Foods That May Contain Hidden Coconut-Derived Ingredients
| Category | Common Products Containing Coconut | Hidden Coconut-Derived Ingredients |
| Processed Foods | Granola bars, protein bars, cereals, candy, snack foods | Coconut flour, coconut sugar, desiccated coconut, vegetable glycerin (sometimes from coconut) |
| Beverages | Smoothies, coffee creamers, flavored water, coconut-based energy drinks | Coconut water, coconut cream, coconut extract |
| Dairy Alternatives | Coconut milk, coconut yogurt, coconut-based cheese, non-dairy ice cream | Coconut-derived emulsifiers, coconut protein |
| Baked Goods & Desserts | Cookies, cakes, pastries, chocolate fillings, frosting, whipped toppings | Coconut flakes, coconut sugar, coconut-based stabilizers |
| Oils & Fats | Coconut oil, MCT oil, margarine substitutes, plant-based butter | Fractionated coconut oil, coconut-derived MCT oil |
| Cosmetics & Personal Care | Shampoos, lotions, body washes, lip balms, sunscreens | Sodium coco sulfate, cocamidopropyl betaine (a surfactant) |
| Medications & Supplements | Gel capsules, some vitamin supplements, coconut-derived excipients | Magnesium stearate (may be derived from coconut), medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) |
Key Insights:
- Coconut can be hidden in processed foods, including granola bars, protein bars, cereals, and candies, often labeled as coconut flour, coconut sugar, or vegetable glycerin.
- Dairy alternatives (coconut milk, coconut yogurt, non-dairy ice cream) often contain coconut-based emulsifiers that may not always be clearly labeled.
- Baked goods, frostings, and chocolates may contain coconut derivatives such as desiccated coconut, coconut sugar, or stabilizers.
- Coconut oil and MCT oil are commonly used in plant-based butters, margarines, and health supplements.
- Cosmetics, shampoos, and personal care products often contain coconut-derived surfactants (e.g., Sodium Coco Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine).
- Some medications and supplements use coconut-based excipients, such as Magnesium Stearate and Medium-Chain Triglycerides (MCTs).