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    You are at:Home»Ask Alisa»What is Coconut Milk? The Useful Guide from Beverage to Cream

    What is Coconut Milk? The Useful Guide from Beverage to Cream

    72
    By Alisa Fleming on January 10, 2017 Ask Alisa, Food and Grocery, In The News, News, Popular Food Guides

    Please note that So Delicious discontinued their coconut milk line, which was my favorite. It is the little aseptic packages that you will see in the pictures of this post. They had unique packaging – most other brands of coconut milk and lite coconut milk are sold in cans. I’ve added references to other brands so that you can see the packaging you will be looking for. What you get in the cans should still look like the pictures, and all of the information regarding “what is coconut milk” still holds true! Although they phased out their coconut milk line, So Delicious still makes the coconut milk beverage pictured. 

    I was reading the top food trend predictions for this year, and Whole Foods said coconut will continue to be “one of the hottest ingredients”. Which got me thinking about the number one misstep many of our readers tend to make. They often use the wrong type of “coconut milk” in dairy-free recipes. It’s an honest mistake, but can lead to a disappointing recipe fail. So I’ve created this quick guide to put proper names with details AND visuals. I hope it helps you to ace those recipes and make your own ingredient swaps with ease.

    What is Coconut Milk - Quick Guide and Reference to the Beverage, Lite, Regular and Cream

    What Is Coconut Milk? Demystifying the Types …

    There are four versions of “coconut milk” currently on the market, and it’s essential to understand the differences. I keep each one on hand as they work miracles in dairy-free recipes, but aren’t always interchangeable. If you use coconut milk beverage in a homemade whip, it likely won’t set up. And traditional coconut milk would probably be too rich for your morning bowl of granola. So here’s my easy-to-follow answer to the common question, “what is coconut milk?”:

    Coconut Milk Beverage

    What is Coconut Milk - Quick Guide and Reference to the Beverage, Lite, Regular and Cream

    Special Note: You might see some food bloggers label coconut milk beverage as simply “coconut milk.” Please politely ask them to stop doing that, so we can all avoid confusion! Coconut milk beverage should (almost) never be used as a substitute for coconut milk. 

    Key Facts on Coconut Milk Beverage

    • Consistency similar to 2% dairy milk.
    • Sold in shelf-stable and refrigerated packages, in large quart of half-gallon sizes.
    • Usually found in the refrigerated “non-dairy” section or on the shelves in the cereal aisle of supermarkets. The shelf-stable versions can also be purchased online.
    • Everyday multi-purpose uses for drinking, smoothies, and cereal.
    • Can be used in place of dairy milk in most recipes, including baking and sauces.
    • Available unsweetened, sweetened, and in flavors.
    • Adds minimal coconut flavor to recipes.
    • Should NOT be used when a recipe specifically calls for just “coconut milk”. It will not help to thicken, pies, fudge, whip, etc., on its own.

    Lite Coconut Milk

    What is Coconut Milk - Quick Guide and Reference to the Beverage, Lite, Regular and Cream
    Special Note: So Delicious discontinued their Lite Coconut Milk (they called it “Culinary”). Most other brands are sold in cans. You can click the image below, which is a popular brand.

    Key Facts on Lite Coconut Milk

    • A thinner, lower fat version of traditional coconut milk.
    • Thicker, creamier, and slightly higher in fat than coconut milk beverage.
    • Sold in shelf-stable cans (the the uniquely packaged aseptic version pictured above has been discontinued).
    • Usually sold in the Asian food section of supermarkets. It can also be purchased online.
    • Not available sweetened or in flavors.
    • Used frequently in Thai recipes.
    • Can be used in place of light cream or half and half in most recipes.
    • May add a hint of coconut flavor, depending on the recipe.

    Coconut Milk

    What is Coconut Milk - Quick Guide and Reference to the Beverage, Lite, Regular and Cream

    Special Note: So Delicious discontinued their regular Coconut Milk (they called it “Culinary”). Most other brands are sold in cans. You can click the image below, which is a popular brand.

    Key Facts on Coconut Milk

    • This is “full-fat” regular coconut milk made from the grated meat of a mature coconut.
    • Sold in shelf-stable cans (the the uniquely packaged aseptic version pictured above has been discontinued).
    • Usually sold in the Asian food section of supermarkets. It can also be purchased online.
    • Not available sweetened or in flavors.
    • Has a thick, creamy consistency that doesn’t pour easily, unless heated.
    • Can be used in place of heavy cream in most recipes.
    • Traditionally used in Asian and Tropical cuisines for dishes like curry.
    • Thickens further as it chills, so you must not substitute coconut milk beverage or lite coconut milk in recipes where coconut milk helps in “setting up” or when a very rich or thick consistency is desired.
    • May add some coconut flavor, depending on the recipe.

