Coconut: the rising star of the food world

Coco Jazz Cococonut Cluster coconut and seed snacks from Thailand. (Sial)

Coconut is a natural alternative that's being used in various new products aimed at consumers following gluten-free or vegan diets. Here's a look at some of the new coconut-based products shaking up the supermarket aisles.

Snacks:

Thailand.

This summer, Hesco Food Industry launched a range of bite-sized snacks made from coconut and seeds in the Land of Smiles. These coconut nibbles are a good source of fiber.

Chip:

Thailand.

Thailand is one of the countries leading the way on the coconut trend since the fruit already has a key place in the country's cuisine. Now, the fruit's flesh has been turned into crunchy coconut chips.

Spreads:

France.

A firm based on the outskirts of Paris has made a spread from coconut milk. It claims 100% natural ingredients and makes a great alternative for gluten-free eaters.

Germany.

German firm Lotao has combined coconut blossom sugar with coconut milk and oil to make a spreadable treat. It comes in plain, chocolate and vanilla/orange varieties.

Netherlands.

A Dutch food company has used organic coconut blossom nectar to make a spread that can be enjoyed on bread or mixed in yogurt. It has a low glycemic index.

Vinegar:

Philippines.

While coconut oil can already be used to season salad, an organic Fairtrade vinegar is now also available to bring flavor to dishes.

Mayonnaise:

Philippines.

With vegan diets proving a major food trend, coconut and avocado oils have been used to make a mayonnaise alternative with an egg-free recipe.

Ice Cream:

U.K.

A company in Anglesey has concocted a natural frozen treat that replaces the dairy products typically used in ice cream with coconut milk. Launched in the fall, the product sells in 125ml pots featuring a spoon in the lid.

Sparkling water:

Thailand.

To appeal to the tastes of European and American consumers, a Thai food company has carbonated its version of the country's national coconut water drink. Packaged in a glass bottle, the drink is available in natural, pomegranate, mango/pineapple and lemonade flavors.

Raw coconut:

Spain.

Close your eyes and take a sip of raw coconut water straight from the shell -- complete with easy-open ring-pull -- and you could almost believe you're on a sun-soaked Thai beach. The drink's packaging is made from recycled coconut fiber and natural resin.

U.K.

After raw chocolate, coconut water is the latest food product to get the "raw" treatment. This coconut water is neither heated nor treated and is made with only young coconuts from the Philippines.