With a can or carton of coconut milk in your kitchen, there are multiple recipe possibilities. A firm favorite amongst those on the Paleo diet and vegans, coconut milk is also a great alternative to cow’s milk. So what is so special about this creamy substance? In this post, we explore the many uses of coconut milk, take a look at its health credentials and reveal our top picks of the best coconut milk brand.
Our Top Picks for Best Coconut Milk 2022
Best Coconut Milk for Curry: Thai Kitchen’s Organic Coconut Milk
The perfect choice for an enriching Thai green or red curry. This tasty coconut milk can is thick, creamy created organically.
Best Coconut Milk for Coffee: Native Forest’s Coconut Milk Powder
If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative for your morning coffee then check out this Coconut Milk Powder from Native Forest. It’s simply delicious!
Best Organic Coconut Milk: 365 Everyday Value’s Organic Coconut Milk
This is a great organic coconut milk that is suitable for all your vegan cooking needs. It handles heat well and doesn’t split.
Best Coconut Milk To Drink: So Delicious’s Dairy-Free Organic Coconut Milk Beverage
This tasty coconut milk from So Delicious is a good choice for smoothies, pouring over your breakfast cereals or simply drinking.
Best Coconut Milk Yogurt: Yoplait’s Oui French Style Coconut Non-GMO and Gluten Free Yogurt
A great vegan yogurt choice is this coconut milk yogurt from Yoplait. For some luxury in your life treat yourself to this velvety and rich coconut yogurt reminiscent of a French fromage frais.
Best Coconut Milk Shampoo:OGX Nourishing Coconut Milk
Coconut milk is not just for eating and drinking it also works well as a shampoo! This is a great choice if you’re looking to give some TLC to dry or damaged locks.
What is coconut milk?
Cracking open a coconut reveals refreshing coconut water, so where does coconut milk come from? Coconut milk itself is actually made from the white flesh found inside the coconut. This flesh is removed from the coconut skin, grated, and then soaked in hot water which allows the coconut flesh to infuse in the water and create coconut milk. The liquid is then strained through a cheesecloth removing any bits of coconut, leaving you with the white liquid that is coconut milk. On first straining this creates quite a thick liquid, this can be strained again to create thinner milk.
What are the different types of coconut milk?
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Coconut milk can come in a can or a carton depending on the type of milk and its intended purpose. Let’s take a look at what the differences are between canned and carton coconut milk.
#1 Canned Coconut Milk
Canned coconut milk is the thicker than the coconut milk you will find in a carton. It has less water present and is generally the type of coconut milk you will need for cooking. Aside from being an alternative to dairy, coconut milk has been used for centuries in Asian cooking as a staple ingredient in curries and other delicious recipes.
Some stores stock reduced-fat canned coconut milk but for best results choosing the best full-fat coconut milk will really give your dishes a rich and creamy flavor. Canned coconut milk is also the best coconut milk for chia pudding.
#2 Carton Coconut Milk
Cartons of coconut milk will usually be found stocked amongst soy milk, almond milk, oat milk and other dairy-free options in the grocery store. This is the coconut milk variety to use as a dairy milk substitute. It makes a tasty addition to your morning cereal and can also be added to tea, coffee, and smoothies. It is a lot thinner than the canned coconut milk variety and generally has a lower fat content.
#3 Is coconut milk healthy?
Depending on which variety of coconut milk you’re consuming the fat and calorie content will vary. The canned type, as it is much thicker, contains more fat than the carton type. The high-fat content of coconut milk is a turn-off for some people, especially as coconut milk contains mainly saturated fat. A cup of unsweetened coconut milk from a carton contains around 4g of fat, whereas a cup of unsweetened canned coconut milk contains around 12g of fat.
While the verdict is inconclusive, it is generally recommended to see coconut milk as a treat rather than consuming it as regularly as you might cow’s milk. That being said, coconut milk is a popular choice for those following the Paleo diet and want a dairy alternative to full-fat milk. The best Paleo coconut milk is generally the homemade variety if you have the time do make it.
Best coconut milk ice cream recipe
Coconut ice cream makes for a tasty after dinner treat or an impressive dessert for your next dinner party. Whether you’re cutting out dairy or just fancy trying something different check out this vegan recipe which is easier than you think to make. This recipe requires an ice cream maker and a handheld blender.
Ingredients
- 400ml Canned Coconut Milk (full-fat)
- 400ml Canned Coconut Cream (full-fat)
- 100g White Sugar
- 60ml Golden Syrup
Method
- In a pan, add all of your ingredients and heat them up to a simmer. Make sure you are constantly stirring the mixture. Once it has reached the simmer and all of the ingredients are combined nicely, remove from the heat.
- Using your handheld blender now blend the mixture for 30 seconds. Then transfer the mixture to a sealed container and store it in the fridge overnight.
- In the morning, it’s time to get your ice cream maker in action. Pour the mixture into the maker and set it to churn for around 30 minutes.
- Once your ice cream has reached your desired consistency you can transfer it to a container that is suitable for the freezer. Store it in the freezer to fully set which will take about 6 hours.
While this recipe requires a little patience the end results are certainly worth it!
Best Coconut Milk: Our Top Picks 2022
Whether you’re looking for coconut milk to cook with, bake with, or use as a dairy-alternative in your morning routine we’ve got it covered in our top picks below.
#1 Best Coconut Milk for Curry: Thai Kitchen’s Organic Coconut Milk
If you love cooking creamy Thai red curries, satay chicken, or a spicy Sri Lankan Dhal, then you’ll love this rich, creamy, and unsweetened coconut milk. Coconut milk is a flavor that adds a luxurious element to any meal and this can is particularly opulent and scrumptious. This can turn a bog standard stir-fry into one to remember. With no added sugar, this is the perfect coconut milk for curries.
