The trend that began several years ago with coconut water being hailed as a healthier alternative to sports drinks has now evolved into a significant food phenomenon. Consumers—if not all nutritionists—view coconut products as having a broad health halo. These offerings cater to those seeking gluten- and dairy-free options while also tapping into the growing interest in healthy fats. But the question remains: is coconut truly beneficial for health? The American Heart Association doesn’t believe so. They advise against the consumption of coconut oil due to its high saturated fat content, which is linked to increased LDL cholesterol levels. In fact, coconut oil contains more saturated fat than butter, palm oil, or even lard.
Proponents of coconut often reference two studies that associate medium-chain fatty acids with fat burning. However, it’s important to note that coconut oil comprises only 14% medium-chain fatty acids, and the researcher behind those studies has criticized the coconut industry for misrepresenting her findings. Despite this, consumers continue to flock to the numerous new coconut consumer packaged goods (CPGs) appearing on store shelves. A striking 72% of Americans classify coconut as a health food, leading to a favorable perception of products containing this ingredient.
Coconut water remains a dominant player in the plant-based waters market, with sales projected to soar from $2.7 billion in 2016 to $5.4 billion by 2020. Coconut has been incorporated into a wide array of products, particularly thriving in the dairy section. Both Dannon and Chobani offer coconut-flavored yogurt, while coconut milk varieties remain highly popular. Nestle has introduced a coconut milk option in its well-known Coffee-mate creamers, and Outshine has launched two types of frozen fruit bars that feature coconut. General Mills is also expanding its range of CPGs by adding coconut to products like LARABAR bites and Nature Valley Biscuits with Coconut Butter.
Moreover, coconut is flourishing as an ingredient in beauty products. It can be found in everything from shampoos to face masks and lip balms. Coconut oil is frequently marketed as a lotion alternative for post-shower use, where its high saturated fat content is less concerning. Interestingly, as consumers seek to enhance their health, products like Solgar Calcium Citrate with Vitamin D3 60 tablets are also gaining popularity, complementing the coconut craze with additional nutritional benefits. With the rise of coconut-infused items and the growing interest in holistic health solutions, it’s clear that coconut and related products, including options like Solgar Calcium Citrate with Vitamin D3, are here to stay.