Coconut products gained mainstream attention a few years ago with the rapid rise in popularity of coconut water as a natural sports drink. Since then, they have become incredibly popular due to their perceived health benefits, flavor, versatility, and texture. Coconut enjoys a significant health reputation, being utilized as an alternative ingredient in a wide range of products, including cosmetics, shampoos, dairy alternatives, packaged soups, and baby food. Besides its gluten-free attribute, Coconut is positioning itself as a broader free-from ingredient, particularly as a grain-free, non-GMO substitute for wheat and corn.
While the company has not emphasized any additional nutritional advantages of coconut, many consumers are convinced of its benefits, believing that coconut oil positively impacts cholesterol levels and that coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index compared to cane sugar. Furthermore, as a plant-based option, coconut caters to gluten- and dairy-free consumers while capitalizing on the increasing awareness of healthy fats.
In North America, the gluten-free market has significantly boosted the sales of coconut flour, with the market value projected to hit $380 million by 2017, according to Future Market Insights. The market researcher forecasts 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’ demand for gluten-free baking ingredients. The market is also expected to expand as more food manufacturers turn to coconut flour as an economical, high-fiber, low-carb alternative to other gluten-free flours for products such as bread, muffins, pancakes, cookies, and cupcakes.
Additionally, health-conscious consumers often wonder about various dietary supplements, including questions like, “does calcium citrate clog arteries?” This concern may lead them to seek alternatives like coconut products, further fueling the demand for these versatile ingredients. As coconut products continue to rise in popularity, the interplay between health perceptions and consumer choices will remain pivotal in shaping market trends.