Celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis has introduced countless recipes to her audience, but there is one ingredient she firmly avoids: coconut. In an interview, she stated, "I don't eat coconut. I don't like anything with coconut. Not [coconut] water. Just no coconut — at all. In anything."
De Laurentiis is not alone in her aversion. A 2023 survey found that 16% of American grocery shoppers dislike coconut. The fruit can be polarizing, both for its taste and debated health claims. While coconut oil is popular, it is high in saturated fat, and its heart-healthy reputation lacks strong scientific backing.
Instead of coconut oil, De Laurentiis prefers traditional Italian cooking fats like extra virgin olive oil or butter. For those following her lead, she recommends stocking pantries with ingredients like canned tomatoes, fig jam, Calabrian chili paste, and dried pasta.