Does Coconut Flour Go Bad? How Long Does It Last?

logo by Editorial Staff | Updated on August 5th, 2022

Is coconut flour perishable? Coconut flour is a nut flour containing a lot of oil. It has grown in popularity, particularly among those following a paleo or gluten-free diet.


While many recipes specifically call for coconut flour, you can also include it in your existing dishes. Replace 10% – 15% of the wheat flour with coconut flour to achieve identical results while making the meal you’re cooking somewhat healthier.

Coconut Flour

Even though this coconut product is referred to as flour, it is not a “typical” flour. It is stored according to somewhat different regulations. Coconut flour is prone to oxidation and rancidity since it includes nut oils. That is, it may go bad, or at the very least stale, at some time.

Short answer:

Coconut flour, manufactured from ground coconuts, has a rather short shelf life. The expiration date is generally marked on the package of coconut flour. While this is a general rule for most foods, it is especially true for coconut flour.

The unopened coconut flour will stay longer than opened bags, although the date is often the best estimate. Refrigerating and freezing coconut flour will increase its shelf life in the same way that refrigerating or freezing nuts will.

What exactly is Coconut Flour?

Coconut flour is becoming increasingly popular as a flour alternative. It is frequently used, especially in baking preparations.

People who follow the paleo and keto diets and individuals with celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, or allergy prefer coconut flour. Furthermore, it is high in oil, fat, and fiber and is simple to include in a meal.

Despite having the word “nut” in its name, coconut flour is not a nut flour like almond flour. On the other hand, this flour is manufactured from the white pulp of coconut fruit. Yes, the green, round-shaped fruit you love to eat on a tropical beach.

Dehydrated coconut pulp is ground into fine powdery flour to make coconut flour. The pulp is a byproduct of the manufacture of coconut milk and cream.

You may manufacture coconut flour from the pulp if you make your coconut milk from scratch. Drying the pulp and mixing it into a fine floury texture is necessary. It’s an excellent approach to creating two items from a single component!

Nutrient Composition

According to studies, coconut flour has much more fiber than wheat flour; it also contains more protein and fat. Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) and plant-based iron in particular.

Gluten-free and allergen-free

Coconut flour has a benefit over other flours such as wheat, soy, and almond in that it is nonallergenic. Although soy flour and almond flour have higher protein content, they are allergies. The most prevalent allergies include soybeans, nuts (almonds), and wheat.

Coconut flour, unlike wheat flour, is gluten-free, making it a preferable alternative for individuals who avoid gluten.

Is coconut flour OK for keto?

Coconut flour is a must-have for individuals following the keto or paleo diets.

Is coconut flour a kind of grain?

No, it doesn’t. Coconut flour is manufactured from the flesh of coconuts. As a result, it is naturally gluten-free.

Coconut, like almonds, hazelnuts, and walnuts, does not belong to the tree nut family. As a result, unless otherwise noted by the manufacturer, coconut flour is inherently devoid of tree nut allergies. This is possible if the production line is also used to manufacture other tree nut-containing goods.

Is it possible to use coconut flour as a thickener?

Yes. Coconut flour may thicken soups, stews, gravies, and desserts, among other things. Remember that coconut flour is a byproduct of the manufacture of coconut milk/cream, which also possesses thickening properties.

Dilute the flour with water to get the proper consistency when using it as a thickening.

How Long Does Coconut Flour Last?

In general, coconut flour has a “best by” or “better if used by” date, indicating that the product is still of high quality before the best-by date. Coconut flour does not spoil immediately after its expiration date. It’s food, not magic. Thus its quality will diminish with time.

The degradation rate is affected by various elements, with the temperature being one of the most critical. The lower the temperature, the slower the degradation process; therefore, if the flour is stored in the refrigerator or freezer, it may last for several months or even years (if kept in the freezer).

As long as there is no evidence of rotten, stale, or rancid flour, it should be absolutely fine to consume. Please remember that, while the flour will most likely be safe to consume for a long time, you may not enjoy its taste.

Properly kept coconut flour should be good for at least 12 to 18 months following the date of manufacture.

 PantryFridgeFreezer
Unopened Package“Best by” + 3 – 6 months“Best by” + 6 – 12 months“Best by” + 12 – 24 months
Opened Package“Best-by”“Best by” + 3 – 6 months“Best by” + 6 – 12 months

Please remember that these are estimated dates and that coconut flour often lasts considerably longer. Before using flour, always make sure it hasn’t gone bad.