    Coconut Cream

    What is Coconut Milk - Quick Guide and Reference to the Beverage, Lite, Regular and Cream

    Special Notes: Good quality coconut milk should always separate and thicken to create a fair amount of coconut cream. You should get 1/2 cup to 1 cup of cream per package or can. If it doesn’t then it likely has too many additives or is a poor quality batch.

    I previously used So Delicious regular Coconut Milk (they called it “Culinary”) because it produced a lot of coconut cream. Most other brands of coconut milk are sold in cans, and you can buy coconut cream (pictured below), which is usually sold next to the coconut milk. Canned coconut cream still needs to be separated. Some brands are actually thinner than coconut milk!

    Key Facts on Coconut Cream

    • This is coconut milk with even more water removed to produce a thick cream.
    • To make coconut cream, place canned coconut milk or coconut cream in the refrigerator overnight. Scoop the thick cream that forms from the top.
    • Usually sold in shelf-stable cans (there are a few brands that sell coconut cream in small aseptic packages). It can also be purchased online.
    • Can be used in place of whipping cream in most recipes. Also works well in chilled desserts that need to set up.
    • Will most likely add some coconut flavor, but this still depends on the recipe.

    What is Coconut Milk? See it in Action!

    https://www.facebook.com/godairyfree/videos/10155001240216350/

    What is Coconut Milk? Pin it to Share & Reference!

    What is Coconut Milk - Quick Guide and Reference

    Alisa Fleming
    • Website

    Alisa is the founder of GoDairyFree.org, Food Editor for Allergic Living magazine, and author of the best-selling dairy-free book, Go Dairy Free: The Guide and Cookbook for Milk Allergies, Lactose Intolerance, and Casein-Free Living, and the new cookbook, Eat Dairy Free: Your Essential Cookbook for Everyday Meals, Snacks, and Sweets. Alisa is also a professional recipe creator and product ambassador for the natural food industry.

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    72 Comments

    1. Cricket Plunkett on January 11, 2017 7:37 pm

      This is so informative.I love coconut milk, but I’ve really given much thought about what it is! I love learning new food facts!

      Reply
      • Alisa Fleming on January 12, 2017 1:09 pm

        Yes, these days it’s a bit of a maze with that ingredient, but it is so wonderful!

        Reply
        • Alisa Fleming on January 12, 2017 1:09 pm

          Happy to hear that you think it will be helpful Elizabeth!

          Reply
    2. Elizabeth DiBurro on January 11, 2017 4:46 pm

      Loving the graphic that explains the differences! This is a very helpful post. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • Alisa Fleming on January 12, 2017 1:12 pm

        Thanks Elizabeth – I’m glad I hit the mark! This post has been in my head for a year, so it was great to finally put it together.

        Reply
    3. Chrystal @ Gluten-Free Palate on January 11, 2017 2:04 pm

      I love knowing the difference between them all. Thank you so much! Such a great resource.

      Reply
      • Alisa Fleming on January 12, 2017 1:10 pm

        You are so welcome Chrystal!

        Reply
    4. Maria on January 11, 2017 1:06 pm

      What an amazing guide! It took me a long time to get them straight. I love making whipped cream from coconut cream 🙂

      Reply
      • Alisa Fleming on January 12, 2017 1:11 pm

        Coconut cream is kind of an addiction here Maria 🙂

        Reply
    5. Laura | Petite Allergy Treats on January 11, 2017 12:17 pm

      Wow, Alisa! I had no idea there were so many varieties of coconut ‘milk’. Totally guilty of using a generic coconut milk within my posts… I will stop. 😛 My favorite form is still pure coconut cream!

      Reply
      • Alisa Fleming on January 12, 2017 1:11 pm

        Haha, thanks Laura! I am with you, coconut cream is the BEST!

        Reply
    6. Emily on January 11, 2017 11:31 am

      This is such a great post!! I too sometimes get confused about which product to try, but you’ve cleared up all my questions!! Thanks so much!

      Reply
      • Alisa Fleming on January 12, 2017 1:12 pm

        Happy to help Emily!

        Reply
    7. Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine on January 11, 2017 11:02 am

      Haha, yes! I always have to explain the differences!

      Reply
      • Alisa Fleming on January 12, 2017 1:13 pm

        I bet! You use so many great whole food ingredients that I’m sure the coconut milk question hits your comments a lot Rebecca.

        Reply
    8. Meg @ With Salt and Wit on January 11, 2017 8:27 am

      You broke coconut down perfectly! I am saving this as a reference when I need it! I love all the bullet points you gave! Great post!

