Botanically speaking, a coconut is a fibrous one-seeded drupe, also known as a dry drupe. However, when using loose definitions, the coconut can be all three: a fruit, a nut, and a seed. ... Coconuts are classified as a fibrous one-seeded drupe.

Is coconut considered a nut allergy?

If you have a nut allergy, you need to talk to your doctor about what foods to avoid. Even though coconut isn't a nut, some people who are allergic to tree nuts (like almonds, cashews, and walnuts) are also allergic to coconut.

Why is coconut not a nut?

Coconut classification

Despite having the word “nut” in its name, a coconut is a fruit — not a nut. In fact, a coconut falls under a subcategory known as drupes, which are defined as fruits that have an inner flesh and seed surrounded by a hard shell.