Does Coconut Flour Go Bad? What are the Shelf-Life, Storage Methods, and Spoilage Signs!

Does Coconut Flour Go Bad?

You’ll find coconut flour the most in the pantries of people with blood sugar problems. This is because it is filled with more fiber and protein than regular flour. Moreover, it is highly used for preparing brownies, cookies, cakes, etc., due to its sweet and mild taste.

Just like regular flour, coconut flour will go bad. But hey, that doesn’t mean that you must only buy it when you need it. With the right storage techniques, you can store coconut flour in your kitchen pantry or refrigeration it for a long period.

The following article is here to answer all your questions. You will find details on storage, shelf-life, spoilage signs, and best storage practices for Coconut Flour.     

How Long Does Coconut Flour Lasts? 

What is the Shelf-Life of Coconut Flour

The store-bought Coconut Flour comes with a use-by date, which means the flour remains at its peak quality up to the printed use-by date on the label. After that, Coconut Flour won’t go bad right away. It gradually deteriorates with time.

The speed of spoilage depends on multiple factors, of which temperature plays a crucial role. The lower the temperature, the slower the spoilage process, so if you store your leftover Coconut Flour in the freezer or refrigerator after opening, it will last a couple of months more or even years past its use-by date.

Properly stored Coconut Flour can last up to 18 months past its production date. But, remember you will not be satisfied with the taste of the Coconut Flour past its use-by date.

How long does coconut flour last once opened? How long does coconut flour last unopened? 

The following table highlights the tentative time through which your opened or unopened packet of coconut flour will last:

Items Pantry Fridge Freezer
Unopened Coconut Flour Use-By Date Plus three to six months Use-By Date Plus Six Months to One Year Use-By Date Plus One to Two Years
Opened Coconut Flour Up to Use-By Date Use-By Date Plus Three to Six Months Use-By Date Plus Six Months to One Year

 

These dates are estimated as Coconut Flour generally lasts longer than these estimated times.

How do you know when Coconut Flour goes bad?

What are the Spoilage Signs of Coconut Flour

Coconut Flour has a high content of fats and oils compared to typical all-purpose flours. Therefore, Coconut Flour tends to go bad faster than typical flours. So, it is important to know the spoilage signs to prevent using bad and spoiled Coconut Flour. Using bad or rancid Coconut Flour can make you sick.

Off or Unpleasant Smell

When you find that your Coconut Flour no longer smells fresh and pleasant or it radiates off smell, discard it as it indicates that the flour has gone rancid. The bad or old Coconut Flour often releases off-smell, which is not pleasant and fresh.

Bitter Taste

If you doubt, you may conduct a taste test to confirm its spoilage. When your Coconut Flour goes bad, it gives a bitter taste. It indicates that the Coconut Flour has gone bad, and it is time to discard it.

Color Changes

When you see your Coconut Flour changing color suddenly, it indicates that it has spoiled or is about to go rancid. So, it is better to discard the Coconut Flour and replace it with fresh flour.

Clumps

If the Coconut Flour starts getting clumpy suddenly, consider it a sign of spoilage. You must discard it as it is no longer good for consumption.

Insects

All flours are prone to infestation, and Coconut Flour is no exception. If you see insects and bugs in your Coconut Flour, discard it as it is a common sign of spoilage and must not be consumed.

What happens if you eat expired Coconut Flour?

What Happens If You Eat Bad or Spoiled Coconut Flour

As mentioned earlier, all store-bought Coconut Flours come with a printed use-by date on the label, and it is better to use the flour within that date to enjoy its quality and freshness. But, it doesn’t mean that the printed use-by date confirms its expiry as you can even use it after that date, provided that it is stored properly.

Until your Coconut Flour shows any spoilage signs as described above, it is safe and fine to use it. If your Coconut Flour shows no spoilage signs but is stored in questionable conditions, discard it because it is better to be safe than sorry.

So, it is better to use the Coconut Flour within the printed use-by date to enjoy the quality. If it has passed the printed use-by date, ensure checking the spoilage signs before using to avoid unnecessary complications.

Can You Freeze Coconut Flour? Refrigerated Vs. Shelf-Stable

Can You Freeze Coconut Flour Refrigerated Vs. Shelf-Stable

Freezing is always a good option for Coconut Flour, especially when you want to preserve the flour longer. Coconut Flour made out of fresh ground coconut will last and keep its quality longer in a freezer. The oils and fats in the coconut will help extend the shelf-life of the Coconut Flour.

The frozen, unopened Coconut Flour has a shelf-life of 12 to 24 months in a freezer past its use-by date printed on the label. After you open the Coconut Flour bag, the shelf-life reduces to size months past its use-by date.

It is important to freeze the Coconut Flour in an airtight container or freezer-friendly bag. It helps in keeping the odors and moisture away from the Coconut Flour. Unopened Coconut Flour has a longer freezer shelf-life than a fridge.

How long does Coconut Flour last in the freezer? 

Refrigeration is also a good option for preserving the Coconut Flour longer. Coconut Flour comes with a use-by date, and by refrigerating it, you can add another six to twelve months to its expiry past the use-by date and three to six months after opening.

