At Snap Kitchen we’re always on the lookout for the next superfood or healthier ingredients to add to the menu. Coconut products have been a staple here at Snap since the beginning, but why has this ancient food gotten so trendy in recent years? See some of its benefits below and you’ll see why coconut is on the menu.

6 Health Benefits of Coconut Products

• Coconut Water – Coconut water is nature’s sports drink with about 50 calories per cup from naturally occurring sugars. Coconut water also contains some electrolytes such as potassium and magnesium that make it a great natural alternative to drinks full of artificial ingredients and refined sugars. Used In: Energy Boost Juice.

• Coconut Milk – Made by grinding up coconut meat and pressing out the liquid, coconut milk is high in fat and at about 550 calories per cup, we opt for the 50% reduced fat or lite version at Snap. We find that organic reduced fat coconut milk adds a non-dairy creaminess to both our Chia & Date Pudding and Malaysian Vegetable Curry.

• Coconut Oil – In staying true to our motto of “no white flour, no white sugar and no butter ever,” desserts pose a bit of a challenge. In our super tempting brownie, it’s the extra virgin coconut oil that replaces the butter to give our brownie that fatty, decadent mouth feel that every dessert lover needs. While solid at room temperature and a saturated fat, virgin (aka unrefined) coconut oil is not even in the same category as the partially hydrogenated coconut oil (aka trans fat) found in processed foods. Still, at 120 calories per tablespoon, something that should be included in moderation. Snap Kitchen is currently using organic extra virgin coconut oil in our Caveman Quickies and Chocolate Brownies.

• Coconut Palm Sugar – This lower glycemic sugar comes from the nectar of coconut palm tree flowers. This unrefined brown sugar adds a subtle caramel flavor to dishes, and we love having it in our arsenal of better for you sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, organic agave and dates. Snap Kitchen is currently using organic palm sugar in our Chia & Date Pudding, Spicy Basil Lemonade, Go Bar and Chocolate Chip Cookies.

• Coconut Flakes – Most American’s first introduction to coconut is in the sugary baking version of grated coconut. We use unsweetened coconut flakes as the binder in our dessert pie crust which is typically just lard, white flour and sugar. It’s also great for nut mixes or snacking on the go. Used In: Raw Coconut Macaroons, Goat Cheese Cheesecake, Key Lime “Pie.”

• Coconut Flour – Ground, dried coconut then becomes coconut flour. A gluten free and totally Paleo alternative to white flour that’s lower in carbs, with some protein and high amounts of fiber. Snap is currently using Organic Coconut Flour in the Paleo tortilla for our Chicken & Green Chile “Enchiladas.”