How Long Will Coconut Flour last Outside?

Coconut flour may be kept in the pantry. It’s better to keep it away from heat, moisture, and light, as these things might cause it to deteriorate.

It’s a good idea to preserve coconut flour in an airtight container. This will not only keep other scents away from your flour, but it may also help increase its shelf life.

Once opened, the coconut flour should be good until the expiration date on the bag. It should survive three to six months after the expiration date if unopened.

You should inspect your flour before using it, and if in doubt, discard it. The date indicated on the bag is only a suggestion, and you should always use fresh ingredients.

How Long Can Coconut Flour Be Stored in the Fridge?

The package of coconut flour has an expiration date. By refrigerating your flour, you may extend its shelf life to six to twelve months for unopened packages and three to six months for opened ones.

Because coconut flour absorbs the scents of the items it comes into contact with, it is best to keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will also assist in keeping moisture out, which is another factor that might cause coconut flour to degrade sooner than planned.

Coconut flour should be stored in the coldest region of the refrigerator as well. This means storing it deep within your refrigerator, away from the door.

How Long Can You Keep Coconut Flour in the Freezer?

Coconut flour, formed from ground coconuts, may be frozen in the same way as a bag of pecans. The oils in nuts will ensure that your ingredient lasts as long as feasible.

After the expiration date is written on the bag, a frozen, unopened bag of coconut flour should last anywhere from 12 to 24 months. After the expiration date, your coconut flour should last six to twelve months.

As with the refrigerator, once opened, store your coconut flour in an airtight container or a food storage bag to keep aromas and moisture from other items away from your coconut flour.

Unopened coconut flour lasts longer; however, once opened, it may be kept fresh until the expiration date indicated on the box by refrigerating or freezing.

Is it necessary to keep coconut flour refrigerated?

While keeping coconut flour in the fridge is not required, it is preferred. When coconut flour is stored in the refrigerator, it degrades more slowly than when stored at ambient temperature.

Keeping this gluten-free flour at room temperature shouldn’t be a problem if you utilize the entire bag within a few months of purchasing it.

Can I use coconut flour after it has passed its expiry date?

As previously stated, the date on the packaging is generally a “best by” date rather than an expiration date. As long as the flour does not exhibit any of the indicators mentioned above of deterioration, it is typically safe to use.

If the coconut flour appears good but has been stored in dubious circumstances, discard it. Better to be cautious than sorry.

How Are Expiration Dates Calculated?

These dates are estimated by food producers based on their assessment and evaluation of a product’s quality and safety. Food goods are tested for shelf life to establish their expiration date.

Shelf life testing assesses food products’ microbiological, chemical, and sensory qualities across various periods.

What Factors Influence a Product’s Expiration Date?

A food product’s shelf life or expiration date is affected by various variables. These elements include composition, processing technique, packing, and storage management.

Water is a significant component in determining how long a product will survive. In food, water promotes the development of microbes. Because powdered items, such as coconut flour, do not contain water or moisture, they are more stable and last longer than wet or liquid products.

The technique of processing also has an impact on the shelf life of a product. Cooked or heat-treated items are often more stable than natural products. Milk that has been pasteurized or sterilized will last longer than fresh milk.

A product’s packaging protects it against external variables such as heat, moisture, and microbes that might cause spoiling of the food product.

A product’s shelf-life can be reduced or increased depending on how users handle and store it. Improper handling and storage can lead to product spoiling even before its expiration date. If products are handled and kept appropriately, they can be consumed after their shelf life.

How Can You Tell If Your Coconut Flour Is Bad?

Coconut flour often has a sweet, nutty scent and is ivory or light cream in color. Changes in texture, flavor, scent, or color indicate that the coconut flour has gone rancid.

Throw aside the flour if it is extremely clumpy (we’re not talking about the little clumps that will appear sooner or later). The same is true if it acquires an unpleasant (or amusing) odor. When coconut flour becomes rancid, it gets a little bitter flavor, so keep an eye out for that as well.

Insects may infest coconut flour if it has been stored in the pantry for an extended period or if the packing has come undone. If this occurs, throw away the merchandise right away.

Is coconut flour still useable if, for instance, the best-by date has passed and there is no evidence of spoilage? In most cases, it is OK to utilize it. Many individuals have utilized coconut flour past its best-by-date with remarkable success.

Is Expired Coconut Flour Harmful?

As you may be aware, some culinary goods do not have specified expiration dates. Coconut flour is one such item, and if it exhibits no symptoms of rancidity or degradation, it’s likely to be safe to use even months after its expiration date.

