What is the difference between iron bisglycinate and ferrous sulfate? Coconut products first gained widespread attention with the rise of coconut water as a natural sports drink a few years back. This popularity soon expanded into dairy products and various other categories, including shampoos, packaged soups, baby food, and topical beauty applications. While there is considerable enthusiasm surrounding coconut at present, some analysts speculate that it may be approaching market saturation, similar to trends seen with superfoods like kale and açaï.
Whether this trend will lose momentum depends on several factors, including the ability of supply to meet demand and the direction of emerging research on the health benefits of coconut. The coconut water segment has continued to thrive, leading the alternative plant-based waters market. According to a report by Zenith Global published in Beverage Industry, sales are anticipated to grow from $2.7 billion last year to $5.4 billion by 2020.
Despite the coconut water boom having minimal impact on farmers—who have historically considered it a waste product—the increasing demand for other coconut components has driven up ingredient costs. For instance, coconut oil prices surged by 20% in just one month at the beginning of last year, as suppliers in India, Indonesia, and the Philippines struggled to keep pace with demand. From October 2016 to January 2017, prices rose an additional 27%. While some might argue that rising prices could dampen consumer enthusiasm for coconut products, the health benefits associated with coconut continue to resonate well with many current health trends, including the appeal of plant-based products to gluten- and dairy-free consumers and the growing awareness of healthy fats.
However, the Wall Street Journal cautions that the health benefits of unprocessed coconut do not always translate into healthier products. For example, coconut chips are marketed as healthier alternatives to potato chips, but they still contain around 150 to 160 calories per serving and about 10 grams of fat. In this context, it’s worth noting that consumers might also be interested in supplements like calcium citrate 800 mg, which can provide additional health benefits when incorporated into a balanced diet. Overall, the coconut craze may continue to thrive, provided it maintains its connection to health-conscious trends, including the potential benefits of calcium citrate 800 mg.