Who doesn't love receiving packages in the mail? And when it is food, I truly jump for joy. Yesterday I received my big coconut stash in and couldn't have been more pleased. My coconut oil supplies were running low, and I had already run out of my newest love, unsweetened shredded coconut.

All too often I hear how coconut products are too expensive, but with some shopping around, this couldn't be further from the truth. I picked up Nutiva Extra-Virgin Organic Coconut Oil for just $5.20 per 15-ounce packed container, and Let’s Do Organic Unsweetened Shredded Coconut for just $1.50 per 8-ounce package. These are brands I have come to love over the years for quality, taste, and price. For both I use the Subscribe & Save ordering option for an extra discount and free fast shipping.

In the dairy-free diet, coconut products have many uses. I use the oil to make buttery spreads, for cooking Asian meals or where a little richness is in order, as a binder in no bake goodies, and in baked treats like scones (recipe to come). The coconut is a new addition to my pantry, but it is wonderful in cookies, granola, and more. Read on for more details and to share your thoughts on coconut ...

Nutiva Extra-Virgin Organic Coconut Oil

2 15-Ouncers for just $10.40 DELIVERED! (only $5.50 per lb)

I have been using this brand for years and it never disappoints. The quality is there and it has a very mild coconut flavor – not enough to impede recipes, but delightful on its own. The price after the almost 50% discount and another 15% off for Subscribe & Save comes out to just $10.40 (delivered!) for 2 jars that are nearly 1 lb each.

The packaging of Nutiva is compact, which is nice, and though I usually prefer glass, I appreciate their plastic and non-breakable container since we have lost our share of fragile coconut oil jars on the tile kitchen floor (um, just a wee bit of a disaster).

Let’s Do Organic Unsweetened Shredded Coconut

Okay, technically, I bought this …

Just $1.50 per 8-ounce package!

Do you have a favorite brand of coconut oil, shredded coconut, or coconut milk?

What is your stance on coconut products?

Share your opinions and recommendations here on Dairy-Free & Fit

Article by Alisa Fleming, founder of GoDairyFree.org and author of Go Dairy Free: The Guide and Cookbook