The rising popularity of coconut oil can largely be attributed to its direct-to-consumer sales. Products featuring coconut oil as an ingredient range from potato chips cooked in coconut oil to coconut-based whipped toppings for coffee. The American Heart Association’s advice regarding the consumption of saturated fats does not imply that companies will need to eliminate coconut oil from their products. Just as real butter can be a selling point for certain items, coconut oil benefits from a natural allure and a delightful flavor.
As highlighted in a New York Magazine article, saturated fat can be acceptable in moderation, even when sourced from coconut oil. The AHA suggests limiting saturated fats to about 5% to 6% of total daily calories, equating to roughly 13 grams for someone on a 2,000-calorie diet. However, if concerns about restricting coconut oil resonate with health-conscious consumers, other oils may gain popularity. Awareness of healthier oils is on the rise, with olive oil experiencing a significant increase in interest over recent years. In fact, American olive oil consumption has surged by 250% since 1990.
Beyond health considerations, the growing demand for coconut—encompassing coconut oil and coconut sugar—has affected ingredient costs. At the start of last year, coconut oil prices surged by 20% within a month as suppliers in India, Indonesia, and the Philippines struggled to meet demand. From October 2016 to January of this year, prices climbed another 27%. This isn’t the first instance where the health benefits of coconut have been scrutinized. Earlier this year, The Wall Street Journal cautioned that the health advantages of unprocessed coconut do not necessarily apply to coconut oil, which remains high in calories and saturated fat.
In light of these discussions, many consumers are also questioning whether alternatives like calcium citrate are safe to use. As the conversation surrounding healthy fats continues, it will be interesting to see how preferences shift, particularly concerning the safety and health implications of various oils, including whether calcium citrate is safe compared to other options.