What started as tropical-centric ingredient—think piña coladas, coconut cream pie, you name it—has since become a versatile part of our diets. Beyond the juicy flesh, coconuts can morph into oil, milk (hello, massaman curry!), and even a potassium-rich water that’s perfect post-workout. That kind of flexibility plus a natural, slightly sweet taste is why it’s the centerpiece of so many of our products, from our Dang Bar to our Lightly Salted Coconut Chips.
The Keto and paleo friendly food is packed with benefits, so let’s get down to the core of coconuts:
It’s a whole food
Potato and tortilla chips may offer crunch but these more processed foods lack many nutrients. Coconut chips are a minimalist alternative that offers a similar satisfying “crrrrrunch” and can be a part of your diet whether you’re Keto, vegan, or low carb.
It’s full of good fats
Coconut oil is a vegan source of fat and more than half is made of medium chain fatty acids, including medium-chain triglycerides (MCT), a favorite among Keto fans. And unlike long chain fatty acids, which ultimately get processed into fat, MCFAs are burned as energy.
It’s a natural sweet treat
If you’ve ever topped your açai bowl or smoothies with unsweetened coconut, you know it imparts a delicate sweetness—no sugar rush here. That’s why we created our Lightly Salted Coconut Chips. The Keto certified, Whole30-approved snack is made of just two ingredients: coconut and sea salt. In fact, our Coconut Chips have up to 90% less sugar than comparable apple chips. We even add coconut milk to nearly every flavor of our Sticky-Rice Chips for a healthy dose of fat, fiber, and that slight sweetness.
It offers a good cholesterol boost
Coconut oil is particularly good at boosting levels of HDL, known as “good” cholesterol, but be careful on portion size, as it also has LDL cholesterol.
It’s chock full of potassium
Much like bananas, potatoes, and cooked spinach, coconut water—the liquid in a young coconut before it matures into the white “meat” we think of—touts a relatively high amount of potassium, which has made it popular as a post-workout drink, especially after strenuous activity. Look for sodium-enriched versions to optimize recovery.
It promotes dental health
Have you heard of oil pulling? This centuries-old method with roots in India involves swishing a tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth for up to 20 minutes. The rinse is said to remove toxins from your mouth, break down plaque, and produce antioxidants. Added bonus? Whiter teeth and fresher breath.
It can prevent infection
Studies have shown that coconut oil’s antimicrobial properties, coming mainly from its powerhouse component lauric acid, can prevent an infection from spreading and diets rich in coconut oil curbed gastrointestinal infections. Try stir-frying veggies in coconut oil or sprinkling coconut chips on breakfast bowls.
It doubles as skincare
Pricey creams and serums aren’t the only means to glowing skin—coconut oil works as a powerful moisturizer and as well as a smoothing hair mask (be careful to use it on ends only, or it may take a couple shampoo sessions to get the oil fully out). And lauric acid, which coconut oil has in spades, has been proven to be a better acne treatment compared to traditional zit-fix benzoyl peroxide.
It’s a dairy alternative
Whether you’re vegan, dairy-intolerant, or just want to consume less animal-based products, coconut milk creamers make for a smooth and rich option that’s 100% plant based. A handheld frother helps achieve that lush texture you might be used to. We’ll drink to that!
