Last Updated on October 17, 2021 by Sindhu

The coconut tree is part of the palm tree family and that is the reason, it is also called a coconut palm tree. But coconut is not a nut. As a matter of fact, coconut is a drupe.

As we all know, within the last decade, coconut products have gained enormous popularity and have traveled all over the world. Being a very versatile fruit, coconut is available in various forms and it can be a bit confusing and overwhelming while selecting these coconut products.

So let’s break the coconut (Indians do it all the time :D) and check out all the wonderful products like Coconut water, Coconut milk, Coconut oil, Shredded coconut, and also less known products like Coconut butter, Coconut aminos, Coconut palm sugar, Coconut extract and many more.

List of coconut products

1. Whole coconut

The whole coconut is the fruit of the coconut palm tree and is mostly green in color. The hard inner shell of the coconut which contains coconut water is covered on the exterior with husk.
Gently pierce the coconut to create a hole and refreshing coconut water can be sipped with a straw.

Where to buy whole coconut?

You can find whole coconuts in the produce aisle in most of the Asian markets and also some of the supermarkets. Sometimes you can also get whole coconuts at farmers’ markets.

2. Coconut water

Coconut water is the clear liquid from the inside of the young green coconut. It is both refreshing with natural electrolytes and also a wholesome alternative to sweet drinks.

Where to buy coconut water?

You can get coconut water in most of the stores in the drinks aisle in the form of a bottle, a can, or a tetra pack. Most of the time, you can also find them in International Food Section.

3. Coconut juice

Coconut juice is nothing but coconut water from young green coconuts. They might or might not add the pulp to the water.

In case you are in search of light coconut water without pulp, be sure to read the list of ingredients first. But when compared to coconut milk, coconut water, and coconut juice have fewer calories and less fat.

4. Coconut milk

Coconut milk is the white liquid extracted from grated coconut meat.

The freshly grated coconut is mixed with water and squeezed using a cheesecloth to get the coconut milk out of it.
Coconut milk is available in two forms. While one is the liquid form in the milk consistency and the second being the drier version, coconut milk powder.

But the coconut powder should not be confused with coconut flour, which is a completely different version and mostly used in baking.

Coconut milk can also be cultured and made into yogurt just like regular yogurt. Since it contains high-fat content, coconut yogurt makes an excellent substitute for vegans and for those with dairy allergies.

Where to buy coconut milk?

Coconut milk tins or cans are readily available in the Asian or international food section in most of the supermarkets. Whereas, coconut milk powder or coconut powder is mostly found in Asian or Caribbean grocery stores.
But make sure if the coconut milk is sweetened or unsweetened depending upon the recipe.

5. Coconut cream

Simply put, the creamier part of coconut milk is called coconut cream. Just like dairy cream comes from milk.
Both coconut cream and coconut milk start with the same ingredients, coconut, and water. Grated coconut is added to water and simmered to produce thick cream-like consistency coconut cream on top and milk-like consistency liquid called coconut milk.

The coconut cream holds its texture beautifully when whipped. That is the reason whipped coconut cream makes an excellent vegan substitute for regular whipped cream.

Coconut cream, Coconut whipped cream… what’s next? Cream of coconut.
Cream of coconut is nothing but coconut cream with sugar added to it(sometimes guar gum). Because of its sweet taste, it is mostly used in cocktails like pina colada. That is the reason you can find the cream of coconut near the alcoholic beverages aisle in supermarkets or liquor stores.

Where to buy Coconut cream?

You can find canned coconut cream in most of the supermarket stores in the Asian grocery aisle or canned goods aisle.
Whereas you can find whipped coconut cream in the regular creamer section.

6. Coconut oil

Coconut oil is extracted from dried coconut meat, called copras.
As we all know, coconut oil is available in two forms like any other oil. They are refined coconut oil, stripped of the aroma and taste, and the other one is virgin coconut oil, which has the flavor and aroma of coconut.

Where to buy coconut oil?

Thanks to the enormous popularity that coconut oil had in the last few years, now it is available in almost all the supermarkets in the cooking oils section.

7. Shredded coconut

Coconut meat is available in various forms depending on the size of the end product and shredded coconut is one of them. The shredded bits of coconut meat are called shredded coconut.

And the other forms of coconut meat are Diced coconut, Coconut flakes, Coconut strips, Coconut flour, Desiccated coconut.

Where to find shredded coconut?

You can find shredded coconut and other similar products in the baking aisle in most of the supermarkets. Even most of the Asian stores carry a wide range of shredded coconut products.

8. Coconut butter

Ok, now let’s start with less popular coconut products and coconut butter is one of them. It is also called creamed coconut.
Dry shredded coconut is ground into a smooth paste along with the meat to make coconut butter. You can compare this to peanut butter.

Where to buy coconut butter?

Coconut butter or creamed coconut is available in most of the health grocery stores and also few of the supermarkets have them in the grocery aisle.

9. Coconut aminos

Many people come across coconut aminos when they are searching for gluten-free, wheat-free, and soy-free versions of soy sauce. Because the coconut aminos, which is made from the fermented sap liquid of coconut palm tree tastes very similar to soy sauce.

Where to buy coconut aminos?

You can find coconut aminos in most of the grocery stores near the seasoning aisle or next to soy sauce.

10. Coconut palm sugar

Coconut palm sugar is made from the sap of coconut palm. It is also called coconut sugar. Apart from coconut sugar, there are many other kinds of sugars that are made from a variety of palm trees like Palmyra, Date, Nipa.

Where to buy coconut palm sugar?

You can find coconut palm sugar or coconut sugar in most of the grocery stores and supermarkets in the sugar/sweetener aisle.

11. Coconut extract

Coconut extract is flavoring (like vanilla extract, orange extract) that is generally used in baking. It is made of alcohol, water, and coconut flavors. Just like any other extract, it is needed in very few quantities.

Where to buy coconut extract?

Coconut extract is available in most of the grocery stores in the baking goods aisle, where you can find all other extracts.

12. Other coconut products

Other coconut products include coconut vinegar, coconut jaggery, copra, nata de coco (also known as coconut gel), and sprouted coconut.