Nutrition in Coconut Macaroons
Learn about the nutritional content of coconut macaroons — cookies made of shredded coconut, egg whites, cream of tartar, condensed milk and almond extract.
Coconut macaroons are a type of cookie consisting of a mound of shredded coconut held together by egg whites, cream of tartar, sweetened condensed milk and almond extract. You can find these cookies ready-made in your grocery store or make them at home. They impart a sweet taste and have a chewy texture.
Calories
A two-cookie serving of coconut macaroons contains 100 to 150 calories, according to LIVESTRONG's food database MyPlate. The Diet Channel recommends keeping snacks between 100 to 200 calories, and two coconut macaroons fit this calorie range. You may also consider eating just one coconut macaroon along with a handful of raw carrots to boost the nutritional value of your snack.
Fat and Sugar
Two coconut macaroons contain six to 13 grams of fat, accounting for 12 to 27 percent of your daily value of calories. MayoClinic.com recommends limiting your fat intake to 20 to 35 percent of your total daily calories, or 44 to 78 grams.
As such, you may want to eat just one cookie to keep your fat intake down. Coconut contains natural sugars, although the sweetened condensed milk in the macaroons does contain added sugars. Two coconut macaroons have five grams of sugar. Added sugars should not exceed six to nine grams each day. Excess sugar and fat in your diet contributes to obesity as well as other medical conditions.
Carbohydrates
Each two cookie serving of coconut macaroons contains nine to 17 grams of carbohydrates. The Institute of Medicine recommends including 130 grams of carbohydrates in your diet each day to satisfy your energy needs.
Consuming fiber-rich foods can also help you lose weight. Two coconut macaroons provide 2 to 4 grams of fiber, which can keep you feeling full for longer.
Protein
Coconut macaroons also contain one to three grams of protein per two cookie portion. Protein also serves as a source of energy. Be sure to include 46 to 56 grams of protein in your daily meal plan.
Benefits
Because coconut macaroons contain no leavening agents, such as baking powder or baking soda, this makes it an ideal cookie to serve during Passover, a Jewish holiday during which leavened foods are avoided. Consuming the meat of the coconut is recognized as a folk remedy in India, according to the Earth in Common website. No scientific research confirms this use.
More About MyPlate
The free LIVESTRONG MyPlate calorie tracker app for iPhone and Android has helped millions of people lose weight the healthy way — by getting support from an active community as they track their eating and exercise. Consistently a top-rated app, MyPlate offers the latest technology in an easy-to-use tool that includes millions of foods and recipes, 5-minute in-app workouts and a robust support community.