Published August 4, 2026
Why moisture content is the single most important desiccated coconut specification, how it is tested, and how to write it into a purchase order.
Why moisture content is the specification that matters most
Desiccated coconut is a low-moisture, high-fat product, which makes it stable for export as long as moisture stays within a tight range. If moisture is too high, the product is exposed to mold growth, rancidity, and clumping during transit and storage. Of all the parameters on a specification sheet, moisture is the one most directly tied to shelf life and food-safety risk.
See the desiccated coconut product page for an overview of the formats Cocopany supplies, and the full specification checklist for the other parameters a purchase order should cover.
Typical moisture targets and how they are tested
Industry references such as the Codex Alimentarius Standard for Desiccated Coconut (CXS 177-1991) set a general reference point of 3% maximum moisture on an as-is basis for commercial desiccated coconut. Treat this as a starting point for discussion, not a substitute for your own written specification — some applications require a tighter limit.
Moisture can be measured by oven loss-on-drying or by Karl Fischer titration, and the two methods do not always agree exactly. Ask which method the supplier's certificate of analysis (COA) is based on, and specify the same method if your own quality team will re-test on arrival.
- State the maximum moisture percentage required, not just "low moisture."
- Confirm which test method the COA is based on.
- Request a COA for the specific lot being shipped, not a generic spec sheet.
- Ask how moisture is checked again before container loading.
How moisture interacts with packaging and climate
A product that leaves the factory within specification can still pick up moisture during transit if packaging or container conditions allow condensation. Humid origin and destination climates, temperature swings inside a container, and inadequate inner liners are common causes of moisture-related complaints that have nothing to do with the original production batch.
Discuss inner liner type, outer bag material, and palletization with your supplier alongside the moisture specification itself — the two are connected, not separate line items.
Put it in the purchase order
A moisture specification is only useful if it is written down and tied to an acceptance method both sides agree on. When you are ready to place an inquiry, share your required moisture limit, test method, and destination with Cocopany's export team so the quotation reflects your actual requirement.
Not sure which application fits which format? See our overview of desiccated coconut applications.