Why You're Seeing Coconut Everything These Days

    First there was coconut oil, then the tropical trend took over the whole pantry: flour, sugar, milk and more. This handy cheat sheet will help you make sense of the coconut-ification that’s sweeping your supermarket.
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    Coconut Milk

    Use this rich stuff  in Thai-style curries, or whisk the thick cream that rises to the top with a little sugar for a dairy-free whipped cream.

    Try this: Thai Chicken Breasts with Coconut Milk & Lemongrass

    thai chicken breasts coconut milk lemongrass

    This Thai Chicken Breasts with Coconut Milk & Lemongrass recipe calls for for 1 can (13.5 oz.) unsweetened coconut milk.

    Cream of Coconut

    A sweet blend that includes coconut, water and sugar, it’s a key ingredient in piña coladas and a delicious addition to pancake batter.

    Try this: Coconut Daiquiris

    Coconut Daiquiris

    This Coconut Daiquiri recipe calls for 8 ounces cream of coconut (such as Coco López).

    Coconut Sugar

    Made from the sap of coconut-tree flower buds, coconut sugar tastes like brown sugar and can be used like it. Try it in muffins, or sprinkle on oatmeal.

    Try this: Vegan Chocolate Chip & Ancho Chile Cookies

    vegan chocolate chip and ancho chile cookies

    You'll use 1 3/4 cups coconut sugar in the Vegan Chocolate Chip & Ancho Chile Cookie recipe.

    Coconut Oil

    Use unrefined oil where a coconut taste is OK (stir-fries, roasted sweet potatoes). Choose refined when you need a neutral flavor.     

    Try this: Coconut-Crunch Shrimp

    Coconut-Crunch Shrimp

    You'll cook Coconut-Crunch Shrimp in coconut oil, but this recipe gets most of its island flavor from shredded coconut.

    Coconut Chips

    These wide strips are shredded coconut’s cooler cousin. Add them to cakes and cookies, toast them for a pretty garnish, or eat them as a snack.

    Try this: Grilled Watermelon "Pizza"

    grilled watermelon pizza

    Our Grilled Watermelon "Pizza" calls for toasted coconut chips.

    Coconut Flour

    Made from dried, ground coconut meat, use this g-free flour where you don’t mind a tropical taste. (We’re looking at you, pineapple cake.)

    Try this: Coconut Cheesecake Pie

    coconut cheesecake pie

    Up your coconut game by swapping regular flour for coconut flour in this Coconut Cheesecake Pie recipe.

    More Coconut Recipes to Try: