Sweetened Shredded Coconut
Auto-generated content. This description was generated automatically and is pending editorial review. Inaccuracies are possible. Found a mistake? Contact us.
What it is
Sweetened shredded coconut is made from dried, shredded coconut flesh that has been sweetened, usually with sugar or corn syrup. Coconut palm trees are grown in tropical regions worldwide, and the fruit's white flesh is processed into various forms for food use.
Why it's used
Manufacturers add sweetened shredded coconut to provide sweetness, texture, and a distinct coconut flavor to foods. It is commonly found in baked goods like cakes, cookies, and pies, as well as in desserts, candies, and snack mixes.
Health notes
Sweetened shredded coconut is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a food ingredient. It is primarily a source of carbohydrates and fat. While it contains some fiber and minerals, the added sugar contributes significantly to its caloric content. Regulatory bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated coconut and its derivatives, but specific evaluations of sweetened shredded coconut are not widely detailed.
Allergen info
Coconut is considered a tree nut by the FDA for labeling purposes, making it one of the major allergens. It does not contain gluten.