Years ago, a reader named Brisa emailed to ask how to substitute for coconut in recipes.
I was wondering, what would be a good substitute for coconut milk and coconut oil? I don’t like the taste of coconut and I would prefer to buy things that my whole family could use.
Coconut, which is technically a fruit or drupe (not a tree nut), has so much to offer dairy-free consumers. But not everyone likes the flavor that it imparts. Also, coconut allergies are a reality for some people. The following includes some of my personal tips from Go Dairy Free: The Guide and Cookbook to help you substitute for coconut milk and oil in recipes, while keeping them dairy-free.
How to Substitute for Canned Coconut Milk
This is the “authentic” stuff that comes in the cans and is available in light or regular / full fat. You can read more about it in my Coconut Milk Primer. We like this ingredient for its natural, rich profile that mimics dairy cream in consistency. Though a substitute is never “the real thing,” here are some options that should work in your recipes:
Nut Cream – This is my personal preference and a great option for those who aren’t allergic to tree nuts. You can make nut cream from any soft nut, but I like cashews the best. They have the most neutral flavor, but with a slight sweetness. See the Essential Dairy Subs chapter in Go Dairy Free: The Guide and Cookbook for my homemade Nut Cream recipe, or use this simple Heavy Cashew Cream Recipe that we have posted online.
Silken Tofu – Pureed silken tofu is a fair stand-in for coconut milk in recipes, and one that low fat dieters sway toward. Brands that come in aseptic packages, such as Mori-nu, seem to yield good results. Just be sure to pick an organic or non-GMO variety.
Fat + Liquid – If the coconut milk is used in a baked good, you can replace it with a combination of oil or dairy-free margarine and additional liquid. The liquid could be a low fat milk alternative, juice, or water. Whatever you feel goes best with your recipe. Here are some ratios to go by:
- 1 cup coconut milk = 1/4 cup oil + 3/4 cup liquid
- 1 cup coconut milk = 1/3 cup melted dairy-free margarine + 2/3 cup liquid
Dairy-Free Creamer – If the recipe calls for light coconut milk, you can lean on soy, almond, or pea protein creamer for a fair coconut-free substitute.
No Coconut Allergy? There’s no denying the pronounced flavor of good quality coconut milk. But I think it melds seamlessly into recipes that call for complimentary ingredients like curry, mint, pumpkin, or sweet potatoes. In fact, no one ever guesses that my popular pumpkin pie recipe is made with coconut. And you can partially mask coconut flavor with ingredients like vanilla extract. In sweet recipes where I don’t want a pronounced coconut flavor, I often add 1/2 to 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract per cup of coconut milk.
How to Substitute for Coconut Cream
Coconut cream is the very thick cream that forms when coconut milk separates. You can learn more about it in my and my Visual Guide to Coconut Milk & Cream. It’s used in recipes to replace heavy cream and can be whipped to substitute whipped cream.
Nut Cream – A thicker nut cream works well in place of coconut cream in many recipes. See the Essential Dairy Subs chapter in Go Dairy Free: The Guide and Cookbook for my homemade Nut Cream recipe. It doesn’t whip like coconut cream, but it still adds a creamy finish to desserts, sauces, and more.
Silken Tofu – Extra-firm silken tofu purees easily and is a nice, thick 1:1 substitute for coconut cream. It’s also a great option if you prefer a lower fat alternative.
Store Bought Cream Alternatives – Most brands of dairy-free “cream” or “whipped cream” are made with coconut. But there are a few coconut-free products on the market. See my Guide to Dairy-Free Whipped Cream to learn more about the options.
No Coconut Allergy? Like coconut milk, coconut cream can “disappear” into recipes with bold flavors, like chocolate. But if it’s the star of the show, I would stick with one of the substitute options above.
How to Substitute for Coconut Milk Beverage
It’s easy to confuse coconut milk beverage with canned coconut milk, since those cartons are becoming quite popular. Make sure to clarify which type is being used in a recipe. If it is coconut milk “beverage” (the stuff sold in cartons under brands like So Delicious and Silk), then you can substitute your favorite dairy-free milk alternative in an equivalent amount.
I like cashew milk the best, as it is richer, like coconut milk beverage, and has a versatile flavor. However, you can substitute for coconut milk beverage with soymilk, almond milk, rice milk, or just about any other milk alternative. There are so many!
But different dairy-free milk beverages can produce slightly different results in some recipes, and the flavor profile should always be taken into consideration. For example, some people like the taste of almond milk beverage in mashed potatoes, while others loathe it. And sauces might thicken differently depending on the fat content and additives in the milk beverage.
No Coconut Allergy? If you use dairy-free milk beverage regularly on cereal and in smoothies, then there isn’t much point in keeping coconut milk beverage on hand if you don’t like it. But if you mostly use it in recipes, don’t run from coconut milk beverage without trying it. It’s mild enough that you won’t taste “coconut” in most soups, sauces, and baked goods. And it has a natural richness that performs well in many recipes.
