Coconut milk not only contributes to the ideal Thai green curry, but it is also an excellent plant-based dairy alternative for individuals who cannot consume dairy products. It is also quite adaptable, and may be used in a variety of recipes as well as added to beverages straight from the can or carton. Coconut milk has historically been canned, however with the growing popularity of coconut milks, several are now available in shelf stable cartons.
Certain coconut milks are classified as drinks and may have additional sweets or tastes, as well as vital vitamins and minerals. Some types of coconut milk are unsweetened, comprising just coconut and purified water. This article will guide you through the finest coconut milk available, as well as its nutritional benefits and if coconut may aid to boost heart health by decreasing our cholesterol.
Best Selection
Our favorite coconut milk is the organic and non-GMO So Delicious coconut milk beverage (unsweetened), which is made in the United States.
Budget Selection
The original Aroy-D coconut milk is our low-cost option for pure coconut milk in BPA-free containers.
Contents
- Quick Comparison: Top 8 Best Coconut Milk
- Considerations When Purchasing Coconut Milk
- Conclusion
- FAQs
- What brand coconut milk is best for curry?
- What kind of coconut milk is used in Thai curry?
- Which coconut milk tastes the best?
- What type of coconut milk is best for coffee?
- What coconut milk do baristas use?
- Can you use bottled coconut milk for curry?
- Can I use carton coconut milk in Thai curry?
- Should I use coconut cream or coconut milk for curry?
- Does authentic Indian curry have coconut milk?
- What brand of coconut milk does Starbucks use?
Quick Comparison: Top 8 Best Coconut Milk
| Product Name | Grade |
|---|---|
| So Delicious Coconut Milk Beverage | A |
| Aroy-D Coconut Milk Original | A |
| Native Forest Organic Coconut Milk | A- |
| Vita Coco Coconut Milk | B+ |
| Marion’s Kitchen Premium Coconut Milk | B+ |
| Thai Kitchen Lite Coconut Milk | A- |
| Obrigado Coconut Milk | B+ |
| Fiesta Tropicale Organic Coconut Milk | A- |
1. So Delicious Coconut Milk Beverage
Highlighted Characteristics
The So Delicious coconut milk beverage (unsweetened) is USDA organic and naturally devoid of dairy and soy. This product is made in the United States and is kosher, vegan, gluten free, and Non-GMO Project Verified. It works well as a dairy-free alternative in beverages, cereals, and dishes.
This coconut milk is enriched with calcium, vitamin D, folate, vitamin B12, magnesium, and selenium and comes in a six-pack of 32-ounce cartons. This milk is shelf stable and may be kept in the fridge for up to ten days after opening. While unsweetened, this contains gums and there is a danger of carton breakage during delivery.
Pros
Cons
2. Aroy-D Coconut Milk Original
Highlighted Characteristics
The Aroy-D coconut milk original is made in Thailand and comes in a case of 12 8.5 fl. oz BPA-free cartons. This is inherently gluten, soy, and dairy free since it contains just pure coconut milk. It’s also undiluted and devoid of thickeners and stabilizers.
Since this coconut milk is sold in cartons, there is a possibility of damage to the cartons, and some recent purchasers believe that it may not be of the same quality as that which they previously bought. It could also be a little oilier than other coconut milks.
Pros
Cons
3. Native Forest Organic Coconut Milk
Highlighted Characteristics
The only ingredients in the USDA Native Forest organic coconut milk (basic) are coconut and filtered water. This coconut milk comes in a case of 12 13.5 oz cans and is devoid of gums and thickeners. This coconut milk is made by crushing coconuts and then adding water to the resulting oil-rich extract. The coconuts are acquired ethically and naturally in Sri Lanka.
These cans are prone to breakage during delivery, and some customers have reported that the texture is different and a lot more watery than other coconut milks, even ones without added gums.
Pros
Cons
4. Vita Coco Coconut Milk
Highlighted Characteristics
The Vita Coco coconut milk (original) comes in a six pack of 33.8 fl. oz cartons and is free of added sugar and carrageenan. This drink is produced from a combination of coconut water concentrates, water, and coconut cream. As stabilizers, it also includes cellulose gel and gum.
Several people have discovered that this coconut milk may get sour quicker than other milks and is prone to spilling. It may also be watery and have less coconut taste than intended.
Pros
Cons
5. Marion’s Kitchen Premium Coconut Milk
Highlighted Characteristics
Marions Kitchen premium coconut milk is non-GMO and comes in a case of 12 7 oz BPA-free packets. Manufactured in Thailand, this is shelf stable but will only stay in the refrigerator for three days once opened. Guar gum is also used as a thickening in this recipe. This is unsweetened milk that may be consumed or used in recipes. This milk may also be more expensive than other kinds of coconut milk.
Pros
Cons
6. Thai Kitchen Lite Coconut Milk
Highlighted Characteristics
Thai Kitchen light coconut milk is available in a 12-pack of 13.66 oz cans, is non-GMO, and is naturally gluten and dairy free. This lighter coconut milk offers 60% less calories and fat than regular coconut milk. This coconut milk is suitable for cooking since it comprises water, coconut milk, and guar gum. It is also sugar-free and preservative-free.
