Have you ever sipped a creamy, tropical drink and wondered about that secret ingredient? Coconut milk is more than just a cooking staple; it’s a refreshing beverage enjoyed worldwide. But when you stand in the grocery aisle, faced with cartons labeled “light,” “full-fat,” or “beverage,” the choice can feel overwhelming. Many people want the delicious taste and benefits of coconut milk in their smoothies or coffee, but they end up buying the wrong kind, leading to watered-down flavor or unwanted thick textures.
Choosing the best coconut milk for drinking is tricky because the labels don’t always tell the whole story. You need to know what to look for to ensure you get that perfect balance of smooth taste and the right consistency for your needs. This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down the differences between the types of coconut milk you can drink.
By the end of this post, you will confidently select the ideal coconut milk for your next glass, cereal, or recipe. Get ready to unlock the secrets to choosing the best coconut milk for drinking, and say goodbye to guesswork forever.
Top Coconut Milk For Drinking Recommendations
- This delicious beverage goes great over cereal, in coffee, mixed into recipes and poured into a tall glass.
- 32 fl oz; Non-GMO Project Verified
- Certified gluten-free, soy-free, certified vegan
- SO DELICIOUS is proud to be a 2019 Whole Planet Foundation $100,000 Fund Member donating funds to support microentrepreneurs, primarily women, internationally and domestically to alleviate global poverty.
- Only 70 calories per serving, USDA Organic
- One (1) 32 oz carton of Pacific Foods Organic Unsweetened Coconut Milk
- A deliciously creamy plant based milk alternative made with organic coconuts
- Drink this lactose free milk substitute by the glass, blend it in smoothies, swap it for dairy milk in baking, or use it to enhance soups and curries
- Gluten free, vegan milk alternative that’s USDA Certified Organic and made with non-GMO ingredients
- A good source of Vitamin D and a natural source of medium chain fatty acids per serving
- 365 by Whole Foods Market products give you that dance-down-the-aisles feeling, virtual aisles too!
- Our huge range of choices with premium ingredients at prices you can get down with makes grocery shopping so much more than tossing the basics in your cart
- Trust & Quality We Are Proud to Offer This Product to You Because It Meets Our Rigorous Quality Standards, Which Prohibit Over 100 Ingredients for Both Food and Supplements
- An Amazon brand
- Light and Smooth, Without Added Sugar | Our coconut non-dairy beverage is coconut water and coconut cream blended to create a super satisfying plant-based drink. In Original, Vanilla, and Cinnamon flavors, there’s a MLK for everyone!
- Packed with Nutrition | With hydrating electrolytes and replenishing nutrients from coconut water, Coconut MLK leaves you feeling recharged and ready to go.
- Straight From the Coconut | Vita Coco Coconut MLK is 100% Organic, Non-GMO, Dairy-Free, Soy-Free, and has zero added sugar.
- Your New Breakfast Buddy | Swap out your old milk in any recipe and add Vita Coco to smoothies, shakes, coffee, tea, or even that morning scone recipe you've been thinking of trying out.
- Plant-Based and Shelf-Stable | This revitalizing MLK is a lighter version of thicker dairy, soy, oat, almond, macadamia, hemp, or other plant-based milks and beverages.
- Two simple ingredients (compare to other national brands): water and coconut
- Delicious, unsweetened alternative to dairy milk and plant based milks
- Dairy free, gluten-free and non-GMO
- Sourced from Thailand; Kosher
- Rich, creamy, non-dairy milk for smoothies, coffee, curries and baked goods
- Rich, creamy, non-dairy milk for smoothies, coffee, curries and baked goods
- Two simple ingredients (compare to other national brands): water and coconut
- Delicious, unsweetened alternative to dairy milk and plant based milks
- Dairy free, gluten-free and non-GMO
- Sourced from Thailand; Kosher
- NO OILS, NO GUMS: Califia Organic Coconutmilk is made with just four simple ingredients and without oils or gums. Just shake it up and enjoy!
- CERTIFIED USDA ORGANIC: Califia Organic Almondmilk is USDA certified organic with zero additives. No dairy, oil, gums, gluten, soy, and carrageenan. It’s everything you want in dairy-free plant milk and nothing you don’t.
- FOUR SIMPLE INGREDIENTS: Purified water, coconut cream, coconut water, and a pinch of baking soda. This is plant-based dairy-free goodness in its purest form. No oils and no gums. It’s deliciously simple.
- IRRESISTIBLY GOOD: Califia Farms products are made with plant-based ingredients to achieve irresistible goodness in every way––taste, versatility, and all the benefits of being dairy-free.
- DON'T FORGET TO SHAKE: Settling is natural in high-quality plant-based milks so remember to shake well!
