Coconut products gained mainstream recognition with the rapid rise in popularity of coconut water as a natural sports drink a few years back. Since then, they have surged in popularity due to their perceived health benefits, appealing taste, versatility, and unique texture. Coconut is viewed as a health-conscious alternative ingredient in a wide range of products, including cosmetics, shampoos, dairy items, packaged soups, and baby food.
One notable brand, The Real Coconut, emphasizes its gluten-free status and aims to highlight the broader free-from attributes of coconut as a grain-free, non-GMO substitute for wheat and corn. While the company has not specifically promoted other nutritional advantages of coconut, many consumers believe that coconut oil can positively impact cholesterol levels, and that coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index compared to cane sugar. Additionally, as a plant-based product, coconut attracts those who follow gluten- and dairy-free diets and responds to the growing interest in healthy fats.
In North America, the gluten-free market has particularly propelled the sales of coconut flour, which is projected to reach a market value of $380 million by 2017, according to Future Market Insights. The market researcher 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 consumer demand for gluten-free baking ingredients. Furthermore, food manufacturers are likely to increasingly turn to coconut flour as an economical, high-fiber, low-carb alternative to other gluten-free flours in various products, such as breads, muffins, pancakes, cakes, cookies, and cupcakes.
Moreover, it’s worth noting that for consumers aiming to enhance their nutritional intake, incorporating coconut products can be beneficial, especially when considering the calcium citrate recommended daily intake. As the popularity of coconut products continues to rise, they are set to play an integral role in meeting the dietary needs of health-conscious individuals.