There’s just something about the toasted coconut chip that makes it special. They sound like they should be dry and boring, something we eat because we feel obligated. Instead, they’re delicious. Somehow both sweet and savory, with a surprising crunch, the toasted coconut chip is an essential snack for any paleo follower.
If you find yourself eating toasted coconut chips by the handful (be honest, we’ve all done it), then you might notice your wallet is a little light. Grocery store toasted coconut chips cost enough to turn the sweet treat sour.
Rather than wasting your money on pre-toasted chips, it’s much, much better to make your own. Toasted coconut chips are one of the easiest snacks in the world to make, and you can control the flavorings to suit you exactly. So put away your bags of pre-made snacks, and break out your pan.
Why Not Buy Ready-made Toasted Coconut Chips?
The main reason to avoid pre-toasted coconut chips is the expense. A pack of pre-toasted coconut chips often costs way more than the raw variety, and there’s no real reason. A quick way to save money is to buy raw coconut chips, and toast them yourself.
Another reason is the variety of flavorings you can create when you toast your own. Coconut chips can be sweet or savory (or both), depending on exactly what spices you use. You can also control exactly how toasted they are.
Also, pre-toasted coconut chips can be strangely greasy. It’s not true of every brand, but some do seem to throw in more oil than is necessary.
Where Can You Buy Raw Coconut Chips?
Generally, raw coconut chips are found in the baking aisle. Look for them next to the shredded coconut, or the specialty flours. Some places may keep them next to the dried fruits and nuts. And other grocery stores may put them with the snack foods. There’s no exact classification for a coconut chip, so they do have a tendency to move around.
If you can’t find them in store, the best place to look is online. Amazon has a few options available. One of the best things about buying them online is you can get some pretty big packs. Three pounds may seem excessive at first, but you’ll be surprised how quickly you can go through them.
How To Make Your Own Toasted Coconut Chips?
Making your own toasted coconut chips is really easy: put them in a pan, and toast them. Honestly, that’s all you need for a delicious and mouth watering snack. Even cooking newbies will be able to quickly master this skill.
First things first, grab your pan. A nice wide one with a heavy bottom works best. Put the pan over a medium heat, and let it warm up. Spread your coconut chips out in an even layer across the pan. Leave for three minutes – a tasty toasted smell should begin to rise from the pan. Gently shake, so all the chips toast evenly. When they look as brown as you want them, turn the heat off and remove them from the pan.
It is possible to make toasted coconut chips in the oven, but you have to pay more attention. The line between perfectly toasted and horribly burned is not a big one. If you wander off for just a couple of minutes, your coconut chips can be ruined. For all of us who have a tendency to get side tracked in the kitchen – it’s where all the food is – the pan is better. If you want to use the oven, set a timer, and keep a watchful eye.
Spices and Flavor Combinations
Coconut goes with so many flavors that there’s lots of room for experimentation. And it’s easy to make just a small handful at a time, so if you want to try anything wild, you don’t have to ruin a whole batch.
For sweet toasted coconut chips, try using a pinch of cinnamon, or a half teaspoon of cinnamon sugar or coconut sugar. Nutmeg is also pretty nice with coconut. If you want something a bit special, have a look for paleo friendly spice mixes. Primal palate do a pumpkin spice that’s almost guaranteed to go with coconut. They also have an apple pie spice blend, that’s worth a try.
If you prefer things a little on the savory side, a simple sprinkle of sea salt is amazing. Or mix salt with a splash of apple cider vinegar for a tangy, sweet and savory mix. A pinch of curry powder can also taste delicious, or try turmeric, chili, or cumin. Coconut is regularly found in curries, so think of those kinds of spices.
Be careful when choosing your spices to make sure they go with your diet. Most spices are good with paleo (although avoid spice mixes), but AIP diets avoid seed based spices like cumin. If you’re using the Whole30 diet, stay away from the sugary toppings.
Is Coconut Oil Needed To Help The Spices Stick?
Spices do generally stick to the coconut pretty well on their own. However, ½ to 1 teaspoon of coconut oil can help them on their way. You probably won’t find it necessary, but it can be useful when you’re experimenting.
What Diets Are Toasted Coconut Chips Suitable For?
It isn’t just the taste that makes the toasted coconut chips so amazing – they’re also suitable for most diets. Toasted coconut chips on their own are appropriate for Paleo and AIP diets (that’s Autoimmune Paleo Protocol), as well as keto, Whole30, vegan, and vegetarian diets. If you’re on a low fat diet, you may want to hold back.
While the chips themselves are suitable for most, be careful with the spices and toppings. Anyone following Whole30 needs to avoid sugary toppings, and AIP doesn’t allow for seed based spices, as well as some chili spices.
How To Use Toasted Coconut Chips?
There are so many ways to use toasted coconut chips – the easiest is as a quick snack to fill one of those mid-afternoon cravings.
Toasted coconut chips are also great alongside dried tropical fruit. Mix a handful in with some dried mango, dried pineapple, dried papaya, and some dried kiwi. Throw in a few of your favorite nuts, and you have an instant trail mix. If that doesn’t take your fancy, coconut chips are basically best friends with all kinds of fruit and nuts.
Top chia seed pudding with some coconut chips toasted with cinnamon for an added crunch, or use them on top of oatmeal.
You can even try them with salads, curries, and soups. That crunchy finish is great at providing a new texture for softer dinners.
Toasted Coconut Chips Recipe
Ingredients
1 cup raw coconut chips
½ teaspoon of your chosen spice
Directions
- Heat a large non-stick pan over a medium heat.
- Arrange a layer of coconut chips in the base of the pan. Heat for roughly three minutes.
- Stir regularly to ensure all the coconut chips toast evenly. Don’t leave the pan unattended, or they can burn.
- Once they’re fully toasted, turn off the heat. Mix your chosen spice through. If necessary, add a ½ teaspoon of coconut oil to help the spices stick.