Plant-based milk — and coconut milk, in particular — is all the rage right now, but one downside is that it can be difficult to know when it's gone bad. According to Go Bad or Not?, the typical shelf life of most canned coconut milk is two to five years, leaving a lot of wiggle room for spoiling.

Coconut milk comes from the actual meat of a coconut blended with water, so it's not technically milk, but it is full of energizing fatty acids and essential vitamins like iron and magnesium. While coconut milk can have a long shelf life, it can still easily expire within a week after it's opened.

Smelling coconut milk is the best test, because if it gives off a sour odor, it's time for your milk to hit the bin. You can also check for other signs of spoilage such as if the milk has curdled, has mold, or has changed in color, and it’s always best to play it safe, so when in doubt, throw it out.