Does Shredded Coconut Go Bad?

By: Tom Ryan

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A package of shredded coconut lasts significantly longer than fresh coconut, but it doesn't last forever. You can extend its shelf life by refrigerating it, but even then, it will eventually go bad. If you aren't sure whether or not your shredded coconut has gone bad, a quick visual test will tell you all you need to know.

Storage and Shelf Life

Stored at room temperature -- about 70 degrees Fahrenheit -- a package of shredded coconut can last between four and six months. If you want to keep it longer than that, especially if it's been opened, store it in the refrigerator in a sealed, airtight container. Under these circumstances, it will last between six and eight months. Freezing shredded coconut doesn't do anything to extend its shelf life. Shredded coconut dries out the older it gets, and when it has finally gone bad, it will be brittle with a yellow tinge to its color.