Top 7 Health Products Made from Coconut with Uses & Tips

All the Coconut Things & What To Do With Them

Coconut has quickly become a favorite among health-conscious individuals. We're sure you've noticed the excitement surrounding coconut oil (we're fans too) for some time now!

However, the internet's obsession with coconut oil might leave you wondering about the other parts of the coconut, such as the meat. What distinguishes coconut butter from coconut oil or coconut milk?

Understandably so. Let’s explore how the most popular coconut products are made and their uses.

1Coconut Oil

• Which part of the coconut does it come from?
  • Coconut meat
• How is coconut oil made?
  • The oil is extracted from the coconut meat
  • This is typically done by cold pressing the meat until the oil is released
• How do you use coconut oil?
  • As a cooking oil
  • Butter/oil replacement in baking
  • Skin moisturizer
  • Toothpaste
  • And many, many more uses

2Coconut Butter

• Which part of the coconut does it come from?
  • Coconut meat
• How is coconut butter made?
  • The coconut meat is blended until smooth
• How do you use coconut butter?
  • Eat it plain by the spoonful
  • As a spread (e.g., on toast)
  • Melt and drizzle over fruit and other desserts

3Coconut Flour

• Which part of the coconut does it come from?
  • Coconut meat
• How is coconut flour made?
  • The coconut meat is completely dried and pulverized
• How do you use coconut flour?
  • In baking
• Tip
  • Coconut flour is very absorbent and should not be substituted 1:1 with wheat flour. Instead, use 1/4 cup for every cup of wheat flour.

4Coconut Milk

• Which part of the coconut does it come from?
  • Coconut meat
• How is coconut milk made?
  • Grated coconut meat is mixed with a little water, then squeezed
  • The thickness and rich taste of coconut milk is due to its high oil content.
• How do you use coconut milk?
  • In rich sauces
  • Desserts
  • Soups
  • Curries

5Coconut Water

• Which part of the coconut does it come from?
  • The center of the coconut. As the coconut matures, the water inside deposits into the rind.
• How is coconut water made?
  • Coconut water is the clear liquid from the inside of young, immature coconuts.
• How do you use coconut water?
  • Drink as is
  • Add to smoothies
• Tip
  • Drink coconut water post-workout—it’s a natural source of electrolytes.

6Coconut Shreds/Flakes

• Which part of the coconut does it come from?
  • Coconut meat
• How are coconut shreds made?
  • The coconut meat is shredded and dried.
• How do you use coconut shreds/flakes?
  • In baking
  • Smoothies
  • Toast and enjoy as a snack or a topping
• Tip
  • You can make your own coconut butter by blending coconut shreds or flakes until smooth.

7Coconut Sugar

• Which part of the coconut does it come from?
  • Coconut tree blossoms
• How is coconut sugar made?
  • Crystal coconut sugar is produced by "tapping" and collecting the sap from coconut tree blossoms
  • The sap is then heated to evaporate the moisture.
• How do you use coconut sugar?
  • Use it in place of sugar in baking and cooking.

Need more direction on how to use all these different coconut products? Check out our recipes using coconut!