What is Coconut Butter? A Comprehensive Guide to this Versatile Superfood

December 19, 2025 •

4 min read

Unlike coconut oil, which is pure extracted fat, coconut butter is a whole-food product made from pureed coconut meat, retaining all its fiber and nutrients. This rich, versatile ingredient has become a staple for anyone looking for a dairy-free, keto, or vegan-friendly spread and cooking alternative.

Quick Summary

Coconut butter, or coconut manna, is a spread made by grinding whole coconut flesh. It's rich in fiber and healthy fats, offers health benefits, and has versatile culinary applications, unlike coconut oil.

Key Points

Composition: Coconut butter is made from pureed whole coconut meat, including the fiber, unlike coconut oil, which is pure fat.
Nutritional Value: It is a good source of dietary fiber, medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), iron, and potassium.
Culinary Versatility: Can be used as a spread, in smoothies, baked goods, creamy sauces, and raw desserts.
Health Benefits: MCTs provide quick energy, while the fiber supports digestion and satiety.
Temperature-Dependent Texture: It is solid at cooler temperatures and softens or melts when heated, requiring gentle warming before use.
DIY Potential: Can be easily made at home by processing unsweetened shredded coconut in a food processor.

Understanding the Fundamentals: How Is Coconut Butter Made?

Coconut butter, sometimes referred to as coconut manna or creamed coconut, is a simple, single-ingredient product. It is made by grinding unsweetened dried coconut flesh in a food processor or high-speed blender until it releases its natural oils and breaks down into a smooth, creamy paste. The key difference from coconut oil is that the butter includes the entire coconut meat, with its inherent fiber and proteins, giving it a much thicker, richer consistency similar to a nut butter. This simple process can even be done at home with a few cups of shredded coconut and a bit of patience.

Coconut Butter vs. Coconut Oil: A Detailed Comparison

While both coconut products are pantry staples derived from the same fruit, their composition, texture, and uses are distinct. Understanding these differences is crucial for culinary success.


Feature	Coconut Butter	Coconut Oil
Composition	Ground whole coconut flesh, including fiber and nutrients.	Extracted pure fat from the coconut meat.
Texture	Thick, rich, and creamy paste. Solid at room temperature, softens or melts when warmed.	Liquid when warm, solidifies below 76°F (24°C).
Flavor Profile	Intense, rich, and naturally sweet coconut flavor.	Can be neutral (refined) or have a mild coconut flavor (virgin).
Best For...	Spreads, baking, creamy sauces, smoothies, desserts, frostings.	High-heat cooking (refined), sautéing, roasting, frying.
Heat Tolerance	Low smoke point; solids will burn under high heat.	High smoke point, especially refined versions.

The Health Benefits of Incorporating Coconut Butter

This whole-food ingredient offers several nutritional advantages beyond its rich flavor. It is a source of:

Healthy Fats: Coconut butter is abundant in healthy fats, particularly medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are easily digested and provide a rapid source of energy.
Dietary Fiber: Unlike coconut oil, the butter's fiber content aids in digestion, promotes satiety, and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Antioxidants and Nutrients: It contains antioxidants, including vitamin E, which protect cells from damage, along with essential minerals like iron and potassium.
Lauric Acid: The lauric acid present in coconut butter has antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties, which can support immune function.

Versatile Culinary Uses for Coconut Butter

Coconut butter's creamy texture and tropical flavor make it a versatile addition to both sweet and savory dishes. Here are a few ways to use it in your kitchen:

As a Spread: A delightful, dairy-free alternative to butter or nut butter on toast, pancakes, or muffins.
In Smoothies: Add a spoonful to smoothies for a richer texture and a nutritional boost of fiber and healthy fats.
For Desserts: It can be used as a base for vegan fudge, raw desserts, or as a creamy frosting for cakes.
Creamy Sauces: Stir melted coconut butter into curries or sauces to add a thick, creamy texture and a subtle coconut flavor.
Drizzled Topping: Melt it and drizzle over fresh fruit, granola, or warm oatmeal for a decadent treat that hardens as it cools.

How to Store and Handle Coconut Butter

The texture of coconut butter is highly dependent on temperature. In warm climates, it may be a runny liquid, while in cooler environments, it will become a hard, solid block, similar to coconut oil.

Storing and Softening

To store, keep the coconut butter in a sealed glass jar in your pantry at room temperature. For easy use, especially when it has solidified, gently soften it. The best method is to place the jar in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes until it becomes stirrable. Avoid excessive or direct heat, especially from a microwave, which can burn the coconut solids and ruin the flavor.

Dealing with Separation

It is common for the coconut oil to separate from the solids, forming a layer on top. This is normal and doesn't affect the product's quality. Simply stir it back together once softened to re-emulsify the butter before use.

Conclusion

By understanding what is coconut butter and how it differs from coconut oil, you can unlock its potential as a nutritional powerhouse and versatile culinary ingredient. Its unique composition, which includes the whole coconut flesh, provides a rich source of fiber and MCTs, making it a fantastic addition to dairy-free, keto, and whole-foods diets. From enhancing the creaminess of a smoothie to acting as a delicious spread, this tropical delight deserves a permanent place in your kitchen. Whether you buy it or make it yourself, coconut butter offers a creamy, flavorful, and healthy way to enjoy all the goodness of the coconut. To see some great ways to use it, explore recipe ideas on websites like Minimalist Baker.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main difference is their composition; coconut butter is made from the whole coconut flesh, retaining the fiber and other nutrients, while coconut oil is the extracted pure fat.

No, coconut butter is not ideal for high-heat cooking because the coconut solids can burn easily. It is better suited for spreads, baking, and lower-heat applications.

To soften hardened coconut butter, place the sealed jar in a bowl of hot water for a few minutes or warm it gently on low heat. Avoid microwaving for too long to prevent burning.

Yes, coconut butter is considered keto-friendly due to its high fat content and low net carbs, with the beneficial MCTs providing a quick energy source.

"Coconut manna" is simply another name for coconut butter, referring to the same product made from puréed coconut flesh.

Store coconut butter in a sealed glass jar in your pantry at room temperature. Refrigeration will cause it to become rock solid.

As a part of a balanced diet, the MCTs in coconut butter can boost metabolism, and its fiber content promotes satiety, which may assist with weight management.

Yes, coconut butter is an excellent deep moisturizer for the skin, thanks to its fatty acids and thick, emollient texture.