Flaked Coconut

• Flaked coconut has the same taste and texture as shredded coconut. In fact, the two are easily interchangeable and work cup to cup for one another. The only difference between flaked and shredded coconut is the size of the coconut portion. Flaked coconut tends to be medium-sized pieces that are wider than they are long. Shredded coconut tends to be small pieces that are longer than they are wide. Flaked coconut also tends to be thicker than shredded. Flaked coconut works for shredded regardless of whether you use it as a main ingredient or as a garnish.

Grated Coconut

• Grated coconut, like flaked, has basically the same texture and taste as shredded coconut. Grated coconut is the smallest size portion of coconut available. It comes in very thin and short strands that offer a tiny burst of coconut flavor to your recipe. Grated coconut works cup to cup for shredded, and works as a main ingredient or garnish.

Toasted Coconut

• Toasted coconut is a cup for cup replacement for shredded coconut. Toasted coconut can be flaked or shredded. It is then lightly toasted to bring out the coconut flavor. It is a golden color and has a slightly crunchier texture than regular shredded coconut. It tastes basically the same as shredded, but toasted coconut has a hint of caramel flavor as well. Toasted coconut works as a garnish, but it will add a golden color instead of pure white.

Almonds

• While almonds and coconut have drastically different tastes, they both add subtle, nutty sweetness to recipes. Finely chopped or sliced almonds work best as a replacement for shredded coconut. Their texture is a little crunchier than shredded coconut, but they work cup for cup. They also work well as an attractive garnish that adds a hint of white to your dish.

Coconut Milk

• If your recipe calls for shredded coconut blended in hot water, you may be able to replace it cup for cup with coconut milk. You’ll get around the same burst of coconut flavor as shredded coconut -- you just won’t get the same texture. The coconut milk will be thinner in texture and may affect your overall recipe. Replacing shredded coconut with coconut milk is not possible if the coconut is used as a garnish.