Coconut butter has a smooth taste with a robust coconut flavor. This spread is made from unsweetened coconut flakes and has a creamy texture like nut butters.
Coconut butter was the first coconut product I fell in love with! It has a smooth consistency that works well in paleo, vegan, and raw desserts.
What is coconut butter?
Like almond butter, this coconut-based spread is made from coconut meat and oil. It’s made like nut butter by blending unsweetened shredded coconut until it forms a thick spread. You can make your own coconut butter by blending dried coconut through a food processor or high-speed blender. Homemade coconut butter is usually a little gritty compared to commercially made creamy coconut butter. This product has been a staple food in my pantry for over a decant, and I love that it has a naturally sweet taste but without added sugars.
What’s the difference between coconut oil and coconut butter?
Coconut oil is extracted from coconut meat and is entirely fat. Coconut butter, on the other hand, is made with whole coconut and includes the oil that is naturally in coconut meat. I like to compare it to peanut butter and peanut oil; peanut butter is made from ground peanuts, while oil is the extracted fat from peanuts. The same goes for coconut butter.
What is coconut butter used for?
Coconut butter is the base for many desserts and can be spread over toast or added to oatmeal or smoothies. Like coconut oil, coconut butter hardens at room temperature, so it can be difficult to scoop out of the jar. In the cooler temperatures, I place my jar of coconut butter into a bowl of hot water and let it soften for 5 minutes. Coconut butter cannot be used in place of coconut oil or regular butter in recipes since it isn’t oil-based. Here are some of my favorite recipes that use coconut butter:
- Chocolate Coconut Butter Bars
- Coconut Bark Recipe
- Egg Free Mayonnaise
- Coconut Energy Bites
- Coconut Klondike Bites
- Coconut Butter Cupcakes
- Coconut Butter Fat Bombs
Coconut Butter Names and Labels
This delicious spread goes by a few names. When shopping for coconut butter, make sure the only ingredient is coconut. These are some of the coconut butter names that you’ll find at the health food stores:
- Coconut Butter Spread
- Coconut Manna
- Coconut Cream Concentrate
- Creamed Coconut
Coconut Butter Nutritional Data
Nutrition per tablespoon of coconut butter:
- Calories: 105
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 1g
- Net Carbs: 1g
- Fat: 11g
- Protein: 1g
Coconut Butter Storage
Coconut butter stores surprisingly well – if the container is unopened, generally it should be good for 12-15 months. Once opened, generally you can expect 6-12 months past the “best by” date if you refrigerate and store in a sealed container. Of course, as always, the sniff test is a good guide for whether something has gone off.
Best Coconut Butter Brands
So now that you know how to use coconut butter, below you’ll find the best coconut butter brands you can buy from the grocery store or online!
#1 Artisana Raw Coconut Butter
This raw coconut butter is made from organic fresh coconut and is so delicious! You can find it at your local health food store or on amazon.
My favorite brand of coconut butter. Available online and most local stores. Coconut Mama’s #1 pick!
#2 Nutiva Coconut Manna
This organic coconut puree is smooth and delicious and has a soft butter consistency. I also use their virgin coconut oil!
This is a smooth and sweet tasting coconut butter at a great price. Coconut Mama’s #2 pick!
#3 Let’s Do Organic Creamed Coconut
This is a cost-effective option that comes in cartons rather than jars. I buy mine from amazon.
An organic coconut cream found at whole food or online. Coconut Mama’s #3 pick!
#4 Wilderness Family Naturals Coconut Spread
A delicious coconut butter made in small batches from certified organic raw coconut dried at low heat.
A raw and organic coconut spread only available at the retailers online store. Coconut Mama’s #4 pick!
#5 Tropical Traditions Coconut Cream Concentrate
Another excellent brand of coconut butter, this creamed coconut puree, has a lovely coconut flavorer.
Organic and gluten-free coconut cream available online. Coconut Mama’s #5 pick!
FAQs
Coconut butter is made from dried coconut flesh and is blended into a creamy seed butter. You’ll need a few cups of shredded coconut and a food processor or vitamix blender. See my coconut butter recipe for details and step-by-step instructions.
No, coconut butter has a strong coconut flavor and isn’t interchangeable with butter.
Yes, coconut butter is a great product to keep on hand if you’re on the ketogenic diet and only has one net carb per tablespoon.
You can eat it out of the jar, or use it in healthy recipes like these!
Coconut butter is a delicious alternative to other nut butters or traditional spreads. Whether you’re looking for an extra boost of healthy fats, light sweetness, or a vegan spread to use in treats and snacks, this pantry item is likely to satisfy.
