“How many calories are in nata de coco?” or “Does nata de coco make you gain weight?” may sound like simple questions, but they actually concern many people, especially those trying to cut down on sugar and starch in their daily diet. Nata de coco is a familiar treat, yet few truly understand its calorie content. Let’s explore it in detail in this article.
1. How many calories are in nata de coco? What is its nutritional value?
Nata de coco (coconut jelly) is produced when fresh coconut water is fermented with the beneficial bacteria Acetobacter xylinum. The resulting gel has a translucent white color, a pleasantly chewy texture with a naturally faint sweetness, making it enjoyable to eat.
If you’re on a diet or simply paying attention to your daily calorie intake, you’ve probably wondered: “How many calories are in nata de coco?” or “Does coconut jelly make you gain weight?”
The answer is: a 100g serving of coconut jelly contains only about 90 to 92 calories. That’s quite a friendly number compared to many other popular snacks. Therefore, if you’re looking for something refreshing that is low in calories to munch on, nata de coco is a great choice.
Not only is it light in energy, but coconut jelly also contains soluble fiber, which supports digestion while soothing the intestines, especially after consuming greasy or heavy meals. Another major benefit is that it contains no fat or cholesterol, making it heart-friendly while well-suited for those following a healthy diet.
2. Does nata de coco make you gain weight?
If you’re trying to lose weight but still crave sweets, you might sometimes ask yourself, “Does coconut jelly make you gain weight?”
In fact, if you pick the right coconut jelly and eat it properly, it won’t be the reason you put on extra weight. A small portion contains only a modest amount of calories, minimal compared to your daily energy intake. It’s also low in fat, almost cholesterol-free, making it a good choice for a light snack when you feel a bit hungry.
Besides, its fiber content helps you stay full for longer, which can reduce cravings for sugary snacks or pastries. Experts suggest enjoying coconut jelly in the afternoon, between main meals, to ease hunger and overeating later.
However, not every type of coconut jelly is healthy. If you choose ones with added sugar, flavoring, or preservatives, the benefits won’t be the same. Overly sweet canned versions, when eaten too often, can work against your goals, even affecting your health in the long run.
3. Is nata de coco good for you? Health benefits that are often overlooked
3.1 Supports digestion
Nata de coco provides a fair amount of nutrients. Its fiber content helps the digestive system function smoothly and acts as a natural “cleaner” for your intestines.
The fiber promotes healthy bowel movements, making digestion more regular and reducing the risk of constipation. It can also help relieve that heavy, bloated feeling after meals, keeping your stomach more comfortable.
3.2. Helps regulate cholesterol levels
Besides aiding digestion, the fiber in coconut jelly also benefits your heart health. When consumed, it can bind to bad cholesterol (LDL) in the intestines and help prevent it from entering the bloodstream. This process contributes to better control of blood fat levels.
3.3 Refreshes, gently detoxifies the body
On hot days, coconut jelly is a refreshing way to cool down, rehydrate, and ease fatigue.
4. Important notes when eating nata de coco
Although nata de coco offers several health benefits, eating it the wrong way or too often can cause unwanted effects. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
4.1 Limiting high-sugar coconut jelly product
Some ready-made coconut jelly products contain too much refined sugar or syrup, which can interfere with metabolism, slowing down fat burning. If you’re trying to stay in shape or improve your health, choose sugar-free or low-sugar options instead. You can also mix coconut jelly with fresh fruits for extra flavor while keeping its nutritional value intact.
4.2 Avoid eating too much at once
Even though coconut jelly is low in calories, eating a large amount without exercise can still lead to excess energy storage. It’s best to keep your intake around 100g per day and enjoy it as a light snack between meals.
4.3 Make nata de coco at home
If you have time, try making coconut jelly yourself using fresh coconut water with fermentation. This method helps control ingredient quality, reduce sugar content, and ensure food safety.
4.4 Do not replace main meals
Coconut jelly does not provide enough nutrients to replace a full meal. It should be enjoyed as a dessert or light snack to avoid nutritional imbalance or metabolism issues.
4.5 Combine with a healthy lifestyle
Along with eating coconut jelly, regular exercise is important for effective weight management. Maintain a balanced diet, get enough sleep and stay active every day.
Hopefully, this article has answered your questions about “how many calories are in coconut jelly” or “is coconut jelly good for you.” The key is choosing quality products, eating them at the right time while maintaining a healthy lifestyle, so this treat can truly support your well-being.
You can try GC Food’s nata de coco, made from fresh coconut water. The product meets food safety standards while keeping its natural sweetness along with a refreshing texture. Each cube is firm yet tender, bringing a cool, satisfying taste in every bite.
More than just a refreshing snack, GC Food’s nata de coco is also a versatile ingredient for the food & beverage industry. With reliable quality along with international-standard production, it is trusted by F&B enterprises, partners worldwide for both domestic and export demands.
