What Is Another Name for Coconut Butter? Answering the Coconut Confusion

December 19, 2025 •

4 min read

The terms surrounding coconut products can be confusing, with different names often referring to the same item. So, what is another name for coconut butter? It is most commonly referred to as coconut manna, but it is also known as creamed coconut in some culinary contexts.

Quick Summary

Beyond its most common name, coconut butter is also widely known as coconut manna or creamed coconut, a rich, fibrous spread made from ground, whole coconut flesh.

Key Points

Coconut Manna: A very common alternative name for coconut butter, often used by health food brands.
Creamed Coconut: Another name for coconut butter, particularly when sold in a solid, block form.
Whole Coconut Flesh: Unlike coconut oil, coconut butter is made from the entire, ground coconut meat, not just the extracted fat.
Rich in Fiber: Because it contains the whole coconut, coconut butter is a good source of dietary fiber, which is absent in coconut oil.
Versatile Ingredient: Use it as a spread, in smoothies, baked goods, or to add creaminess to sauces and curries.
Homemade Option: You can make coconut butter at home with just unsweetened coconut flakes and a food processor.
Nut-Free Alternative: Coconut butter is a great nut-free substitute for nut butters in many recipes.

Unpacking the Different Names for Coconut Butter

While 'coconut butter' is a popular and descriptive name, several other terms are used interchangeably for this versatile, pantry-friendly ingredient. The confusion stems partly from different manufacturers using proprietary names or regional variations. Knowing these alternative names will help you confidently navigate recipes and grocery store aisles. The most prominent alternative name is coconut manna, a term popularized by brands like Nutiva to evoke a heavenly, natural food. Another common name is creamed coconut, which often refers to the product when sold in a solid block rather than a jar. Lastly, some manufacturers market it as coconut cream concentrate, which is also the same product: pure, dried coconut meat ground into a fine, creamy paste. Regardless of the name, the core product remains the same: a whole-food, puréed coconut that includes all the fiber, protein, and fat of the coconut flesh, distinguishing it significantly from coconut oil.

The Fundamental Difference: Coconut Butter vs. Coconut Oil

It is crucial to understand that coconut butter is not the same as coconut oil, despite their similar origins and appearance in cool temperatures. Think of it like the difference between peanut butter and peanut oil.

How Coconut Butter is Made

Coconut butter is made by taking the unsweetened, dried flesh of the coconut and grinding it into a smooth, thick paste.
This process retains all components of the coconut meat, including the fiber, protein, and fat.
The resulting product has a creamy, whole-food consistency and an intense, pure coconut flavor.

How Coconut Oil is Made

Coconut oil is an extracted fat, produced by pressing the oil out of the coconut meat.
The extraction process removes the fibrous solids, resulting in a product that is nearly 100% fat.
Depending on whether it is virgin or refined, its flavor can be anywhere from a strong coconut taste to almost flavorless.

Culinary Uses and Health Benefits

Coconut butter’s unique composition—including fiber, protein, and medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs)—makes it a nutritious and versatile ingredient in the kitchen. Unlike coconut oil, which is best for high-heat cooking, coconut butter is a whole-food spread that burns easily at high temperatures. Its creamy texture and rich flavor lend themselves to a wide variety of applications.

Common Uses for Coconut Butter

Spreads: Use it on toast, crackers, or waffles, just like you would with any other nut or seed butter.
Smoothies: A spoonful adds a rich, creamy texture and extra fiber to your morning smoothie.
Baking and Desserts: It can be used to make vegan fudge, frostings, or as a dairy-free replacement in some baked goods.
Sauces and Curries: Stir a dollop into curries or sauces to thicken them and add a luxurious, creamy consistency.
Confections: It is a key ingredient in homemade energy balls, keto-friendly fat bombs, and other no-bake treats.

Beyond its culinary applications, coconut butter offers several health benefits. The inclusion of fiber promotes digestive health and can help maintain regular bowel movements. It also contains beneficial MCTs and lauric acid, which can boost immunity and provide a quick source of energy.

Homemade vs. Store-Bought Coconut Butter

Coconut butter can be purchased pre-made in most health food stores and major supermarkets, but it's also relatively easy to make at home with just one or two ingredients.

Comparison of Homemade vs. Store-Bought Coconut Butter


Feature	Homemade Coconut Butter	Store-Bought Coconut Butter
Cost	Much more frugal, as the primary ingredient is inexpensive.	Can be expensive due to processing and packaging costs.
Ingredients	Typically just dried, unsweetened coconut flakes. Can be customized with salt, vanilla, or spices.	Can contain stabilizers or other additives, though many brands offer pure products.
Texture	Often has a slightly grittier texture due to less powerful equipment.	Usually perfectly smooth and creamy due to industrial-grade processing.
Effort	Requires time and patience (up to 15-20 minutes in a food processor).	Zero effort beyond opening the jar.

Conclusion: The Whole Coconut is the Key

Ultimately, the varied names like coconut manna, creamed coconut, and coconut cream concentrate all point to the same product: a whole-food paste made from ground coconut flesh. This is the key takeaway for anyone seeking to understand the nuances of coconut products. By retaining the entire fruit, coconut butter offers a unique nutritional profile, including fiber and a more robust flavor, which sets it apart from coconut oil. Whether you choose to call it coconut manna or creamed coconut, its utility as a creamy spread, smoothie booster, or dairy-free baking ingredient remains consistent. Understanding the difference between this fibrous butter and pure coconut oil is the best way to utilize both products to their full potential in your kitchen.

For more culinary guidance, you can explore detailed information on coconut products and their uses from reliable sources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Coconut butter is also commonly known as coconut manna, creamed coconut, and coconut cream concentrate.

The main difference is that coconut butter is made from the whole, ground coconut flesh and contains fiber, while coconut oil is the extracted fat from the coconut meat and contains no fiber.

No, they are different products. Coconut butter is a thick paste made from dried, ground coconut meat. Coconut cream is a liquid, made by simmering coconut meat in water and straining the solids.

No, coconut butter burns easily at high temperatures and is not suitable for frying or sautéing. It is best used as a spread, in smoothies, or for low-heat baking.

Coconut butter is solid at room temperature and hardens when chilled. To soften it, place the jar in a bowl of hot water or gently warm it on the stove until it reaches a spreadable consistency.

Coconut butter contains beneficial fiber, medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) for energy, and lauric acid, which has immune-boosting properties.

Yes, coconut butter makes an excellent nut-free alternative to traditional nut butters, and it is a popular ingredient in vegan and keto recipes.