The coconut palm is the source of a host of valuable coconut products. However, the most recognizable one is still most likely the classic desiccated coconut from the rougher cuts (also called chips) commonly found in trail mixes, to the finely ground variety that covers your favorite snowballs at the deli.
But when it’s time to supply desiccated coconut to your clients, the choices ahead are near endless. And right at the top of the list of questions to answer before you place, your order is whether you want sweetened or unsweetened coconut.
As wholesale suppliers and bulk importers with a dynamic network of coconut vendors from across the world, we’re here to help you answer it today through our extended catalog!
What is the difference between sweetened and unsweetened coconut?
When producing bulk-sweetened coconut, manufacturers add natural sweetener to the finely grated coconut shavings, which blends with the coconut’s natural oils and results in a final product that is moist and sweet. This sweetening process also increases the natural coconut flavor, creating a product with a much stronger coconut kick.
Bulk unsweetened coconut is dried without any additives and results in a milder-tasting product that is drier and crunchier. This is a versatile product that is low in carbohydrates and high in fiber. The milder taste of unsweetened coconut makes it a hit in multiple applications, where its main purpose is to add character and not provide the primary flavor. The lower moisture content also extends the shelf life of unsweetened coconut, making bulk shipments and inventory management a lot easier.
How does the functionality of sweetened and unsweetened coconut differ?
To put it simply, not too much. Both varieties offer roughly the same binding and fiber-rich character to products.
The main difference lies in the sweeter flavor. Due to the liquid sweetener added during the manufacturing process, sweetened coconut does add a little more moisture to baked products.
The moistness of sweetened desiccated coconut can add additional structure to products that are drier and require a bit of extra hold, whereas unsweetened desiccated is perfect as a garnish or ingredient to recipes where the moisture content should not be thrown off balance.
But if you’re looking for a drier variety but want to retain the sweeter character, toasted coconut products (such as toasted coconut chips) are crispier and contain less moisture than normal coconut products, even when natural sweeteners have been added.
Which natural sweeteners are used to make sweetened coconut?
When it comes to natural sweeteners, the sky’s the limit. Here are just a handful of popular natural sweeteners that manufacturers use during the production of sweetened desiccated coconut:
Agave syrup is a widely used natural sweetener that’s made from the mature agave plant. Once they are harvested, the plant is cut open to the core, or pina, which is crushed or pressed to extract the juice. This juice is then heated to break down complex carbohydrates into simple sugars. Agave syrup is primarily composed of fructose and glucose, with a higher fructose content compared to many other sweeteners.
A balanced option that is both low in calories and low on the GI index. This organic sweetener is sourced from plant sources, such as organic corn, where microorganisms are used to ferment the starch and break it down into simple sugars.
Bulk Monk Fruit MV50 (Organic)
Unlike the more balanced Erythritol, monk fruit powder packs a sweet punch, with a flavor that’s up to 250 times as sweet as sugar, with zero calories. The powder, which is made from the juice of ripe monk fruit, is often blended with other sweeteners, such as stevia, erythritol, xylitol, and sucralose, due to that concentrated kick.
When it comes to choosing a source that uses only natural sweeteners, the traceability of the supply chain is paramount. Working with certified organic vendors and bulk importers with BRC certification gives you certainty that your product is free from chemical ingredients and that its distribution safeguards the raw ingredients’ integrity.
Which bulk coconut choice is right for my brand?
Bulk-sweetened coconut is mostly reserved for confections and baked goods. But who can argue with a dash of sweetness in a Hawaiian-inspired salad complete with pine nuts or BBQ marinade for sticky ribs or vegan nuggets?
And how can you go wrong with a versatile winner like unsweetened coconut, an ingredient that can be added to any meal or recipe, from granola and smoothie to curries and fried rice?
The trick is knowing what your customers need and knowing what your inventory management parameters are. But even though bulk unsweetened coconut’s extended shelf life may seem like the simplest choice, with the inventory management guidance and cold storage warehousing support, Source86 has you covered either way.
Reach out if you haven’t made up your mind yet, and let’s unravel the sweet conundrum together.
