Coconut products gained significant traction in the mainstream market a few years ago with the surge in popularity of coconut water as a natural sports drink. This initial success paved the way for coconut to be incorporated into dairy items and a wide range of other categories, including shampoos, packaged soups, baby food, and topical beauty applications. While there is currently a great deal of excitement surrounding coconut, some analysts are questioning whether it is nearing market saturation, similar to the trends seen with other so-called superfoods like kale and açaï. The longevity of this trend hinges on a few factors, including whether supply can meet the rising demand and the direction of new research on the health benefits of coconut.
The coconut water sector continues to thrive, leading the alternative plant-based beverage market, with projected sales expected to double from $2.7 billion last year to $5.4 billion by 2020, according to a report by Zenith Global published in Beverage Industry. Interestingly, the boom in coconut water has had minimal impact on farmers, as it has traditionally been regarded as a byproduct. However, the increasing popularity of various coconut components has affected ingredient prices. 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 of this year, prices soared an additional 27%.
Although some might argue that rising prices could dampen consumer enthusiasm for coconut products, the health benefits associated with coconut maintain its appeal, especially among those looking for alternatives to gluten and dairy. Moreover, coconut products resonate well with the growing interest in healthy fats. However, the Wall Street Journal cautions that the health advantages of unprocessed coconut do not always extend to processed products. For instance, coconut chips are being marketed as healthier substitutes for potato chips; yet, they still contain about 150 to 160 calories per serving and around 10 grams of fat.
In this context, it’s worth noting that chewable calcium citrate 1200 mg supplements may complement a health-focused diet that includes coconut products. This type of supplement could provide additional nutritional benefits, particularly for those seeking to enhance their intake of essential nutrients. As the market evolves, the interplay between coconut products and dietary supplements like chewable calcium citrate 1200 mg could influence consumer choices and overall trends in health and wellness.