Have you ever walked past a can of coconut milk in the store and wanted to buy it but then realized you don’t actually know what to do with it? Or maybe you took the plunge and you have a can of coconut cream sitting in your pantry, gathering dust, because you actually just forgot about it.
It’s likely that you’ve also bought a tub of coconut oil and it’s only being used for cooking.
In this article you’ll find a list of a few easy and simple ways to use coconut in your everyday life.
Hopefully offering you a fresh take on this familiar and hairy plant.
1. In Coffee
Did you know that you can add coconut oil to your morning cup of Joe?
Coconut oil is a natural way to add a creamy texture and a hint of coconut flavor to your coffee.
It is a popular practice in the Keto community, and it’s referred to as Bulletproof coffee.
This approach to coffee involves blending butter with your favorite kind of bean. While it may sound unhealthy, it’s actually extremely nutritious and filling—and there are people who swear by its ability to increase energy levels and improve focus during the day. You’ll also get some extra energy from the natural medium-chain triglycerides in coconut oil—they’re burned quickly by muscle cells, which makes them great for athletes or anyone who needs a little extra pick-me-up in their day. The best part? This recipe is super simple!
A standard bulletproof recipe contains 2 cups (470 ml) hot black coffee or 8 oz (226 g) brewed espresso plus 1-2 tbsp unsalted grass-fed butter or ghee (clarified butter), 1 tbsp MCT oil (medium chain triglyceride) or coconut oil, 1 tsp vanilla extract or cinnamon powder. You’ll have to adjust this ratio depending on how much creaminess you like in your cup!
It’s as simple as that!
2. In Smoothies
Consider adding coconut oil, coconut cream or coconut milk to your smoothies. As we can see from the previous point, coconut oil can help to fill you up, especially when used with other ingredients. Not only that, but it can make the drink smooth and creamy. Coconut milk and coconut cream do exactly the same thing.
Mix the milk or cream with some protein powder and berries to make a creamy fruit smoothie, or blend them with a mix of leafy greens.
3. With Chicken
A great way to incorporate coconut into a meal is to follow your favorite recipe but replace the cream or milk in those recipes with coconut milk or coconut cream. Not only does that keep you from overdoing the same meal every week, but it also adds extra nutrition.
One thing we know for sure is that coconut, in any form goes really well with chicken.
Coat chicken in shredded coconut pieces before frying or grilling—or even add shredded coconut after cooking for a different flavor and texture!
Marinade your chicken pieces in coconut cream to get that sweet flavor right into your chicken.
4. In Curry
Coconut is a key ingredient in Thai and Indian cooking. It’s used in curries, soups, and stews, as well as desserts.
There are many delicious ways to enjoy coconut with curry. One way is to use coconut cream or milk as the base for your curry sauce. This provides a rich, creamy flavor that pairs well with most meats and vegetables. Another option is to add shredded coconut to your dish just before serving.
The sweet, nutty flavor of coconut pairs perfectly with the spicy flavors of curry powder. Whether you’re cooking dinner or lunch, be sure to add some coconut to your next curry dish for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Here’s an example of a Thai Chicken & Lime Curry that uses coconut milk and it’s quick to make!
5. In Soup
Adding coconut to soup can make it richer and creamier. There are a few different ways to do this. The easiest is to use canned coconut milk or coconut cream. Coconut cream and coconut milk are great if you’re looking for a dairy alternative when cooking.
If using cream, be sure to stir often so that it doesn't scorch.
Another way to add coconut flavor is by using shredded or flaked coconut. Add it in at the beginning of cooking so it has time to soften. You will need about one quarter cup for every quart of soup.
A third way to add coconut is by using coconut oil. This gives the soup a slightly sweet and nutty flavor. Start with one teaspoon per quart of soup and adjust according to taste.
6. Coconut as a Natural Toothpaste Alternative
You can use coconut oil as a tooth and gum cleanser.
The fatty acids in the oil can help to reduce inflammation, while killing harmful bacteria that may linger on your teeth and gums.
Toothpaste typically contains fluoride- a chemical that helps to strengthen your teeth, but fluoride has been linked to health concerns such as cancer, thyroid problems, kidney disease, low birth weight in babies and bone loss.
Many people choose to do oil pulling. Oil pulling is a centuries-old practice that is said to improve oral health. Coconut oil is a natural choice for oil pulling because of its antibacterial properties. When you oil pull with coconut oil, you swish the oil around in your mouth for 10-20 minutes. This pulls bacteria and toxins from your teeth and gums. Coconut oil pulling also whitens teeth and helps to prevent plaque build-up.
7. As a Moisturizer
There are so many benefits of using coconut oil, it can be a little overwhelming!
Coconut oil can be great for dry skin and hair. It’s also an excellent massage oil.
It might not be the best facial moisturizer, especially for acne-prone skin, but use it on dry elbows, knees, legs and feet!
And if you’re dealing with eczema or other dry skin problems, coconut oil may end up being a great help to you.
8. In Place of Salt
You may have heard that coconut is a health-promoting alternative to salt. In fact, it’s got even more potassium and magnesium than you’ll find in a potato!
Coconut aminos are a salt alternative, made from the sap of coconut trees. They have a similar taste to soy sauce but are much lower in sodium. This makes them a good choice for people who are looking for a healthy way to reduce their salt intake. Coconut aminos also contain beneficial nutrients like vitamin B6, magnesium, and potassium.
It’s also a source of fiber, which helps with digestion and keeps you feeling full longer. If you’re looking for an alternative to artificial sweeteners or sugar, coconut can add some sweetness without any calories. And did we mention that it contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs)? The MCTs found in coconuts can help boost your metabolism and support healthy weight management.
9. With Pasta
There’s almost nothing better than a creamy, white pasta sauce. If you’re struggling with dairy, try adding coconut milk or coconut cream to your sauce. We’ve found a delicious, vegan carbonara recipe that might help spark some ideas of your own when using coconut milk.
10. Coconut Milk & Cream as Yogurt
This is not just adding coconut meat or coconut flavoring to ready-made yogurt, you can make your own yogurt from coconut milk.
Making your own coconut yogurt is a great way to get all the benefits of dairy-free yogurt while controlling the ingredients. Coconut cream and milk make a rich and creamy yogurt, while adding a touch of sweetness from the coconut. The result is a delicious yogurt that can be enjoyed on its own or added to recipes like pasta sauce.
Making yogurt is simple; all you need is some starter culture (such as Kefir), coconut cream or milk, and a food thermometer. Start by heating the coconut cream or milk to about 180 degrees F (82 degrees C). If you are using store-bought yogurt as your starter culture, then mix about 1/4 cup of yogurt with 1 cup of warm coconut milk or cream. Pour the mixture into a glass jar (no plastic) or container and cover with a lid. Place the container in a warm spot in your kitchen and let it sit for 12 to 24 hours.
There are tons of recipes on the internet that guide you through the process.
As you can see, there are many different ways that you can use coconut products in your everyday life, especially if you're looking for dairy free and gluten free options. You can find all of our coconut products here.