Other reasons this is best canned coconut milk for curries are that: it is non-GMO, USDA certified organic and vegan-friendly; it is completely free from preservatives and gluten-free making it good for people with digestive issues and allergies; it is also suitable for use in desserts, and; it is thick, creamy, and rich in flavor without being sweetened. The downside of this canned coconut milk is that it is pricier than most.
#Coconut_Milk #Canned_Coconut_Milk #Curries #Thai_Curry #Pad_Thai
#2 Best Coconut Milk for Coffee: Native Forest’s Coconut Milk Powder
If you love a creamy morning coffee but are trying to cut out dairy and consumer fewer calories, then you should check out this coconut milk powder. Coconut trees grow naturally and in abundance too, making them an ethical consumption choice. This creamer is some of the best tasting coconut milk out there too and is even better as in this powdered form it lasts as long as you need it unlike a can or a carton which will demand quick consumption.
Other reasons this is the best coconut milk creamer for coffee are that: it is sustainably farmed and non-GMO; it can be stored out of the fridge; it is incredibly creamy and works incredibly as a combination with coffee – check out this Vietnamese coconut coffee recipe for something even more delicious, and; it can also be used to enrich the flavor of cooking with just a sprinkling.
#Coconut_Cream #Coconut_Creamer #Coconut_Powder #Coconut_Coffee # Coconut_Milk_Powder
#3 Best Organic Coconut Milk: 365 Everyday Value’s Organic Coconut Milk
If you are looking for the best coconut milk for cooking that is organic, rich, and creamy, then you’ll love this canned delight. This coconut milk holds its body well when heated and doesn’t split easily as some coconut milk can be prone to do. This is also some of the best unsweetened coconut milk when it comes to natural flavors that help to keep dishes tasting fresh. For organic coconut milk that makes food taste divine, you can’t go wrong with this canned coconut milk.
Other good things about this coconut milk are that: it is also certified vegan as well as being certified organic; it is made using completely natural processes; it is super thick and creamy full-fat coconut milk; the cheap price is great and doesn’t reflect poor quality, and; you can save time by ordering this in online. The downside of this coconut milk is that it has guar gum in it which some people find causes mild digestive issues.
#Full_Fat_Coconut_Milk #Unsweetened_Coconut_Milk #Organic #Organic_Milk #Organic_Coconut_Milk
#4 Best Coconut Milk To Drink: So Delicious’s Dairy-Free Organic Coconut Milk Beverage
If you’re looking for the best coconut milk for smoothies or that is just as delicious on its own, then you need to look no further than this coconut milk drink. With a lower, but still plentiful, fat content than many canned coconut milks used for cooking, this tastes fresher straight from the carton and is just as delicious on its own as it is when blended with fruit in your favorite smoothie. Or if a pina colada tickles your fancy, it works great in cocktails too.
Other pluses about this coconut milk in a carton are that: it can be stored safely in the fridge once opened, unlike tin cans; it is full of minerals and vitamins including iron, vitamins A, B, C, and D, and calcium; it is fully allergy-tested using high-tech testing methods; it is thicker and creamier than other milk alternatives such as rice milk and has added vanilla. The downside of this milk is you need to consume it within a few days once opened even when stored in the fridge and the added vanilla is not for everyone.
#Coconut_Milk_Drink #Coconut_Drinks #Coconut_Smoothie #Pina_Colada #Cocktails
#5 Best Coconut Milk Yogurt: Yoplait’s Oui French Style Coconut Non-GMO and Gluten-Free Yogurt
One of the best things about the new range of milks on offer is that they can be made into all the products dairy milk can be. This yogurt uses creamy coconut milk to produce a velvety and rich coconut yogurt reminiscent of a French fromage frais. Served from a glass jar this coconut yogurt looks elegant and is a perfect way to finish a meal, whether you’re eating alone or want to wow some guests at after a dinner party.
Other pros of this coconut yogurt are that: it is not overly sweet – go on have another; it has pieces of fresh coconut flesh throughout adding to its sense of natural luxury; you can re-use the jars once used – they make excellent individual cheesecake servers; it is gluten-free and free from artificial flavors and colorings, and; it is non-GMO. The downside of this yogurt is that it contains dairy milk as well as coconut milk.
#Coconut_Yogurt #Coconut_Flavor #Creamy_Yogurt #Desserts #Luxury_Desserts
#6 Best Coconut Milk Shampoo: OGX Nourishing Coconut Milk
Coconut milk is great for the skin and hair due to its natural moisturizing properties. This shampoo harnesses the natural powers of the coconut to hydrate your skin and hair whilst throwing in the coconut’s deliciously exotic aroma. You’ll find this coconut shampoo works great on damaged or dry hair as it also gives it added volume and improved elasticity thanks to the nourishing qualities of the coconut milk.
Other good things about this coconut milk shampoo are that: it works up into an excellent lather unlike some natural shampoos; it makes your hair look shiny and silky smooth; it helps your hair build its own defenses against dryness and disrepair by fostering moisture and nourishment, and; it is completely sulfate-free shampoo. The downside of this shampoo is that it contains egg so it’s not suitable for vegans.
#Coconut_Shampoo #Shampoo #Coconut_Milk_Shampoo #Nourishing_Shampoo #Luxury_Shampoo
Conclusion
Coconut milk is a versatile ingredient which can be used in a wide range of dishes. It can also be used as an alternative to dairy milk as part of your morning breakfast routine. Whether you go for the thick canned variety or the drinkable carton coconut milk you’re sure to love the creamy and rich taste!
