How To Keep Coconut Oil From Hardening

Keeping coconut oil from hardening is all about controlling the temperature it’s exposed to.

 

Coconut oil hardens because it has a high saturated fat content, and it naturally solidifies once it drops below about 75°F (24°C).

 

So if you’ve been wondering how to keep coconut oil from hardening, the answer usually comes down to warmth and storage.

 

In this post, we’ll go over why coconut oil hardens in the first place, the best ways to keep it soft and scoopable, and a few handy tricks to stop it from turning rock solid on you.

 

Let’s dive in.

 

Why Coconut Oil Hardens

Coconut oil hardens for a simple reason, and here’s what’s going on:

1. It’s High in Saturated Fat

Coconut oil is roughly 90% saturated fat, which is what makes it solidify at cooler room temperatures.

 

That high saturated fat content is also why coconut oil hardens faster than most other cooking oils you keep in your pantry.

 

2. Temperature Is the Biggest Factor

The melting point of coconut oil sits around 75°F (24°C), so anything below that and it starts turning solid.

 

That’s why coconut oil hardening in winter or in a cold kitchen is completely normal and not a sign that something’s wrong.

 

3. It’s a Temperature Change, Not Spoilage

A lot of people panic when they see coconut oil harden, but it’s just a physical change, not spoilage.

 

The oil is still perfectly fine to use, and keeping coconut oil from hardening is really just about managing the temperature around it.

 

How to Keep Coconut Oil From Hardening

So how do you keep coconut oil from hardening?

 

The trick is to keep it warm enough that it stays in its liquid state, and here are the best ways to do that:

1. Store It in a Warm Spot

The simplest way to keep coconut oil from hardening is to store the jar somewhere warm, like near your stove or in a sunny spot away from direct heat.

 

A pantry shelf that stays consistently warm works great for keeping coconut oil soft and ready to scoop.

 

2. Use a Warm Water Bath

If your coconut oil has already hardened, place the jar in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes.

 

This gently melts the oil without overheating it, and it’s one of the easiest ways to keep coconut oil from hardening once it’s back to liquid.

 

3. Switch to Fractionated Coconut Oil

If you’re tired of dealing with solid coconut oil, fractionated coconut oil stays liquid at room temperature.

 

It’s been processed to remove the long-chain fatty acids that cause hardening, so keeping coconut oil from hardening becomes a non-issue.

 

4. Keep It Away From the Fridge

Storing coconut oil in the refrigerator will harden it almost instantly, so keep it out of the cold if you want it to stay soft.

 

If you must refrigerate it for long-term storage, just scoop out what you need and warm it separately.

 

Tips to Stop Coconut Oil From Hardening

Beyond storage, a few extra habits help keep coconut oil from hardening:

1. Use a Smaller Jar

A smaller jar means less oil exposed to cool air, which helps keep coconut oil from hardening as quickly.

 

2. Warm Your Utensil First

A warm spoon or measuring cup makes scooping solid coconut oil easier and helps it melt evenly.

 

3. Stir Before You Scoop

Stirring the oil helps distribute warmth and slows down how fast coconut oil hardens again.

 

So, How Do You Keep Coconut Oil From Hardening?

You keep coconut oil from hardening by storing it in a warm spot, using a warm water bath when needed, and avoiding cold storage like the fridge.

 

Coconut oil hardens because of its high saturated fat content and its low melting point, so keeping coconut oil from hardening is really just about keeping it warm.

 

Hope this post has helped you understand why coconut oil hardens and the best ways to keep it soft and scoopable.