- Rich, creamy, non-dairy milk for smoothies, coffee, curries and baked goods
- Two simple ingredients (compared to other national brands): water and coconut
- 60% less fat and calories than regular coconut milk
- Delicious, unsweetened alternative to dairy milk and plant based milks
- Dairy free, gluten-free and non-GMO
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Coconut Milk for Drinking
Coconut milk is a creamy, tasty drink enjoyed by many. It comes from the white flesh inside mature coconuts. Whether you use it in smoothies, coffee, or just drink it plain, knowing what to look for helps you pick the best one. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know before buying.
Key Features to Look For
When you look at the labels, a few things stand out. These features tell you a lot about the quality and taste of the coconut milk.
1. Fat Content
Fat content changes how rich and creamy the milk is. Drinking coconut milk usually has lower fat than canned coconut milk used for cooking. Look for options between 4% and 10% fat for a good balance. Higher fat means a richer taste, but lower fat means a lighter drink.
2. Sweetness Level
Some brands add sugar, while others keep it natural. If you watch your sugar intake, choose “unsweetened” options. If you like a sweeter drink, look for “lightly sweetened.” Always check the nutrition label for added sugars.
3. Consistency (Thickness)
Good drinking coconut milk should pour easily, like regular milk. If it seems too thick or separated in the carton, it might have too many stabilizers or be a different type of coconut product altogether.
Important Materials and Ingredients
What goes into the carton matters a lot. You want simple ingredients for the best coconut milk experience.
- Coconut Extract/Pulp: This is the main ingredient. Look for a high percentage listed first on the ingredient list.
- Water: Water is used to thin the milk to a drinkable consistency.
- Natural Flavors: These are fine, but watch out for artificial flavors.
- Stabilizers (Carrageenan, Gellan Gum): These help keep the milk from separating. Small amounts are okay, but some people prefer to avoid them completely.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality depends on how the milk is processed and what is left out.
What Makes It Better:
Fewer Ingredients: The shorter the ingredient list, the better. Pure coconut milk with just coconut, water, and maybe a pinch of salt is usually the highest quality.
No Added Gums or Thickeners: If the milk naturally has a nice texture, it means the coconut quality is high.
What Lowers the Quality:
High Amounts of Sugar: Too much added sugar hides the natural coconut flavor.
Artificial Preservatives: These keep the milk shelf-stable longer but do not add to the taste or health benefits.
Separation: If the milk separates badly in the fridge, it might mean the emulsifiers are weak or the milk is old.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use the coconut milk affects your choice.
For Drinking Plain or Cereal:
Choose a lighter, slightly sweetened version. It should taste smooth and refreshing, similar to almond milk.
For Coffee or Tea:
You need a version that froths well and does not curdle in hot liquids. Look for slightly higher fat content (around 6-8%) for the best creamy texture in your hot drinks.
For Smoothies and Shakes:
Unsweetened, full-fat drinking coconut milk works great. It adds body and a tropical flavor without making your smoothie too sweet.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Coconut Milk for Drinking
Q: Is coconut milk for drinking the same as canned coconut milk?
A: No. Drinking coconut milk is thinner and has less fat. Canned coconut milk is very thick and is best for cooking curries or making desserts.
Q: Does coconut milk for drinking need to be shaken?
A: Yes, you should always shake the carton well before pouring. Natural separation happens, and shaking mixes the cream back into the water.
Q: Can I drink expired coconut milk?
A: Never drink spoiled coconut milk. If it smells sour, has mold, or the taste is very off, throw it away immediately.
Q: Which brand has the best unsweetened option?
A: This depends on your local store, but generally, brands that focus on natural ingredients often have the best unsweetened versions.
Q: Is coconut milk for drinking healthy?
A: It has healthy fats (MCTs) and is dairy-free. However, check the sugar content if you are watching calories or sugar intake.
Q: Will coconut milk curdle in my hot coffee?
A: Sometimes it does. Lower-fat versions are more likely to curdle. Using room temperature milk or a brand with good stabilizers helps prevent this issue.
Q: How long does opened coconut milk last in the fridge?
A: Once opened, most brands last about 7 to 10 days in the refrigerator, but always check the date printed on the carton.
Q: Does drinking coconut milk contain carrageenan?
A: Many brands use carrageenan to keep the milk smooth. Check the label; some newer, premium brands offer carrageenan-free options.
Q: Can I use coconut milk for my baby or toddler?
A: Always ask your pediatrician first. Toddlers can have it, but it should not replace breast milk or formula for infants.
Q: Is coconut milk high in calories?
A: It has fewer calories than whole dairy milk, but the fat content means it still has calories. Light versions are lower in calories.