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To make coconut oil stay liquid, you need to keep it warm or blend it with another oil that stays liquid at room temperature.
Coconut oil is famous for going solid when the temperature drops, which can be frustrating when you want to drizzle it, mix it into a dressing, or pour it straight from the bottle.
The good news is there are plenty of simple ways to make coconut oil stay liquid, and once you know them, you’ll never have to deal with a rock-hard jar again.
In this post, we’ll cover why coconut oil solidifies, the best methods to make coconut oil stay liquid, and how to store it so it stays pourable.
Let’s get into it.
Why Coconut Oil Solidifies (And How to Make Coconut Oil Stay Liquid)
Coconut oil solidifies because of its high saturated fat content, but you can make coconut oil stay liquid with a little know-how.
Understanding the “why” makes it much easier to keep your coconut oil in its liquid state.
1. Coconut Oil Has a Low Melting Point
Coconut oil melts at around 76°F (24°C), which is right around room temperature.
So in a cooler kitchen, a chilly pantry, or during winter months, coconut oil will naturally turn solid.
This is completely normal and doesn’t mean your coconut oil has gone bad.
It’s simply the saturated fats hardening as the temperature dips.
If you want to make coconut oil stay liquid, you have to work with this melting point rather than against it.
2. Fractionated Coconut Oil Is Already Liquid
The easiest way to get coconut oil that stays liquid is to use fractionated coconut oil.
Fractionated coconut oil has had the long-chain fatty acids removed, leaving only the medium-chain triglycerides that stay liquid even in cooler temperatures.
This type of coconut oil stays liquid permanently, which makes it perfect for things like homemade body oils or salad dressings.
Just keep in mind that fractionated coconut oil has a different flavor profile — it’s much milder than regular coconut oil.
Methods to Make Coconut Oil Stay Liquid
How do you keep coconut oil liquid at home?
There are a few tried-and-true methods to make coconut oil stay liquid no matter the season.
1. Warm the Bottle Gently
The simplest way to make coconut oil stay liquid is to warm it up gently.
Place your jar in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes, and the coconut oil will melt back into a liquid.
You can also run the jar under warm tap water or set it near a heater.
Just avoid the microwave, since it can overheat the oil and affect its quality.
2. Blend With a Liquid Oil
If you want to make coconut oil stay liquid long-term, try blending it with another oil that stays liquid at room temperature.
Olive oil, avocado oil, or almond oil are great choices.
Mix one part coconut oil with one part liquid oil, and the mixture will resist solidifying much better than coconut oil alone.
This is especially handy if you’re making a salad dressing or a homemade vinaigrette.
3. Store It in a Warm Spot
Where you store your coconut oil makes a big difference in whether it stays liquid.
Keep the jar near your stove, on top of the fridge, or in a sunny kitchen window.
These warm spots will help coconut oil stay liquid longer, especially during colder months.
Just be sure to keep it out of direct sunlight for extended periods, since light can degrade the oil over time.
4. Use Fractionated Coconut Oil in Cold Dishes
For recipes where you need coconut oil to stay liquid, reach for fractionated coconut oil.
It stays liquid permanently and works beautifully in cold dishes, marinades, and even in your morning smoothie.
This is the most reliable way to make coconut oil stay liquid if you don’t want to fuss with warming it up.
How to Store Coconut Oil So It Stays Liquid
Proper storage is key if you want to make coconut oil stay liquid for as long as possible.
Here are a few storage tips to keep in mind:
1. Keep It in a Warm Kitchen Cabinet
Store your coconut oil in a cabinet near the stove or another warm spot in your kitchen.
This will help coconut oil stay liquid between uses and keep it easy to pour.
2. Avoid the Fridge
Whatever you do, don’t store coconut oil in the refrigerator.
The cold temperature will turn it into a solid brick almost instantly.
If you want to make coconut oil stay liquid, room temperature or slightly warmer is your best friend.
3. Use a Wide-Mouth Jar
If your coconut oil does solidify, a wide-mouth jar makes it much easier to scoop out.
It also warms up faster when you place it in warm water.
A wide-mouth jar is a small detail that makes a big difference when you’re trying to keep coconut oil liquid.
So, How Do You Make Coconut Oil Stay Liquid?
You make coconut oil stay liquid by keeping it warm, blending it with a liquid oil, or choosing fractionated coconut oil.
Coconut oil naturally solidifies below 76°F, so a little warmth goes a long way.
Whether you warm the jar gently, store it in a toasty spot, or mix it with olive oil, there are plenty of ways to make coconut oil stay liquid.
Hope this post has helped you understand how to make coconut oil stay liquid so you can enjoy it pourable and ready whenever you need it.