      Reply
      • Alisa Fleming on January 12, 2017 1:13 pm

        That’s so great, and thanks Meg!

        Reply
    9. Sarah on January 11, 2017 8:08 am

      Such a great post with helpful information as it’s often a question that gets asked and there is such a difference when talking about coconut milk beverages and canned (or boxed, So Delicious Culinary Coconut Milk is my fav) coconut milk and cream.

      Reply
      • Alisa Fleming on January 12, 2017 1:15 pm

        You bring up a good point – the new little eco cartons for coconut milk are awesome, but I can no longer just write “canned”, so now we have to teach people a little more 🙂

        Reply
    10. Mel | avirtualvegan.com on January 10, 2017 10:54 pm

      Such a useful guide. I always get questions about different kinds of coconut milk and it’s great to have a post to refer people to. Thank you for putting it together!

      Reply
      • Alisa Fleming on January 12, 2017 1:15 pm

        Awesome! I hope it does help with your readers going forward Mel!

        Reply
    11. Ceara @ Ceara's Kitchen on January 10, 2017 8:03 pm

      I love coconut milk and this is a wonderful guide! It’s such a versatile and creamy milk!

      Reply
      • Alisa Fleming on January 12, 2017 1:10 pm

        The creamiest! I don’t think most people realize that it rivals dairy cream!

        Reply
    12. Jessica @ Nutritioulicious on January 10, 2017 7:31 pm

      This is such an informative post! It’s easy to get confused with so many options!

      Reply
      • Alisa Fleming on January 12, 2017 1:10 pm

        It really is! Definitely a top FAQ AND biggest mistake I see when people make dairy-free recipes.

        Reply
    13. Jackie of Vegan Yack Attack on January 10, 2017 6:54 pm

      This guide is so thorough! I love using all types of coconut milk, and So Delicious’s products are tasty.

      Reply
      • Alisa Fleming on January 12, 2017 1:09 pm

        I agree Jackie. I definitely agree 🙂

        Reply
    14. Taylor Kiser on January 10, 2017 5:33 pm

      This is such a great guide! So helpful! Thanks for putting it together!

      Reply
      • Alisa Fleming on January 10, 2017 5:33 pm

        Thanks Taylor!

        Reply
    15. Sonali- The Foodie Physician on January 10, 2017 2:14 pm

      This is can definitely be a confusing topic- thanks for the awesome information. I really love the pinnable (is that a word?) guide, I’ll definitely refer people to it when the question comes up 🙂

      Reply
      • Alisa Fleming on January 10, 2017 5:34 pm

        I think in the age of social media, pinnable is definitely a word 🙂 Thanks Sonali!

        Reply
    16. Vegan Heaven on January 10, 2017 10:48 am

      What a great guide, Alisa! So helpful. 🙂 Sharing!

      Reply
      • Alisa Fleming on January 10, 2017 5:34 pm

        Thank you! I hope it is immensely helpful!

        Reply
    17. Sophia | Veggies Don't Bite on January 10, 2017 10:26 am

      Love this Alisa! Such great info for those that don’t get the differences. I will definitely be sending readers your way when they have questions on this. Can’t wait to see all the other posts you have in store.

      Reply
      • Alisa Fleming on January 10, 2017 5:35 pm

        Thanks Sophia! Loads of fun, tasty, plant-based goodness to come 🙂

        Reply
    18. Dianne's Vegan Kitchen on January 10, 2017 9:54 am

      This is really helpful info! I love using coconut milk in my recipes, but I know that it can sometimes confuse newbies.

      Reply
      • Alisa Fleming on January 10, 2017 5:35 pm

        Newbies and even many who’ve been dairy-free for a while – surprising, but it just doesn’t always get clarified for people. Thanks Dianne!

        Reply
    19. Becky Striepe on January 10, 2017 8:45 am

      This is so handy! I get a lot of questions about type when I use coconut milk in a recipe, and this graphic really clarifies what each type is good for.

      Reply
      • Alisa Fleming on January 10, 2017 5:36 pm

        Thanks Becky! I’ve been meaning to write this post for ages – I hope it’s a good reference all around 🙂

        Reply
    20. Jenn on January 10, 2017 8:22 am

      Super helpful! I try to use the term “canned” coconut milk in my recipes to differentiate between the beverage and regular coconut milk, but still some people are confused. Definitely sharing this!

      Reply
      • Alisa Fleming on January 10, 2017 8:42 am

        Thanks Jenn! I think coconut milk beverage hit the mainstream before many people realized that coconut milk was a real (and different) thing that had been around for eons! I appreciate that you differentiate 🙂

        Reply
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