Ben Tre coconut candy: A special gift from the land of coconuts

Ben Tre, a land famous for its lush coconut orchards, attracts visitors not only with its natural beauty but also with its distinctive products. One of the special gifts that tourists cannot miss when visiting here is Ben Tre coconut candy – a treat that has become a symbol of this region.

Introduction to Ben Tre coconut candy

Ben Tre coconut candy is one of the most famous specialties of the Mekong Delta, made from the finest coconuts grown in the fertile alluvial land. With its rich, naturally sweet flavor and soft, chewy texture, this traditional treat is not only a simple countryside gift but also a symbol of Ben Tre's culinary heritage.

Introduction to Ben Tre coconut candy (source: the saigon times)

First produced in the early 20th century, Ben Tre coconut candy was originally handmade using a traditional recipe that combined coconut milk, sugar, and malt. Over the decades, the product has continuously improved in both flavor and packaging while maintaining its signature characteristics. Today, Ben Tre coconut candy is not only popular in Vietnam but also exported to many countries, helping to promote Vietnamese specialties worldwide.

Traditional production process of Ben Tre coconut candy

Ben Tre coconut candy is famous not only for its delicious taste but also for its traditional handmade production process, preserving the essence of the coconut-growing region. From selecting ingredients to the final product, every step is meticulously carried out to ensure the best quality. The careful craftsmanship and long-standing experience of local artisans give Ben Tre coconut candy its rich, chewy texture and distinctive aroma.

Main ingredients of coconut candy

To create authentic coconut candy, Ben Tre artisans use only natural ingredients without additives, ensuring the purest flavor. The key ingredients include:

• Coconut meat: Selected from mature coconuts with high oil content, providing a rich taste and unique fragrance.
• Cane sugar or palm sugar: Adds a naturally sweet flavor without being too overwhelming, blending perfectly with coconut milk.
• Malt syrup: Made from glutinous rice and sprouted rice, it acts as a natural binder, giving the candy its chewy texture.
• Flavoring ingredients: Pandan leaves, durian, cocoa, peanuts, and more are added to create a variety of flavors to suit different tastes.

Traditional coconut candy production steps

The process of making Ben Tre coconut candy still follows the traditional method, even though modern machinery now provides some support. However, the secret to producing high-quality candy still lies in the skilled hands and experience of the artisans.

Step 1: Extracting coconut milk

Step 1: Extracting coconut milk (source: btaskee)

After being grated, the coconut meat is pressed to extract the coconut milk. This is an important ingredient that determines the richness and distinctive aroma of the candy.

Step 2: Cooking the candy mixture

Step 2: Cooking the candy mixture (source: can tho news)

The coconut milk is heated in a large pan along with sugar and malt syrup. The artisan continuously stirs the mixture for several hours to prevent burning and achieve the perfect consistency. This process requires patience and experience to ensure the candy is neither too hard nor too soft.

Step 3: Adding flavors

When the mixture reaches the desired chewiness, flavoring ingredients such as durian, cocoa, pandan leaves, or peanuts are added, creating a variety of coconut candy flavors to suit consumer preferences.

Step 4: Molding and cooling

The hot candy mixture is poured into wooden or metal molds, spread evenly, and left to cool naturally. After some time, the candy solidifies and is ready to be cut into small pieces.

Step 5: Cutting and wrapping the candy

The coconut candy is cut into bite-sized square pieces, then wrapped in a thin layer of rice paper to prevent sticking and covered with an outer layer of cellophane for better preservation.

Thanks to the traditional handmade process, Ben Tre coconut candy retains its original characteristics without preservatives, delivering a pure and natural flavor. This is what makes Ben Tre coconut candy a beloved treat and a meaningful gift for visitors to the Mekong Delta.

Popular types of Ben Tre coconut candy

Ben Tre coconut candy has evolved beyond its traditional flavor, now offering a variety of creative and appealing variations to cater to diverse consumer preferences. Through the skillful combination of natural ingredients and improved recipes, coconut candy not only tastes delicious but also provides a unique sensory experience. Below are some of the most popular and widely enjoyed types of coconut candy available on the market today.

Traditional coconut candy

Traditional coconut candy is the original version, made from three main ingredients: coconut milk, cane sugar, and malt syrup. This type of candy has a mild sweetness, a rich coconut flavor, and a chewy texture, preserving the authentic taste of Ben Tre coconut candy. When eaten, consumers can clearly experience the harmony of sweetness from the sugar, the richness of the coconut, and the signature soft yet chewy texture. This type of coconut candy is suitable for those who appreciate simple, traditional flavors.

Durian, pandan and cocoa coconut candy

Durian coconut candy (source: dac san xu dua)

To meet the growing demand for new flavors, many manufacturers have introduced unique variations of coconut candy. Some popular ones include:

• Durian coconut candy: Combines the bold aroma of durian with the richness of coconut milk, creating a distinctive treat for those who enjoy strong flavors.
• Pandan coconut candy: Naturally green from pandan leaves, this candy has a refreshing fragrance and a mild, pleasant taste, making it a favorite among consumers.
• Cocoa coconut candy: Blends the creamy taste of coconut with the slight bitterness of cocoa, resulting in a well-balanced flavor, perfect for those who prefer less sweetness.