You may be disappointed with the ultimate product if you use moldy coconut flour or a batch that hasn’t been properly chilled and preserved. In the best-case scenario, your food will not taste right.

To put it mildly, intentionally utilizing outdated flour of any type will result in a less-than-ideal experience. The good news is that doing so is extremely unlikely to result in any health problems or long-term consequences.

What Can Things Ruin Coconut Flour?

Food rotting is described as degradation in quality or being unfit for human consumption. Coconut flour can deteriorate in any case.

Rancidity is a typical quality concern in food items containing oil or fat. Rancidity is a chemical process when lipids are exposed to light, air, and moisture.

This chemical reaction causes discoloration as well as a disagreeable odor and flavor. Because coconut flour contains 10% to 13% fat, it has the potential to get rancid.

Even though coconut flour has a relatively low moisture content, mold development is possible. Coconut flour can absorb moisture from the environment due to improper storage and storage conditions. This can cause clumping of the coconut flour and possibly mold development.

How Do You store Coconut Flour?

You usually keep flour in the pantry or a kitchen cupboard, right? While this is the suggested process for most flours, it is not for coconut flour.

Coconut flour should be kept in a cool, dark area away from direct sunlight and other heat sources. It is much more crucial to keep it at a low temperature after opening the packaging.

You don’t want any moisture to get into the flour. Therefore the storage area should be dry as well.

Last but not least, remember to carefully shut the packaging after each usage, or better yet, move the flour into an airtight container after opening.

Keeping unsealed coconut flour bags (particularly at room temperature) may cause the product to grow stale faster. The changes will be subtle, but you will notice a difference.

Let’s go through the various methods of storing coconut flour and its benefits and drawbacks.

How to Keep Coconut Flour in the Pantry

While keeping coconut flour in the pantry isn’t ideal, it should work as long as the container isn’t opened. After you’ve opened the bag, it’s best to keep the flour in the refrigerator.

An unopened bag of coconut flour should be kept in the dark cabinet. Keep it away from light, heat, and moisture for optimal effects.

Storing coconut flour in the pantry after it has been opened will not cause it to grow stale or rancid soon. Its quality will gradually decline over time, and putting it in the fridge or freezer will reduce that process.

Refrigerator Storage of Coconut Flour

Whether the container has been opened or not, the best method to keep coconut flour is in the refrigerator. The cold temperature minimizes the danger of oxidation and rancidity, extending the product’s shelf life.

I recommend storing the product in an airtight container after opening. Coconut flour may collect scents from the refrigerator, impairing its overall flavor. In addition, incorrectly packed coconut flour can spoil faster, even if stored in the refrigerator.

How to Keep Coconut Flour in the Freezer

If you bought too many bags of coconut flour and have no intentions to use them soon, put them in the freezer. It’s an excellent way to extend the shelf life of our gluten-free flour.

If the coconut flour comes in cardboard or plastic bags, simply place them in the freezer without further preparation. However, the remaining coconut flour will require an additional layer of protection. Keep the original container sealed, then place it in a resealable bag before freezing.

Is it possible to freeze coconut flour?

Yes, freezing is always useful when preserving food at home. Place the flour in a freezer bag or a freezer-safe container and freeze.

Separating the flour for each recipe before freezing might be more convenient. When you need flour, defrost it in the refrigerator.

What can you do with leftover coconut flour?

I decided to eat healthier one day and purchased a large quantity of coconut flour. It turns out that cooking delicious pancakes using coconut flour isn’t all that easy, so I reverted to conventional flour.

The coconut flour had been languishing in the pantry for quite some time until I discovered that you could easily swap some of the regular flour with coconut flour in many recipes. 

Since then, I’ve been adding a spoonful or two of coconut flour (even to my pancakes! ), and I’m steadily depleting my supply.

You may do the same if you’re not sure what to do with that coconut flour that’s been lying in your pantry for years.

Conclusion

You should now have all the information you need to maintain your supply of coconut flour safe and secure, both in the short and long term.

Coconut flour is generally one of the healthiest culinary ingredients to keep on hand. Not just because of its incredible lifespan but also because it can be used in an almost insane amount of dishes with little to no change in flavor.

It should go without saying, however, that you cannot just substitute some amount of, say, wheat flour for the corresponding amount of coconut flour. However, now that you know how to preserve it properly, you’ll have plenty of time to hunt out creative dishes to use it on.

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Editorial Staff

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