How to Substitute for Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is one of the few plant-based fats that has a high ratio of saturated fat, like dairy. This makes it solid at cooler room temperatures, offering more versatility and a somewhat buttery texture. Nonetheless, it isn’t required for baking or cooking.
If a solid fat is needed in your recipe, then you can turn to organic palm shortening (look for RSPO certified for sustainable options). Palm shortening has a more neutral flavor, and is always solid at room temperature, but it has similar properties to coconut oil. Another alternative is dairy-free buttery spreads or sticks (formerly known as non-hydrogenated margarine!). Buttery spreads and sticks have a little more flavor than coconut oil, but this may not be a bad thing. Food-grade cocoa butter can also work well as a substitute in some recipes that call for coconut oil’s firming power, including no-bake treats.
If your recipe calls for melted coconut oil, you can substitute it with your favorite baking or cooking oil. I lean toward grapeseed oil and olive oil, but you might like canola or vegetable. They will all work comparably as a substitute for coconut oil in recipes. Just keep the overall flavor profile of the dish or baked good in mind. I include additional information on how to use oils in baking and oil smoke points for cooking in Go Dairy Free: The Guide and Cookbook.
No Coconut Allergy? If you aren’t allergic to coconut, but you just hate the taste, then you can look for a refined coconut oil. The coconut flavor and scent is removed in the refining process, and it performs exactly the same in recipes as unrefined coconut oil.
How to Substitute for Coconut Butter
Coconut butter is essentially pureed coconut meat. It retains all of the fats, solids, and flavor of coconut. I don’t reach for coconut butter often, but you might see it in some “healthier” recipes.
In no bake bites, bars, and energy balls, you can usually substitute your favorite nut or seed butter for coconut butter. You might need a little extra moisture since coconut butter is fattier than nut butters.
In baked goods like cookies, dairy-free buttery sticks often work in place of coconut butter. In muffins or quick breads, any type of baking oil or buttery spread can usually work. Or you might opt to substitute part nut or seed butter (about 1/3) and part oil (about 2/3).
No Coconut Allergy? Coconut butter does have a very pronounced flavor. So if you are averse to the taste of coconut, I would go with one of the substitution options above.
How to Substitute for Shredded Coconut
These days you can easily find coconut flakes, unsweetened coconut shreds, and sweetened coconut shreds in stores. They are typically used to provide coconut flavor and texture to recipes.
In most recipes, you can simply omit the coconut or swap in another flavorful add-in like chocolate chips, seeds, sliced almonds, other chopped nuts, or dried fruit. However, flaked or shredded coconut does release some oils as it cooks or bakes. And sweetened shredded coconut supplies even more moisture. So your end result might be just a touch drier without the coconut. If so, you can add just a wee bit more oil or sweetener in your next batch.
Some people like to substitute rolled or quick oats for coconut. This can be a good idea from a taste and texture perspective. But keep in mind that coconut releases oil while oats absorb moisture. The latter will produce a drier finished good.
No Coconut Allergy? Shredded and flaked coconut is the real stuff. If you are averse to the flavor of coconut, I just recommend omitting or replacing the coconut as mentioned above.
How to Substitute for Coconut Sugar
In an effort to make sweets healthier, a lot of recipe creators use coconut sugar. It is lower on the glycemic index than regular cane sugar, but it’s also a little less sweet. And some people might not like the more subdued coconut-caramel like flavor.
The easiest substitute for coconut sugar is sucanat, which is essentially unrefined cane sugar. It can be swapped in a 1:1 ratio. For a more intense flavor, you can substitute lightly-packed brown sugar. If you firmly pack the brown sugar, expect a sweeter result.
No Coconut Allergy? Coconut sugar does have it’s own unique flavor, but it isn’t as “coconut” in taste as many other coconut foods. Even if you are averse to the taste of coconut, you might like it.
47 Comments
So helpful. I am doing Paleo AIP and coconut is everywhere. My blood work says I am not allergic to coconut but it seems to make me a itch and exacerbates my Eczema. So frustrating, but glad I can use water and fat lol, so far not allergic to them!! ?
Happy I can help Debbie! Testing can be so hit or miss. That’s why so many doctors still recommend elimination testing as the “gold standard”! Sounds like it is working for you.
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I have a recipe for coconut grasshopper bars that uses coconut, avocado, honey, mint and coconut oil in the bars. The coconut oil is used to harden the bars. They are delicious but I don’t want so much fat in them,
Again, in the topping they use coconut oil, honey, and cocoa powder to make a fudge like topping but it’s so much fat.
What could I substitute for part of the oil that would still stiffen when cold? Thank you!
Hi Lael, I wish I could help but I’m not an expert in low fat or fat substitutions. You might want to check sites or boards that target lean recipes. If I were to try to make this recipe more lean, I would probably have to change the recipe entirely. I might use nuts instead – still higher in fat, but not as much as straight oil.
I’m so glad I found your site!!! I’m going to try making my own non-flavored dry coffee creamer. I don’t like flavors and don’t like the refrigeratored kinds because it defeats the point of Hot coffee. Everything I have found says coconut oil and I do not like the taste plus I believe I have an allergy do to what happens to my mouth. Could you tell me which would be the best to use that has no flavor. Just the creamer taste. Please.
