After Years of Struggling With My Digestion, Coconut Cult Fixed My Gut Health
Where are my girls with tummy problems?
I’m a girl with tummy problems, IBS, bloating, and a clear proclivity for oversharing on the Internet. To that end, I’ve tried just about everything in search of a happy gut. I went through a gluten-free phase. I tried digestive enzymes. I did the low FODMAP diet. I even took Linzess, a prescription to manage IBC, for a hot minute. Allll that in mind, I feel compelled to tell the entire Marie Claire readership that the solution to more regular digestion and less bloating ended up being a $10 yogurt.
I started religiously eating a spoonful of Coconut Cult—a highly concentrated probiotic—about eight months ago, and my gut has never felt more balanced or sounded less gurgly. “Coconut Cult is a fantastic option for people looking to incorporate fermented foods into their routine. It's made with live probiotic cultures and fermented coconut, so it can contribute beneficial bacteria to the gut,” says registered dietitian nutritionist at The Lanby (and my personal guiding light) Rachel Brief. “It's also highly concentrated, containing billions of CFUs and multiple probiotic strains, so a little goes a long way.”
Now it’s important to note that my Coconut Cult experience wouldn’t yield the same results on a high-fat, low-nutrient diet. I’ve spent the past year committing to a thoughtful routine. My mornings religiously start with 10 minutes on my vibration plate (very much worth the hype), a hot cup of water with half a lemon, and Coconut Cult on an empty stomach. I eat lots of fiber-rich foods, and as much protein as I can realistically manage. “No single food is magic for gut health. Your overall diet, especially one consistently rich in fiber from fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains, plays a much bigger role in shaping a healthy gut microbiome over time,” says Brief. Still, I’ve very much bought into the Cult and won’t shut up about how it’s changed my life. (If you know me, I’ve probably force-fed you a spoonful at this point.)
For all the skeptics and girls with gut health issues, I’m doing a deep dive into the buzzy probiotic yogurt. Trust me, read this and order it. You will be more regular, less bloated, and feel more balanced than ever.
What Is Coconut Cult?
Coconut Cult isn’t actually a cult—it’s just a probiotic yogurt with a cult following. “Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when consumed in adequate amounts, can provide a health benefit,” says Brief. They’re naturally found in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, kimchi, and sauerkraut, but they’re also available as supplements. Coconut Cult in particular is very highly concentrated, “containing billions of CFUs (colony-forming units) and multiple probiotic strains, so a little goes a long way,” says Brief.
Is Coconut Cult Good for Gut Health?
Coconut Cult is great for gut health, but it’s not a replacement for a healthy diet, nor does everyone need one. “For many healthy individuals, eating a diverse, fiber-rich diet that includes fermented foods may be enough to support a healthy gut microbiome,” says Brief. That being said, if you’re anything like me and my gut? Well, a little extra help was much needed. After just a few weeks of consistent use, I noticed less bloating, better digestion, and much easier bowel movements once I incorporated this into my diet. “Everyone's gut microbiome is unique, so responses can vary significantly from person to person,” says Brief, who adds that additives like Coconut Cult should coexist with hydration, fiber, and other healthy diet habits.
Can You Double Dip With Coconut Cult?
I didn’t realize how intense Coconut Cult users were until I got on board. There are lots of “rules” on how best to use the product. The most important guideline: do not double dip. “Once your spoon has been in your mouth, introducing it back into the jar can introduce outside bacteria that may affect the living cultures over time,” says Brittany Kovacs, a spokesperson for the brand.
Do I Need to Use a Plastic Spoon With Coconut Cult?
My sister literally yelled at me when I put a metal spoon in her jar of Coconut Cult—a lot of online discourse encourages users to stick to plastic utensils to preserve the living bacteria. I’m happy to report that a metal spoon is 100 percent fine. “The metal spoon thing is a myth,” Kovacs tells me. “Our probiotic strains are not negatively affected by metal, so use whatever spoon makes you happy.”
How Much Coconut Cult Should I Eat a Day?
I personally find that starting my day with one spoonful (more like a tablespoon) is the perfect amount. “Unlike traditional yogurt, Coconut Cult is highly concentrated with probiotic cultures, so you don't need a large serving to potentially experience benefits,” says Brief. There’s not really a “right” amount to take—everybody is different. “More isn't always better, and starting with a smaller amount can help minimize temporary bloating or gas while your digestive system adjusts,” adds Brief.
How Long Until I Notice a Difference With Coconut Cult?
I started to notice a substantial difference around the three-week mark, but it really depends on each person and the state of their gut. “Some people tell us they notice a difference after their very first serving, while others need a little more time,” says Kovacs. “If your gut has been out of balance for a while, consistency is the most important part.” That being said, give it at least 30 days before giving up—it takes time for the live probiotics to become part of your routine.
What’s the Best Flavor of Coconut Cult?
This is a tough one. I’ve tried my fair share of the flavors. If I had to rank them? The protein-packed Banana Bread is incredible (sweet and flavorful with no aftertaste), the Strawberry is a close second (it’s fresh and palatable), and the Chocolate Mousse comes in third (it’s a bit sour for my liking, but the rest of my family loves it). I have yet to try the limited-edition Princess Cake flavor, but my hopes are high. Honestly, grab an assortment at the grocery store (sold at Whole Foods and Target!), because if you’re anything like me, being a member of the Coconut Cult is a long-term commitment.
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Meet the Experts
Rachel is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with a passion for personalized, holistic care. She earned her master’s in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics from NYU and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Maryland College Park’s School of Public Health. Certified in Obesity and Weight Management by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Rachel brings an empathetic and tailored approach to counseling, shaped by her experience in private practice. She is dedicated to helping members understand the profound impact of nutrition and wellness on their lives, bridging the gap between knowledge and action. Rachel believes that while life is busy, feeling great should be simple. Based in New York City, she enjoys reading, hot yoga, strolling through Central Park, and discovering new finds at Trader Joe’s.
Brittany is a Creative Producer at Coconut Cult.
