Coconut flour is a popular gluten-free alternative to traditional wheat flour that has gained popularity in recent years due to its many health benefits. Made from ground and dried coconut meat, this flour is rich in fiber, protein, and healthy fats. (In fact, according to The Coconut Mama’s rankings, it’s one of the best gluten-free flours out there.)
Because it is high in fat, coconut flour can become rancid over time, which can affect its flavor and quality. Once you open a bag of coconut flour, it’s best to use it within 6 months before it loses nutrients or goes bad.
But what about before the bag is opened? And is it okay to eat old coconut flour? I’ll cover these next, starting with coconut flour’s shelf life…
What is the shelf life of coconut flour?
The shelf life of coconut flour will depend on the brand and how it is stored. Generally speaking, an unopened package of coconut flour should last for up to 12-18 months when stored properly!
After opening a bag of coconut flour, it typically has a shelf life of about 3-6 months as moisture can quickly creep in and spoil the product, but this can vary depending on several factors (proper storage, quality, climate, and humidity).
Another factor to consider is the quality of the coconut flour when you first open the bag. If the flour is already close to its expiration date when you purchase it, it may not last as long after opening. It’s a good idea to check the “best-before” or expiration date on the package before purchasing and to choose a brand that has a longer shelf life.
We’ve done the work for you and ranked the best coconut flour brands you can buy!
Comparison of coconut flour shelf life
| Shelf life – room temperature | Shelf life – refrigerator, unopened | Shelf life – refrigerator, opened | |
| Regular (full fat) coconut flour | 12-18 months | 6-12 months or by “best by”/expiration date | 3-6 months |
| Defatted coconut flour | 18-24 months | 2 years | 6-8 months |
As you can see, regular coconut flour generally lasts 12-18 months unopened and another 3-6 months in the fridge after it’s opened. Defatted coconut flour lasts a little longer – 18-24 months and 6-8 months in the fridge after opening. This is because of the natural oils in full-fat coconut flour – they’ll go rancid a little faster (although still plenty of time) vs coconut flour without those oils.
Full fat vs. defatted coconut flour – differences and storage
There are regular full-fat coconut flour and defatted coconut flour varieties, similar to soy flour. The primary difference between the two is the fat content. Regular full-fat coconut flour contains more coconut oil, while defatted coconut flour has a lower fat content as the oil has been extracted before grinding the coconut meat into a powder. If you make coconut flour yourself – it’s probably full fat, so I’d follow that shelf life.
Because full-fat coconut flour contains more natural oils, it has a shorter shelf life and should be stored in the refrigerator or freezer to prevent it from going rancid. Defatted coconut flour, on the other hand, has had most of the fat removed, giving it a longer shelf life, and it can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 years!
As an aside – full-fat coconut flour is generally considered one of the best vegan flours because it’s so nutrient-dense (including all that fat and all that fiber).
How to tell if coconut flour has gone bad
You can tell coconut flour has gone bad by checking for a rancid or musty smell, clumpy or dense texture, yellow or brown tint, bitter or stale taste, and the presence of mold or mildew.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to discard the flour to avoid potential health risks.
Potential risks of eating coconut flour that has been open for a long time
Over time, the quality and safety of coconut flour may deteriorate, and consuming it can result in unpleasant side effects or even foodborne illness.
If coconut flour is not stored properly, it can become exposed to moisture, which can cause it to spoil or become rancid. Spoiled coconut flour can have an off smell, taste bad, or have a different texture than fresh flour.
If there’s a lot of moisture or humidity in the environment, that’s when we run into big issues. Coconut flour can develop mold or begin to grow bacteria, which can cause food poisoning, gastrointestinal problems, or even toxic reactions.
What’s more likely to happen is that over time, the nutrients in coconut flour can degrade, reducing the nutritional value of the flour. This means that even if the flour is not spoiled or contaminated, it may not provide the same health benefits as fresh flour.
To avoid these potential risks, it’s always a good idea to check the flour for signs of spoilage, such as a rancid smell or mold, before using it in a recipe. If you’re unsure whether your coconut flour is still good, it’s better to err on the side of caution and discard it.
Here’s more on the best way to store coconut flour.
So, how long does coconut flour last after opening?
If you’ve just pulled a bag of coconut flour off the shelf, you’ll want to use it before a couple of years pass. But don’t worry if you can’t get through the whole bag at once—as long as it is stored properly, you should still be able to enjoy your coconut flour for up to 6 months after opening. Just remember: when in doubt, throw it out!
FAQ
Yes, flour can expire after it is opened. Once flour is exposed to air, it can begin to absorb moisture and bacteria, which can cause it to spoil or become rancid. The shelf life of flour after opening can vary depending on the type of flour and how it is stored.
The shelf life of coconut powder can vary depending on the brand and storage conditions. Generally, if stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, coconut powder can last for up to 2 years. However, it’s important to check the expiration date on the package and look for signs of spoilage before using.
It is possible for coconut flour to have black bits in it, especially if the coconut meat used to make the flour wasn’t properly dried or processed. However, high-quality coconut flour typically should not have any black bits and should be a uniform white color.
