Emma Wilson
Coconut mushrooms are a type of sweet that resembles mushrooms in shape and is made up of a chewy cap coated in desiccated coconut and a fondant stalk. Coconut mushrooms are gluten-free and dairy-free, making them suitable for individuals with coeliac disease or lactose intolerance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Gluten-free | Yes |
| Dairy-free | Yes |
| Vegan | No |
| Vegetarian | No |
| Description | Small hazelnut-sized nuggets of hard, chewy sweets. The mushroom cap is coated in desiccated coconut and the stalk is made of white fondant. |
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What You'll Learn
Coconut mushrooms are gluten-free
Coconut mushrooms are a type of sweet that is gluten-free and dairy-free. They are made of sugar, glucose syrup, desiccated coconut, maize starch, beef gelatin, palm oil, and cocoa powder. Coconut mushrooms are an old-fashioned favourite and are often described as "retro sweets".
The sweets are made by coating a chewy, fondant stalk and cap with desiccated coconut. They are small, about the size of a hazelnut, and are known for their unique, odd flavour combination. Coconut mushrooms are available in various sizes, including 80g, 120g, and 500g bags, as well as gift jars.
Taveners, a well-known manufacturer of coconut mushrooms, describes them as "deliciously odd". The company has been making sweets since 1904, so they have perfected the art of creating these odd but delightful treats.
Coconut mushrooms are a great option for those with gluten intolerance or coeliac disease, as they can enjoy this sweet treat without worrying about gluten. These sweets are a nostalgic choice for many, bringing back memories of childhood and the good old days.
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They are also dairy-free
Coconut mushrooms are a type of sweet that is gluten-free and dairy-free. They are made with desiccated coconut, sugar, glucose syrup, maize starch, and beef gelatin, among other ingredients. The sweets are small, about the size of a hazelnut, and have a chewy texture. Coconut mushrooms are considered a retro sweet, taking consumers back to their childhoods.
These sweets are a great option for those with gluten intolerance or dairy allergies, as they are both gluten-free and dairy-free. This means that they do not contain any ingredients derived from wheat, rye, or barley, and they also do not contain any milk or milk products.
The absence of gluten and dairy in coconut mushrooms makes them suitable for individuals with coeliac disease or lactose intolerance. Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disorder where the consumption of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine. Lactose intolerance, on the other hand, is the inability to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products, due to a deficiency of the enzyme lactase.
By being dairy-free, coconut mushrooms are also suitable for those who follow a vegan lifestyle or have ethical concerns about dairy consumption. Veganism involves excluding all forms of animal exploitation, including avoiding animal-derived products like milk. Dairy-free options like coconut mushrooms can help meet the dietary needs of vegans and provide them with a sweet treat that aligns with their ethical values.
In summary, coconut mushrooms are a gluten-free and dairy-free sweet treat. They are a nostalgic choice for consumers and a safe option for those with gluten or dairy restrictions.
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Coconut mushrooms are a traditional British sweet
These sweets are a retro favourite, often bringing back memories of childhood for many Brits. They are made by Taveners, a well-known British confectionery brand that has been making sweets since 1904. Taveners describe coconut mushrooms as "deliciously odd", and they certainly are a distinctive treat.
Coconut mushrooms are gluten-free and dairy-free, making them suitable for those with coeliac disease or lactose intolerance. They are not, however, vegetarian or vegan due to the presence of beef gelatine.
You can find coconut mushrooms in various sizes, from 80g bags to larger 500g bulk bags, as well as in gift jars. They are a popular choice for parties, gifts, and sharing, often bringing a sense of nostalgia and a taste of the "good old days".
Whether enjoyed as a post-dinner treat or an anytime snack, coconut mushrooms are a classic British sweet that continues to delight generations of sweet-tooths.
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They are made with desiccated coconut
Coconut mushrooms are a traditional British sweet that is gluten-free and dairy-free. They are made with desiccated coconut, which gives them a unique texture and taste. The desiccated coconut is combined with sugar, glucose syrup, maize starch, beef gelatin, palm oil, and cocoa powder to create a chewy, moreish treat. The coconut mushrooms are small, about the size of a hazelnut, and are coated in a layer of desiccated coconut, giving them their namesake.
Desiccated coconut is made from the dried flesh of coconuts, which has been grated or ground into a fibrous, fluffy texture. It is a popular ingredient in baking and desserts due to its sweet, nutty flavour and ability to add moisture to baked goods. In the case of coconut mushrooms, the desiccated coconut provides a chewy, textured coating that sets these sweets apart from others.
The process of making coconut mushrooms begins with creating the chewy "stalk" and "cap" of the mushroom shape. This is done by mixing and heating the sugar, glucose syrup, maize starch, beef gelatin, and water to form a fondant base. This fondant is then shaped into small, bite-sized pieces, resembling miniature mushroom stalks and caps. Each piece is then carefully coated in desiccated coconut, ensuring an even and generous layer.
The final step in the process is the addition of the "dirt" or "soil" that covers the bottom of each coconut mushroom. This is achieved by rolling the base of each mushroom in a mixture of cocoa powder, giving it a dark brown colour reminiscent of soil. This step not only adds to the visual appeal of the sweet but also enhances its flavour, creating a delightful combination of sweet coconut and rich cocoa.
Coconut mushrooms have been a beloved treat for generations, evoking a sense of nostalgia for many. They are often enjoyed as a retro sweet, taking people back to their childhoods and the "good old days". The unique combination of textures and flavours, brought together by the desiccated coconut, has made these sweets a classic favourite that continues to be enjoyed by sweet-toothed individuals across the UK.
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Coconut mushrooms are not vegetarian or vegan-friendly
Coconut mushrooms are a traditional British sweet that is gluten-free and dairy-free. They are made of sugar, glucose syrup, desiccated coconut, maize starch, beef gelatin, palm oil, and cocoa powder. While coconut mushrooms are gluten-free, they are not vegetarian or vegan-friendly due to the presence of beef gelatin.
Beef gelatin is a protein product that is made by boiling animal bones, connective tissues, and feet, particularly those of cows and pigs. It is a common ingredient in many sweets and candies, providing a chewy texture and a longer shelf life. However, it is not suitable for vegetarians or vegans, as it is derived from animals.
Vegetarians abstain from consuming meat and animal flesh, while vegans follow a stricter diet that excludes all animal products and by-products, including meat, dairy, eggs, honey, and gelatin. Therefore, coconut mushrooms are not an option for those following these diets.
There are, however, vegetarian and vegan alternatives available in the market. For example, some companies offer vegan gift boxes that contain a diverse range of vegan treats. These alternatives ensure that those with dietary restrictions can still enjoy sweets and candies without compromising their values or dietary practices.
It is always important to read the labels and ingredient lists of products to make an informed decision about their suitability for specific dietary needs and preferences. While coconut mushrooms may be gluten-free, they are not vegetarian or vegan-friendly, and consumers should be aware of this before purchasing or consuming them.
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Frequently asked questions
Coconut mushrooms from Taveners are gluten-free and dairy-free.
Coconut mushrooms are made of sugar, glucose syrup, desiccated coconut, maize starch, water, cornflour, beef gelatine, vegetable oil, fat-reduced cocoa powder, and natural colour.
Coconut mushrooms are available on Amazon and at Pick n Mix UK.