Peanut and black sesame coconut candy

In addition to fruit flavors, coconut candy is also enhanced with nuts such as peanuts and black sesame, adding a crunchy texture and a nutty richness:

• Peanut coconut candy: Based on the traditional recipe but with the addition of crispy roasted peanuts, making it more flavorful and enjoyable.
• Black sesame: The black sesame seeds not only give the candy a distinctive aroma but also provide added nutritional benefits.

Sugar-free coconut candy – A choice for dieters 

With the increasing demand for low-sugar foods, many manufacturers now produce sugar-free coconut candy or use sugar substitutes to cater to health-conscious consumers. This type of candy retains the creamy coconut flavor while reducing sweetness, making it suitable for diabetics or those following a special diet.

Thanks to the diversity of flavors and the continuous creativity of skilled artisans, Ben Tre coconut candy has not only maintained its reputation as a famous specialty but has also gained popularity among people of all ages, from children to the elderly.

Read more: Unveiling the colorful charm of Sa Dec flower village

Where to buy Ben Tre coconut candy?

Ben Tre coconut candy is not only a delicious specialty but also a meaningful gift for family and friends. To ensure you purchase high-quality coconut candy, it is best to choose reputable brands and reliable sellers. Today, Ben Tre coconut candy is widely available at specialty stores, traditional markets, supermarkets, and online shopping platforms.

Reputable coconut candy brands

Ben Tre is home to many long-established coconut candy manufacturers, known for their consistent quality over time. Below are some well-known brands you can consider:

• Thanh Long Coconut Candy: One of the oldest brands in Ben Tre, famous for its stable quality and traditional flavor.
• Ben Tre Yen Hoang Coconut Candy: Popular among customers for its variety of flavors and attractive packaging.
• Tuyet Phung Coconut Candy: Characterized by a unique production formula that creates a rich and chewy texture.
• Bao Minh Coconut Candy: Not only well-known in Vietnam but also exported to international markets.
• Hai Van Coconut Candy: Recognized for its premium products, free from preservatives, ensuring food safety.

Thanh Long coconut candy (source: vietsway)

Price of Ben Tre coconut candy in the market 

The price of Ben Tre coconut candy depends on the brand, flavor, and packaging. Below are the reference prices:

• Traditional coconut candy (250g – 500g box): 30.000 – 70.000 VND
• Special flavored coconut candy (durian, cocoa, pandan, peanuts, etc): 40.000 – 90.000 VND/ box
• Premium coconut candy, sugar-free, for dieters: 60.000 – 120.000 VND/box
• Handmade coconut candy, purchased at the craft village: 25.000 – 60.000 VND/bag

In addition to buying directly in Ben Tre, you can also order from e-commerce platforms like Shopee, Lazada, Tiki, or specialty online stores for convenience. However, be sure to choose reputable suppliers to ensure you are buying authentic, high-quality candy.

Choosing the right brand and seller will help you get the best Ben Tre coconut candy, preserving the authentic traditional taste.

How to store Ben Tre coconut candy for long-lasting freshness

How to store Ben Tre coconut candy for long-lasting freshness (source: fintech vietnam)

To maintain the signature flavor and natural chewiness of Ben Tre coconut candy, proper storage is key. When stored carefully, the product will retain its quality and ensure food safety, allowing you to enjoy this specialty for a long time. Here are some effective storage tips:

• Store in a dry, cool place: Keep the coconut candy in a dry, cool area and avoid direct sunlight to prevent mold and maintain the candy's quality.
• Seal tightly: After opening the package, transfer the candy to an airtight container, zip-lock bag, or wrap it tightly in paper to prevent air and bacteria from entering.
• Avoid high temperatures: Do not store the candy in areas with high temperatures as this could cause it to melt or lose its chewiness.
• Refrigerate (if necessary): In hot and humid climates, you may place the candy in the refrigerator to preserve its freshness. However, let it reach room temperature before consuming to enjoy its natural flavor.
• Consume soon after opening: For the best quality and taste, consume the coconut candy as soon as possible after opening to avoid prolonged exposure to air.

These storage methods will help you maintain the excellent quality of Ben Tre coconut candy, allowing you to enjoy this traditional specialty for an extended period while ensuring its flavor and nutritional value.

With its sweet, smooth flavor and traditional handmade process, Ben Tre coconut candy is a perfect gift to bring home after every trip, showcasing the warmth and unique cultural identity of Ben Tre. If you want to visit the traditional craft village to witness the coconut candy-making process firsthand, feel free to contact Asia Pacific Travel for support and to plan this exciting trip.

Read more: Ben Tre Vietnam – A complete travel guide to the land of coconuts