Skinny No Bake Coconut Bars Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What do you eat with coconut flakes? ›

Some of our favourite ways to use them are for baking, or in your daily smoothies. You can also use them for muesli or eat them as a snack on their own. Coconut flakes make a fantastic cake decoration, or as a tasty topping for your yoghurt, or sprinkled over your oatmeal or cereal.

Desiccated coconut is the disintegrated and dehydrated coconut kernel or pulp largely comprising the white portion of the kernel, after removing the brown testa or parings. From: Encyclopedia of Food Sciences and Nutrition (Second Edition), 2003.

Shredded coconut is “grated” bits of coconut, usually in long thin strips/strands. They are then dried out, but still, retain more moisture than desiccated coconut. Desiccated coconut is finely ground coconut, rather than bigger strips.

While low in carbohydrates and sugars, dry coconut is rich in essential nutrients. It contains important minerals like manganese, copper, and selenium, which play a role in various bodily functions, including bone health, immune support, and antioxidant defense.

Desiccated coconut is rich in both manganese and copper, which aren't commonly found in high quantities in foods. Manganese is vital for bone health (specifically spinal health, but does benefit general bone health, too) as well as the metabolism of protein, carbohydrates and cholesterol.

However, if we compare both based on the versatility then desiccated coconut will win the race. Also desiccated coconuts due to less moisture have a longer shelf life as compared to shredded coconut.

Shredded Coconut: What's the Difference? The main difference between shredded and desiccated coconut is the texture. Desiccated coconut has a fine texture, while shredded coconut has a larger particle size, like shredded cheese, instead of finely grated cheese.

Desiccated coconut and coconut flakes

Desiccated coconut is the dried and finely grated flesh of the coconut. Usually unsweetened, although the coconut meat still retains a hint of natural sweetness when dried. Coconut flakes are a larger cut of the coconut flesh, also dried.

Coconuts are high in fiber, which helps bulk up your stool and supports bowel regularity, keeping your digestive system healthy ( 6 , 17 ).

Benefits of shredded coconut

Here are a few of them: Source of fiber: shredded coconut contains dietary fiber that can aid digestion and reduce the risk of intestinal disease. Rich in healthy fats: shredded coconut contains saturated fatty acids that can help improve blood cholesterol levels.

Is shredded coconut inflammatory? ›

Coconut can fight inflammation.

Because these polyphenols have antioxidant properties, they can help offset oxidative free radicals which can lead to inflammation."1 Hewlings recommends looking for fresh, unprocessed raw coconut and/or coconut oil to reap the most antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Coconut flakes are different to desiccated or shredded coconut, in that they are larger pieces of shaved coconut meat that have been naturally dried. They can be great as a stand-alone snack, used to make your own bounty bars or to decorate a coconut cake.

Coconut: Pairs well with almond, banana, basil, Brazil nut, caramel, chocolate, cilantro, citrus, cucumber, guava, honey, makrut leaf, lemongrass, lime, lychee, mango, mint, passion fruit, pineapple, other tropical fruits, and vanilla.

Coconut meat is tasty and slightly sweet, and can be enjoyed raw or dried. Many related products are produced from it, including coconut milk, cream, and oil.

Shredded Coconut on Fruit Salads

Coconut can make a great addition to just about any fruit salad! Try including strawberries, kiwi, pineapple, mango, and/or melon to your fruit salad. Garnish your fruit salad with a little shredded coconut, or add a touch of coconut milk to the dressing for a tropical taste.