Hi Susan, I couldn’t say for certain on taste, as I think that is quite particular, but I was beyond impressed with nutpods – http://www.godairyfree.org/product-reviews/nutpods-dairy-free-creamer – they’re unsweetened and add body just like a creamer should. They are not coconut based, and I think the nut base is pleasing but again, that could be particular!
Hi a friend has a daughter allergic to coconut – all forms from shampoos to food.
Her mum would like to make healthy chocolate and told to use coconut oil but as her daughter is allergic what else could she use to replace the coconut oil?
Please read the post you commented on Kerryn – that’s what it’s about – how to sub coconut oil!
Alisa, thank you so so much! Coconut is a deadly allergy for me (has landed me in the hospital more than once due to negligent restaurants not disclosing all ingredients in their food). I have been gluten and dairy free for the past year due to doctors orders and find coconut is in so much! Can be disheartening but so glad to have discovered this article. Thank you again! Caroline
You are welcome – so glad I can help!
Thank you so much for this article. Coconut is my deadliest allergy and also my most regrettable as I *adore* coconut and miss it intensely. So many internet articles about substitutes for coconut milk are full of haughty judgments about there being no substitute for the real thing, as if people are unaware that the real thing might be lethal to some of us! I especially appreciate that you included information about the similar fat profile in flax milk (which I have never seen, but will now be looking for) as I believe fat profile is largely responsible for mouthfeel and texture in many recipes. Overall this has been incredibly helpful.
I’m so glad that I could help you Minyassa! We actually get quite a few requests for coconut-free!
What can I substitute coconut milk for using in a soup receipe (butternut squash soup)r
Please see the post above for options.
Thanks for this info – I am allergic to coconut, coconut milk and coconut oil which can be problematic. This is the only webpage I’ve found that offers real alternatives to coconut ingredients. Thanks.
Glad I could help!
Hello,
I found all the info. here very helpful, since I only have on hand imitation coconut drops. I’ll be making peanut butter balls, covered with chocolate, and now I’ll use one of my oils to replace the coconut oil. Thanks! Marilyn raff
I have an allergy towards coconut and this has been so helpful! (: when it comes to coconut flour would I simply substitute it with regular flour? Or oat, quinoa flour?
-Nina
Hi Nina, no coconut flour is very, very, very dry. It soaks up moisture like mad and can’t be substituted for any other flour in equivalent amounts (or vice versa) – testing would be needed to make a swap and more liquid would definitely be involved!
I am trying to make a pistachio slice for Christmas and my granddaughter is dairy intolerlant – what can I use in place of the cream cheese – I will use almond milk instead of milk also in the whipped cool whip
any suggestions wouild be great!! and I would love to be put on your newesletter list
thanks
Mel
Hi Mel,
There are several cream cheese alternatives at the stores now (Daiya, Tofutti, Follow Your Heart, Go Veggie) and the cream cheese alternative recipe in Go Dairy Free works great in recipes. See also this page – http://www.godairyfree.org/dairy-substitutes/how-to-substitute-cheese
Please note that cool whip and other non-dairy toppings from the store are not dairy-free. They do contain a small amount of milk protein.
I am looking to make chocolate for my wife who is dairy and soya intolerant
I have found a recipe
1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
4 tablespoons unrefined coconut oil (melted)
pure maple syrup, use this ratio instead:
1/4 cup cocoa powder,
1/4 cup coconut oil,
1 tbsp of your maple syrup
optional: 1 extra tbsp oil or water, if it needs to be thinner
can you recommend a substitute for the coconut oil in this situation. we use pure dairy free sunflower margarine a lot if that would do.
thanks for any help
It is for a crust made with oats…I am going to assume that it is the solid “buttery” form and will find a substitute in that matter. Thank you so much for your help!
I am just curious. How do I know if the recipe calls for a fat or a melted version? I have a recipe that calls for 3 Tbsp coconut oil but I have a child with a severe allergy to coconuts and cannot use it…please help
If the recipe calls for “cutting it in” like butter, or if it is a no bake recipe where something has to thicken or set up, then you will want a solid format. In this case, palm shortening or dairy-free margarine could be used as a substitute. If it is simply being creamed, blended or poured in, then you can use any type of oil.
Just found this site because of my coconut allergy. So much vegan baking calls on coconut milk — I was desperate for a dairy-free substitute! Thanks 🙂
Glad I could help!
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To replicate the flavor, I’ve also heard of people using rich soy or almond milk and adding in a drop of coconut extract. These are all really great ideas!
I have occasional comments like Brisa’s. I will direct those folks your way : )
Great tips! Personally I love coconut ANYTHING, but not everyone feels the same, and can taste coconut oil in baked goods sometimes. This way I can be sensitive to those who aren’t into a slight coconut flavor.
I do also Alta! You’d be surprised, though, how many emails I get from people who have a severe allergy to coconut (not tree nuts, but coconut specifically), and how many just don’t like the taste! Some recipes can slip by the coconut averse, but definitely not all 🙂
I just love how informative your posts are! You make it easy.