Coconut Treats

Several of my friends have food allergies, ranging from gluten to scallops, so finding things they can enjoy can be challenging. Most commercially available drinks and desserts are loaded with things that are triggers for people sensitive to pesticides, dairy, wheat, or chemicals, but I found two coconut based treats which are delightfully free of all those pesky problems.

Usually the purest forms of most foods is also the safest when buying anything packaged, so it makes sense that O.N.E. Coconut water is 100% natural, has five essential electrolytes (calcium, potassium, phosphorous, magnesium and sodium), more potassium than a banana (15 times the amount of potassium as most sports drinks, without the artificial chemicals found in sports drinks.), no added sugars, no fat, no cholesterol, and no preservatives. The way it is manufactured ensures that the coconut water never comes into contact with light or oxygen, and it is packed in a tetra pak so it is recyclable and light. With only 14 grams of sugar it has less than half the sugar of a soda or sports drink, and all of it is from the coconut water itself, none of it added chemically or otherwise. If you want other drink flavors, they also offer an Amazon Acai, Coffee Fruit, Cashew Fruit, and ONE Water (100% of ONE Water proceeds goes towards nonprofit organizations). You can buy these drinks in major chains like Whole Foods, Ralphs, and Trader Joes, as well as small convenience stores and markets for about $1.50 each.



Another pure coconut milk based treat is Coconut Bliss, a frozen treat for all those who crave a creamy dessert. If you love the sensuous mouth feel of cream, you will love this even if you are not allergic to dairy products or soy products. Made with organic coconut milk and agave syrup, this luscious dessert comes in ten flavors, ranging from naked coconut and pineapple coconut to the more decadent chocolate hazelnut fudge and cappuccino. All except one of their flavors (the Mint Galactica) is safe for Diabetics and those who eat Kosher, and their code of ethics regarding fair trade, ensuring that their containers are recyclable, and keeping their equipment as clean as possible to avoid cross contamination from nuts is truly commendable. All this attention to detail and quality means that even though a pint costs about $7, you are getting value for your money, and that is priceless.