5 coconut products you didn’t know about

Think you know your coconuts? Here are 5 coconut products you didn’t know about…

Although originally just a tropical fruit that livened up desserts and cakes, the coconut is now consumed on a day to day basis all around the world. But there’s more to coconuts than their water and oil, so if you’re looking for other ways to incorporate the fruit into your life, keep reading! You may be surprised…

Powdered coconut milk

What’s better than coconut milk? Powdered coconut milk, of course! Why? Convenience. While we love adding coconut milk to our food regularly, it’s hardly inexpensive and carting several cans home of the stuff is, frankly, tiring work. Usually, powdered alternatives of home staples turn out to be a poorer version of the original, but that is certainly not the case here. Weighing next to nothing, powdered coconut milk tastes exactly the same as its liquid counterpart and mixes in perfectly to soups, dressings, smoothies, curries and even baked goods. With an approximate 65 per cent coconut oil content, this Coconut Milk Powder from The Coconut Company retains many of the health benefits of raw coconut in a handy pouch. Don’t mind if we do!

£4.49, thecoconutcompany.co

Coconut Aminos

For a pure, gluten-free, non-GMO alternative for seasoning your favourite food, Coconut Aminos should be top of your list. This amazing liquid is made from the sap of the coconut palm tree, which is then mixed with a sea salt that’s rich in minerals. This process creates a product close in texture and taste to soy sauce, thus making it a wonderful savoury condiment. Even better, you can use it as a direct alternative to soy sauce, too. In cooking, for example, swap Coconut Aminos into your favourite Chinese dish or stir-fry, or simply add into salad dressings. Coconut Aminos is far more nutritionally beneficial than soy due to the significantly increased quantities of amino acids (hence the name), making it a great alternative even if you’re not adverse to gluten. Try the original by Coconut Secrets.

£8.99, planetorganic.com

Virgin Coconut Oil shampoo and conditioner

Coconuts’ magic abilities don’t stop at the kitchen. Coconut-rich skincare and beauty products are loved by make-up artists and celebs alike. The high level of antioxidants make it great for hydrating and keeping your locks healthy. And Blake Lively’s mum says so, so it must be the truth! ‘Something my mom does that is kind of cool. She puts coconut oil on the ends of her hair. When you shampoo your hair, you’re trying to get the oil out of your roots, but you really want the rest of your hair to maintain its moisture. When you put coconut oil on the ends, the shampoo gets oil out of the roots, but also protects the ends,’ Blake said. With that in mind, invest in Dr Organic’s Virgin Coconut Oil Shampoo and Conditioner to volumise and protect your precious locks.

£6.29 each, Holland & Barrett

Coconut flour

If you’re a keen baker, it might be worth stocking up on this one when you next get a chance. Coconut flour is made from the solid remnants left over after making coconut milk and is set to become a staple in many foodies’ cupboards. Why? Coconut flour is gluten- and grain-free, making it a popular choice among those with digestive woes or gluten intolerances. It’s also rich in fibre, healthy fats and protein and boasts a considerably sweeter taste than other types of flour, meaning baked goods can be made with less sweetening. Try Nutriseed’s Coconut Flour to find your latest baking bestie.

£3.49, nutriseed.co.uk

Cocowhite coconut oil

Did you know that coconut oil can benefit your pearly whites, too? Not only can the oil help clean and whiten teeth, it has also been suggested it can prevent or reduce tooth decay. How? Coconut oil helps to promote the body’s absorption of calcium and magnesium, which in turn helps to strengthen teeth. And if you don’t believe us, ask Gwyneth Paltrow: ‘I just started oil pulling, which is when you swish coconut oil around [in your mouth] for 20 minutes, and it’s supposed to be great for oral health and making your teeth white.’ If Gywnie loves it, so do we. Give it a try with Cocowhite Coconut Oil, which, in a minty fresh flavour, provides a more pleasant oil-pulling experience than using regular coconut oil.

£24.99, Holland & Barrett