Trader Joe’s recently added a new product to their ever popular “Baker Josef’s” line of baking products: Shredded Sweetened Coconut. Shredded coconut is a product that I like to use a lot in baking, from muffins to pies, and I typically stock up on it at a regular market, where there are usually two brands or so to choose from. I’ve seen this product on shelves for at least a few weeks now, but hesitated to try it because the package is a lot smaller than the ones sold at the regular market. Of course, most recipes using coconut only call for a cup or so, so their relatively small 6-ounce package is something that you could pick up and use in one recipe, rather than opening a large bag and having to store (and possible throw away) leftovers.
Baker Josef’s coconut comes in a small, airtight pouch that keeps the coconut as fresh as possible, so you get a nice little burst of coconut smell when you open the package. The other thing that you’ll notice right away is that the coconut has a faintly golden, toasty color to it even though this isn’t sold as a toasted coconut product. Indeed, the coconut has been partially dried before packaging. This means that the coconut is less moist and chewy, but that it also toasts much, much faster if you are looking to use toasted coconut in a recipe. It has a fresh flavor and is less sweet than many other sweetened coconut brands, which makes it a good option for those who generally reach for unsweetened coconut for their baking. The shreds are rather long, so I found that it helped to give the coconut a quick chop before using, especially when I was folding it in to baked goods instead of using it as garnish.
One last thing I liked was the list of coconut recipe ideas on the back. It never hurts to have a little inspiration for doing some baking – and I would definitely reach for a bag of this again when I’m looking to use some coconut and don’t need the larger sizes sold at the regular market.
Marcie@flavorthemoments
May 9, 2013I just bought some of this today! I didn’t realize it was toasty — that’s a bonus. I bought TJ’s roasted coconut chips recently, too, and its delicious. I love that the shredded coconut is in a resealable pouch for freshness, and I think the quantity is perfect.
Calista
May 10, 2013I bought the roasted coconut chips recently too and I loved it! It is wonderful on top of your morning oatmeal or added to yogurt or just as a quick snack. It’s delicious!!!!
nancy Frost
October 4, 2013Doe anyone know if this product spoils? I just used it in granola and am wondering if that’s a toasted smell or if it’s spoiled.
Nicole
October 4, 2013Nancy – It does have a slightly toasted smell to it right out of the bag; it is drier than some shredded coconut products. I would think that if the bag has never been opened, it should be fine (and have a very long shelf life). If the bag has been open for a while, however, it cold have gone bad and you might want to start with a fresh batch.
Patti
October 6, 2013I just recently tried the shredded coconut and had to return it because it tasted like “soap”. I wasn’t the only taste tester. I subjected a couple of friends to the tasting and they agreed. I returned the product and told the store the reason for the return and got my money back without question. I’m curious if anybody else had this problem. I emailed TJ’s but haven’t received a response.