspection and look for signs of spoilage or rancidity. If you have stored it under instructed conditions and nothing suspicious is spotted, it should be fine to use.
MCT oil can also go rancid when exposed to air, light, or moisture. This process results in an unpleasant taste and smell. Therefore, it is essential to store MCT oil in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and any sources of heat. While refrigeration is not necessary to extend the shelf life of MCT oil, it can help preserve its freshness. However, remember that MCT oil remains liquid even when stored in the refrigerator.
How To Thaw Frozen MCT Oil
Thawing frozen MCT oil is a simple process. The best way to thaw MCT oil is to take it out of the freezer and let it sit at room temperature until it returns to its liquid state. This may take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour or more depending on the temperature of the room and the size of the container.
Do not use a microwave or any other heating device to thaw MCT oil as this can damage the oil’s structure and reduce its quality. Also, do not place the frozen MCT oil in hot water or in direct sunlight as this can cause the oil to melt too quickly, leading to a loss of quality.
Once the MCT oil has thawed completely, give it a good shake or stir to ensure that it is well mixed before using it. You can then use the thawed MCT oil in any recipe just as you would use fresh, liquid MCT oil.
