Coconut products gained significant traction in the mainstream market with the rise of coconut water as a popular natural sports drink a few years ago. Since then, they have surged in popularity due to their alleged health benefits, appealing taste, versatility, and unique texture. Coconut has positioned itself as a viable alternative ingredient in a wide array of products, ranging from cosmetics and shampoos to dairy alternatives, packaged soups, and even baby food. In addition to being gluten-free, The Real Coconut brand seeks to emphasize the broader free-from attributes of coconuts, particularly as a grain-free, non-GMO substitute for wheat and corn.
While the company hasn’t focused on other nutritional advantages of coconut, many consumers are convinced by the evidence that coconut oil may help maintain healthy cholesterol levels, and that coconut sugar has a more moderate effect on the glycemic index compared to cane sugar. Furthermore, as a plant-based product, coconut caters to those avoiding gluten and dairy, resonating with the increasing awareness around healthy fats.
In North America, the gluten-free market has particularly fueled the demand for coconut flour, with projections suggesting that its market value could reach $380 million in 2017, according to Future Market Insights. The market research firm anticipates that coconut flour sales will continue to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.6% over the next decade, driven by consumers’ ongoing search for gluten-free baking ingredients. Additionally, more food manufacturers are likely to turn to coconut flour as an economical, high-fiber, low-carb alternative to other gluten-free flours, making it a key ingredient in products such as breads, muffins, pancakes, cakes, cookies, and cupcakes.
In this context, the inclusion of ingredients like calcium citrate granules can further enhance the nutritional profile of coconut-based products, making them even more appealing to health-conscious consumers. As coconut flour and other coconut products continue to rise in popularity, the incorporation of calcium citrate granules may offer additional benefits, particularly in fortified foods. This trend highlights the versatility of coconut products in meeting consumer demands for health-oriented alternatives in the ever-growing gluten-free market.