If you’ve spent any time scrolling through TikTok or browsing the aisles of health food stores, you’ve probably seen the buzz around Coconut Cult yogurt. This isn’t just another dairy-free yogurt it’s a phenomenon, with fans raving about its gut-healing powers, unique flavors, and, yes, its eye-popping price tag. But what’s really behind the hype, and is it actually worth the investment?
Coconut Cult was founded on a journey of personal health. Founder Noah Simon-Waddell began preparing his own probiotic-rich coconut yogurt after dealing with chronic gut problems that mainstream medicine could not solve. He thanks his own yogurt for making him feel more energized, clear-headed, and attuned to his body than ever before. That mission on a personal level turned into a brand that now flies off the shelves at Whole Foods, Erewhon, and Sprouts, and has turned into a favorite among wellness influencers and health-focused consumers alike.
So why does Coconut Cult cut through a competitive market? For one, it’s all about the probiotics. There are an eye-popping 50 billion CFUs (colony-forming units) of 16 live bacterial strains in each one-ounce serving. That’s more probiotics than most probiotic supplements, much less plain yogurt. Contrary to many factory yogurts which are pasteurized after fermenting removing most of the live probiotics Coconut Cult doesn’t do that, so the probiotics are alive and kicking when you crack open the jar. What you’re left with is a snappy, fizzy yogurt that occasionally even hisses or explodes when you crack the seal, a guarantee of its live fermentation.
The ingredient list is refreshingly simple and clean. You’ll find organic coconut cream, coconut nectar or beetroot nectar, and those all-important probiotic cultures. There are no gums, fillers, preservatives, or artificial flavors. Some flavors, like Harvest Strawberry, use real freeze-dried fruit instead of extracts or “natural flavors.” The brand has even introduced protein-boosted versions, using organic pea protein to create a more substantial snack for those who want more than just a probiotic hit.
Nourishment-wise, Coconut Cult is a bit of a anomaly. A standard one-ounce serving of Original has 70 calories, 6 grams of fat, 2 grams of carbs, and no protein. The sweetened versions, such as Chocolate Mousse, contain around 4 grams of sugar per ounce low if you limit it to the suggested serving, but it adds up if you consume more. The protein-fortified varieties pack as much as 12 grams of protein per two-ounce serving, which is more like a normal yogurt snack. But otherwise, Coconut Cult is best considered a supplement, not a meal only a spoon or two a day for you (and possibly your gut can stomach at first).
The texture and flavor are part of the reason why it is a cult favorite. Fans call it mousse-like, creamy, and rich, with a tangy, slightly sour kick that’s stronger than your typical yogurt. Flavors like Chocolate Mousse are called “delightfully fluffy” and wonderfully balanced between sweet and sour. Others, such as the Original, are more fizzy and bubbly, a testament to their live bacterial activity. Limited-flavor runs like Lemon Meringue or Banana Bread put a nostalgic spin and continue to bring fans back for more.
Packaging is also part of the charm. Coconut Cult is packaged in glass jars with fun, retro-style branding that almost cries out to be parked front and center in your fridge. But the jars are a bit finicky to open, and serving size isn’t always well marked, which can get confusing for first-time users. The company suggests not double-dipping to keep unwanted bacteria at bay, and although some social media folks argue about the ideal spoon to use, the company has given no official word on that subject.
All of this, of course, has a price. Coconut Cult is pricey around $10 for an 8-ounce jar in stores, and up to $39 for a 16-ounce jar online (due to cold shipping costs). That translates to $1.25 to $2.50 per serving, which is a bit more than most probiotic supplements and much more than plain yogurt. Some nutritionists recommend if you want probiotic effects, you can achieve similar benefits from other fermented foods such as kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, or even cheaper yogurts with live and active cultures. The trick is to find products that aren’t pasteurized following fermentation and list their probiotic content clearly.
So, is Coconut Cult worth it? If you want a tasty, high-quality, and probiotic-rich supplement and you’re willing to splurge it could be the indulgence your gut is craving. The clean ingredients, selection of probiotic strains, and playful flavors make it a winner among fermented foods. But if the cost is a sticking point, don’t worry: a varied diet supplemented with other probiotic and prebiotic foods will keep your gut in just as good shape. But for many, the ritual of cracking open a jar of Coconut Cult, luxuriating in its salty mousse, and becoming one of its loyal enthusiasts is well worth it.
Related
