The power of powder: coconut oil powder

Getting the wonderful coconut from its home in the Philippines to your kitchen worktop isn’t always easy. You’ve got a freshness, versatility and logistics problem. Enter the wonderful world of powder! By turning coconut into MCT oil powder, coconut oil powder and even the powdery delights of things like coconut milk powder and coconut flour, you can solve those problems.

There are several different coconut-based powders that you may want to consider. They are different in terms of how they start off life, and then how you may want to use them. Here’s a quick run-down:

·        MCT oil powder: Coconut oil is a fabulous source of medium-chain triglycerides. MCT oil is extracted from the coconut oil and is then dried at high temperatures to bring you a more stable form of MCT oil. The dried oil is mixed with acacia fibre to stop it clumping. This is mostly used by those seeking energy products and those looking for support with a keto diet.

·        Coconut oil powder: Requiring fewer steps than MCT oil, coconut oil powder turns regular coconut oil into a powder form which you can then use as an emulsifier (thickener) in hot drinks. Organic coconut oil powder is the same but only uses organic certified coconuts.

·        Coconut milk powder: Coconut milk powder comes from the liquid and flesh of the coconut, rather than strictly just the oil. It too is dried at high temperatures and brings you a way of having coconut milk to hand in a more convenient and long-life form. It’s used for all sorts of things from thickening soups and creating creamy dairy-free vegan drinks to baking.

This article focuses on coconut oil powder in its MCT form. This is MCT oil powder which is sometimes simply known as coconut oil powder (assuming it’s come from coconuts!). We’ve talked before about the benefits of these fabulous products, so here we move on to looking at how you can use them in your everyday life.

A reminder of what’s what

MCT stands for medium-chain triglycerides, in its purest form containing a mixture of caprylic acid (C8) and capric acid (C10). MCT powder is derived from 100% coconut oil made by a process called fractionation. It’s a fast and steady form of energy. In its powder form (you can get MCT oil), it’s very easy and straightforward to use.

Do remember that not all MCT oil powders are created equally. No one likes clumpy powder; it’s tricky to use and messy. But without something added to prevent coagulation, this will happen. Some manufacturers use maltodextrin for this purpose. We prefer to use acacia fibre as this brings the added benefit of being a natural prebiotic and won’t diminish the MCT oil benefits at all.

Who uses MCT oil powder?

MCT oil powder is particularly popular amongst athletes and bodybuilders. It’s also a helpful support to those following the keto diet. It is often suggested for use with those trying to lose weight as it helps to metabolise fat.

There are also the wider benefits to everyone, such as improved cognitive function, cholesterol benefits, and its antibacterial and antifungal properties.

How to use MCT oil powder and coconut oil powder

Choosing powdered coconut oil or MCT oil is the most convenient way of getting the benefits of these products without the hassle of messy oil. Anyone who has tried putting a jar of coconut oil in their bag will have rued the day – somehow that oil just wants to be on the outside of the jar!

Here are some of our favourite ways to use MCT oil powder or coconut oil powder:

1.     Stir it into your favourite hot drink

Do you like tea or prefer a coffee? Are you a cocoa fanatic or like your turmeric gold? Whatever your favourite hot drink is, you can stir in MCT oil powder. MCT oil powder does not have a powerful flavour; it is very neutral and won’t alter the taste of your drink at all. The powder will make your drink creamier and give it a hug-in-a-mug texture.

The good news is that the powder doesn’t take any fiddly blending; you literally just stir it in.  So it’s much easier to keep in your bag for those hot-drink moments than oil!

2.     Whip up a delicious smoothie

Indeed, you can turn any cold drink into an incredible smoothie simply with the addition of the creamy texture brought to you by MCT oil powder. Many fitness bods and athletes really rate drinking a MCT oil powder smoothie or shake before their workout for best performance and results. It’ll boost your energy levels and put you on top form.

Try adding some coconut oil powder or MCT oil powder to a Coconut & Strawberry Shake. Or try making a green smoothie with spinach, ginger root, cucumber, apple and lemon juice before adding in your powder.

If you’re trying to lose weight and following a keto diet, then adding MCT oil powder and a couple of tablespoons of chia seeds to any green smoothie can serve as a weight-loss meal replacement option.

3.     Make a salad

Take any oil-based salad dressing recipe, make up your powder into oil by adding water following the packet instructions, and swap it in for the oil. For some serious health benefits in your salad dressing, make a dressing with our organic coconut vinegar with the mother, or apple cider vinegar.

4.     Enjoy a different breakfast

For many who turn to MCT oil, breakfasts can get a bit boring. For athletes, body-builders and those on keto diets, it can be a case of egg after egg after egg. An alternative is to make up a chia pudding.

You can stir in some MCT oil powder to ensure you stay feeling full for longer, and have an energy boost. Then top the pudding with some glorious berries for extra flavour and a burst of healthy polyphenols and other nutrients.

5.     Indulge with a mug cake

Let’s face it, the keto diet can feel quite strict at times and, no matter how hard you try, sometimes you just want to nestle on the sofa with a cuppa and cake. You can use MCT oil powder or coconut oil powder to make a keto-friendly chocolate mug cake. You can swap out the almond flour for coconut flour if you prefer.

6.     Power up with some waffles

Add in a scoop or two of MCT oil powder to pancake or batter mix and you’ll get fluffy delights with an even more delicious texture than normal, and get the benefits of MCT oil. You’ll even manage to suppress your appetite by eating waffles. Yes, really. 

Don’t try to fry with MCT oil powder in the same way that you might with MCT oil! Even if you add water, it’s just not going to work. So avoid that! Also, whilst all of the above recipes and ideas of course sound incredible and will leave you desperate to try them out, don’t do it all at once. Remember that you shouldn’t have more than 30g of MCT oil powder each day.

Are you ready to make the most of using MCT oil powder and coconut oil powder in your kitchen? Choose all your coconut supplies in our shop.