Where to buy nata de coco? These days, finding raw nata de coco isn’t difficult, as it’s widely available in local shops, supermarkets, and online marketplaces. However, finding a supplier who can handle large orders while ensuring consistent quality isn’t always easy. That’s where GC Food comes in. Want to know what makes our nata de coco the right choice? Keep reading to discover more.
1. What is raw nata de coco?
Raw nata de coco is a cellulose gel product made from mature coconut water, which is often treated as a byproduct at coconut factories along the Thom River in Bến Tre.
In the past, when it came to coconuts, most people focused on the coconut meat; meanwhile, few people considered that coconut water also contains a lot of beneficial minerals and amino acids. This wastefulness troubled Mr. Nguyễn Văn Thứ, Chairman of the Board of GC Food, and sparked his idea to turn coconut water into a more valuable product.
Actions speak louder than words. He built Coco Vietnam Food Joint Stock Company (Vinacoco), a factory that’s part of GC Food, to put mature coconut water to good use. From this point, raw nata de coco is produced and used as a dessert or combined in various ways with drinks & fruits. This approach not only boosts economic benefits but also affirms the value of Vietnamese agricultural products.
To make it, coconut water is sterilized and then fermented with Acetobacter xylinum. With the right temperature/pH, a jelly-like layer naturally forms after 8 - 10 days of fermentation, creating a fiber-rich cellulose gel block. On average, about 3 liters of mature coconut water produce 1 kilogram of pure jelly.
2. Is raw nata de coco good for health?
More than just a tasty treat, nata de coco is a nutrient-rich food suitable for all ages, even young children.
Raw nata de coco is essentially cellulose, a bacterial layer formed during the fermentation of coconut water by acetic bacteria. Once thoroughly washed, the final product retains only its natural fiber, which helps prevent constipation and flush out toxins.
Unlike the jelly toppings often found in milk tea, which are washed, cut then soaked, raw nata de coco comes in an untreated gel block. It keeps its beneficial properties: rich in fiber, low in calories, cholesterol-free, and also good for digestion.
However, these benefits are only achieved when consumed in moderation. Overconsumption, or eating varieties soaked in excessive sugar, can lead to higher sugar intake along with reduced micronutrient absorption. This is why the F&B market is increasingly focusing on stable, high-quality sources of nata de coco, and GC Food is a brand that excels at meeting these demands.
3. Where to buy nata de coco?
3.1 Consumer trends with new choices in Vietnam
Across the Asia-Pacific region, nata de coco is a popular ingredient for bubble tea, fruit juice, yogurt, sweets... As the trend made its way to Vietnam, it matched with people’s growing interest in eating healthy, boosting the demand for nata de coco.
If you just want to buy nata de coco for daily use, you can find it at local markets, supermarkets, or even convenience stores. But if you’re looking for a steady supply of top-quality products in bigger amounts, GC Food is the place to go.
3.2 “Where to Buy Nata de Coco?” - GC Food is your answer
Since 2015, GC Food has invested in the Vinacoco factory, covering more than 11,000 m² in Đồng Nai. The company partners with hundreds of farmers in Bến Tre to secure its raw material supply. Produced on European-imported lines, treated with Pasteur sterilization, our nata de coco has been recognized with global certifications such as FSSC 22000 and Halal.
With an annual capacity of 15,000 tons, Vinacoco is now the largest nata de coco factory in Vietnam. Fresh coconuts from Bến Tre are carefully sourced and strictly quality-checked before being processed.
3.3 A strict process to ensure food safety
The raw coconut water is filtered, sterilized, and then its pH plus temperature are adjusted to the right levels for growing the Acetobacter xylinum bacteria. After 8 to 10 days of fermentation, a cellulose gel layer naturally forms.
Once the jelly reaches the right quality, it’s washed clean, cut into neat little cubes, and adjusted for pH before flavor is added. Right after that, the nata de coco is gently cooked with sugar so the sweetness seeps into every piece. In the last step, it’s sterilized at high heat and sealed in packaging that meets international standards.
Every step of the 17-stage process is monitored in real time to keep the nata de coco naturally crisp & chewy. This strict control also guarantees food safety, meeting the high standards of markets like Japan along with South Korea.
3.4 Distribution system
Beyond its manufacturing strength, GC Food has also expanded its distribution network. The main store is located in Bình Thạnh, with several branches across central Ho Chi Minh City along with neighboring provinces like Đồng Nai, Bình Dương, Vũng Tàu. The system is designed to give both retail shoppers and bulk buyers easy access to authentic products.
These factors make GC Food the ideal place to buy raw nata de coco for anyone wondering, "Where to buy nata de coco?"
GC Food's credibility comes not just from its production scale but also from prestigious awards. Vinacoco, the factory under GC Food, was proudly honored with the 2022 National Quality Award and the Vietnam Gold Star Award. This is a major milestone that confirms the company's leading position in Vietnam's nata de coco processing industry.
Beyond international certifications, GC Food delivers a wide selection of nata de coco in various sizes & flavors for both local and overseas markets. For assisting on sourcing raw nata de coco, you can reach us directly through our website.