But, you must stay alert as Coconut Flour stored in a fridge can pick up odors from other foods stored in the same fridge. So, you must ensure to refrigerate the Coconut Flour in an airtight container. It helps the Coconut Flour to stay fresh and avoid picking up odors from other foods and keep the moisture at bay.   

Coconut Flour must be stored in the coldest part of the refrigerator. It means the Coconut Flour must be stored deep inside the fridge and not in the doors.

Does Coconut Flour Go Bad at Room Temperature? 

Unopened Coconut Flour won’t go bad if you store it outside a fridge. It keeps its quality when stored away from moisture, heat sources, and light. You have to store the Coconut Flour in an airtight container as it helps prevent exposure to air, moisture, and odors. It also helps extend the shelf-life of the Coconut Flour.

After opening the package of Coconut Flour, you must ensure to store it carefully. The opened bag of Coconut Flour will last and won’t go bad until the use-by date is printed on the label. After opening, the shelf-life gets shorter, and it only lasts for three to six months past its use-by date when stored outside a fridge.

However, you must check the quality and spoilage signs in the Coconut Flour before using it.

How to Thaw Coconut Flour?

Freezing coconut flour is not enough. You will have to indulge in a proper thawing technique to retain its freshness, texture, and flavor.

The best thawing technique is by letting it defrost. Place your coconut flour container on your kitchen counter, away from direct sunlight. The room temperature is more than enough to let it get normal.

How to Store Coconut Flour?

You will be surprised to know that all flour types can be stored in kitchen cabinets and pantries. But, Coconut Flour needs more attention when it comes to storage. To help your Coconut Flour last longer, you have to store it carefully. Here are a few storage guidelines you have to follow to prolong the shelf-life and quality of your Coconut Flour.

Storing Coconut Flour in the Refrigerator

Coconut Flour needs a stable temperature, and it keeps its quality longer when stored in cool and dark places. So, choose a spot in your refrigerator to store the leftover Coconut Flour. 

Storing Coconut Flour in the Pantry

You must choose a spot in your kitchen cabinet or pantry where the temperature is low and away from sunlight and heat sources. It is an important storage guideline for Coconut Flour after opening.

Moisture can make your Coconut Flour go bad quickly by creating it clumpy. So, it is important to store the leftover Coconut Flour in an airtight container. An airtight plastic container is always the best choice to store the leftover Coconut Flour as it helps it last longer and prevents exposure to moisture.

So, transfer the Coconut Flour into an airtight container after opening the package and store it carefully.      

How to use leftover coconut flour?

As long as the coconut flour is not showing any signs of spoilage, you can use it in your recipes. It can be used for:

  • Baking
  • Marinating
  • Frying
  • Coating

Apart from that, you can use it to prepare homemade face masks for skin whitening.

What are the Alternatives to Coconut Flour if it has gone bad? 

The following substitutes can be used in place of coconut flour in case the one in your pantry has gone bad:

  • Anthony’s Cassava Flour
  • Oh! Nuts Ground Hazelnut Flour
  • Blue Diamond Almond Flour
  • Naturevibe Botanicals White Rice Flour
  • Naturevibe Botanicals Organic Soy Flour

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it necessary to refrigerate the leftover Coconut Flour?

Storing leftover Coconut Flour in a fridge is not always necessary. But it is the recommended method to keep the quality of Coconut Flour longer, as per Bob’s Red Mill FAQ. Coconut Flour stored in a fridge spoils slowly compared to store at room temperature.

But, if you intend to use the entire bag of Coconut Flour within a month of buying, you can store it at room temperature without refrigeration, and it won’t go bad.  

Can old Coconut Flour make you sick?

As mentioned earlier, the date printed on the package of Coconut Flour is only the best-before date and not the expiry date. If there is no spoilage sign in your Coconut Flour, there is no harm in consuming it past its use-by date.

If your Coconut Flour seems fine without any spoilage signs, you can still use it past its expiry, provided that it is stored in favorable conditions.

Can I Use Coconut Flour If It Has Turned Brown?

Coconut flour turns brown when it gets infected with molds and bugs. In such scenarios, it is best to discard it.

How long does coconut flour last in the pantry? 

If you have an unopened package, you can expect it to last 6 months over its best-by date. If you have opened the packet, it is best to discard it after its best-by date.

How long does organic coconut flour last after the expiration date?

One can expect organic coconut flour to last 3-6 months after the best-by date.

Can coconut flour mold?

Since coconut flour is high in fiber, it absorbs moisture. This is why mold might be a common sight in expired coconut flour.

The Bottom Line

By now, you are equipped with all the basics required to keep your Coconut Flour safe and sound longer.

Whether you use it for certain diets or in different recipes, it is worth mentioning that it must not be treated like other conventional flours. Coconut Flour can go bad quickly because of the nutrient density, and to prolong its shelf-life, you must prefer practicing proper storage and good hygiene.

Coconut Flour can be stored at room temperature, but you must keep it in a freezer or refrigerator for a longer shelf-life as it can extend the shelf-life and maintain its quality. You are suggested to use it before degrading and losing its flavor.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top