Coconut butter/manna/cream Qs

[rubidoux]

I just discovered this stuff and I'm so excited!  I've been trying to find good ways to add fat to my diet and this is so yummy and, I think, healthy.  I have juvenile diabetes and a crazy-high-fat diet does me a world of good.

Anyway...  I was wondering a couple of things.  First, the one I've tried is Artisana Coconut Butter and I also just ordered some coconut cream concentrate from Tropical Traditions.  Then there's also this Nutiva Coconut Manna, which is quite a bit cheaper, and has free shipping over $30.  But the Nutiva stuff is made from dried coconut.  Does anyone have an opinion on how that affects it?  For all I know the coconut is dried for Artisana and TT, too, but I didn't see that on their websites.  The other thing is that you can get the Nutiva in a five pound bag, but it doesn't say anywhere how to store it or what the shelf life is, so I'm curious about that.  So far I'm eating between 2 and 4 T a day and I don't *think* I'll ever go above that, so it'll take me a little while to get through five pounds.

I'm also wondering how you guys use it.  So far I've only had it plain and I'm pretty happy with that.  But I'd love to find some other uses, too.

[element2012]

I love Artisana coconut butter!! I haven't tried the Nutiva one because friends who have tried it all told me that Artisana's is worth the extra few bucks.  I go through a jar in about 1 or 2 weeks.  I eat it by the spoon, and add it to smoothies.  You can also spread it on toast.  I think the 5 lb unit of Nutiva coconut butter sounds like a bit of a hassle, their website says you have to melt the entire contents of the bag, blend, and pour into seperate containers.

[Gingercat]

We like both, we do not find that much difference in taste so I usually get the Nutiva one that is cheaper.

Try it on hot pancakes, it is absolutely delicious!

[luckiest]

Just wait until you try the TT - I've tried all that you've mentioned, and the taste of TT is honestly much better.  It's amazing...I eat it off the spoon.  So good.  I bought two quarts for $40 I think, and it's going to last me a while.

[joy2grow]

I find the texture of Artisana coconut cream much smoother than Tropical Traditions.  I can enjoy it by the spoonful, whereas the TT feels caught in my throat and I have to wash it down with water.  I've used coconut cream in curry sauce and in paleo friendly icing for a birthday cake.  My husband likes it in his coffee, while I prefer coconut oil in my coffee.  

[flightgoddess]

I usually get the nutiva, becuase of price. I have made some lovely 'power bites'/bonbon type things with nuts, shredded coconut, fruits, etc, 'Almond joy' bars, 'lara' type bars, etc But they do need to be refridgerated to stay more solid/less mushy.