Several consumers believe this coconut milk lacks taste, and the cans may come badly damaged. The cans are presently not BPA-free.
Pros
Cons
7. Obrigado Coconut Milk
Highlighted Characteristics
Obrigado coconut milk is available in a six-pack of 33.8 fl. oz. cartons. This is a combination of coconut water, coconut cream, and natural coconut taste made in Brazil. There is no carrageenan in it. This is shelf stable but will only stay in the refrigerator for three days once opened.
This Non-GMO Project Verified coconut milk is also produced by a B Corp. While this coconut milk contains thickening gums, some people believe it has a watery consistency. The cartons are also vulnerable to damage.
Pros
Cons
8. Fiesta Tropicale Organic Coconut Milk
Highlighted Characteristics
The unsweetened Fiesta Tropicale organic coconut milk is cold-pressed from Thai USDA certified organic coconuts and packaged in the United States. This six pack of 13.5 fl. oz. cans is free of added sweeteners and BPA, and should be refrigerated and used within two days after opening. This milk is made from coconut and filtered water, and it also includes organic guar gum.
These cans can be rather dented when they arrive, and some consumers believe that newer batches are not as creamy as prior ones. There has also been considerable debate over whether this milk is acceptable for creating yogurt.
Pros
Cons
Considerations When Purchasing Coconut Milk
The white flesh of mature coconuts is used to make coconut milk, which has a rich and creamy texture. Coconut is naturally dairy, lactose, gluten, and soy free, making it popular in a variety of cuisines and nations. Coconut milk may be used as a dairy milk alternative in beverages, oats, and cereals, as well as a foundation for soups and curries.
Coconut milk, unlike coconut water, does not exist naturally in the coconut. Coconut milk is produced and comprises around 50% water. Depending on the consistency and method of processing, coconut milk may be thick or thin.
The coconut flesh is shredded and combined with boiling water to dissolve the fats to produce coconut milk. This combination is then pressed through a cheesecloth to make a thicker, higher-fat coconut milk. The grated coconut left in the cheesecloth is boiled in water and then filtered again to generate a thinner milk to make thin coconut milk.
Thinner milk is traditionally used for thin sauces and soups, and many of today’s coconut milk drinks are thinner in consistency to mimic dairy milk. Thicker coconut milk complements richer sauces and sweets better. Most commercial coconut milks are a blend of thick and thin milks.
Tinned or shelf-stable coconut milks often separate in storage, with the coconut cream rising to the top. When this occurs, it means the milk hasn’t been stabilized or emulsified, and the separation is readily remedied by shaking the can or giving it a thorough stir.
Look for a pure coconut milk that comprises simply coconut and water. If you purchase unsweetened coconut milk, carton coconut milk may include less calories and fat than canned coconut milk, or you may seek for lighter coconut milk, which is thinner but contains fewer fat and calories.
Coconut milks are occasionally enriched with calcium, vitamin D, and other vitamins and minerals, which might be beneficial for people who struggle to get these nutrients from other sources. If a coconut milk is sweetened, it has additional sugars, which raises both its calorie and sugar level.
Certain milks have thickeners like carrageenan or gums, and those that are shelf stable frequently have preservatives.
Fat and Nutrition in Coconut Milk
Coconut milk contains a lot of calories, 93% of which are from fats, some of which are saturated. Saturated fats (which break down into fatty acids) change chemically depending on how many carbon atoms they contain, and the amounts of the various saturated fatty acids vary across diets. Palmitic acid dominates the fats in foods like beef and chocolate, but coconut includes mostly lauric acid and myristic acid with minor amounts of palmitic acid.
These coconut fats include medium-chain triglycerides, a form of saturated fat (MCTs). These MCTs are transported straight from the digestive tract to the liver, where they are converted into energy or ketones rather than being stored as fat in the body.
MCTS may help you lose weight and shrink your waist. MCTs may also boost the body’s insulin sensitivity, which may aid in weight reduction. When compared to other forms of fat, they may help reduce calorie intake, increase calorie expenditure, and reduce hunger. One small study found that overweight individuals who had 20 grams of MCT oil at breakfast consumed 272 fewer calories at lunchtime than those who consumed maize oil at breakfast.
To date, there has been little research on MCTs, particularly MCTs derived from coconuts. It is important to note, however, that coconut milk contains only trace amounts of MCTs; increasing consumption of coconut milk to increase MCT intake will also increase overall saturated fat and calorie intake.
One cup of canned unsweetened coconut milk has 445 calories, 4.57 grams of protein, and 48.21 grams of fat. It also has 7.46 milligrams of iron and 2.30 milligrams of vitamin C in it.
One cup of sweetened coconut milk beverage has around 74 calories, 0.50 grams of protein, and 4.99 grams of fat. It has 7.01 grams of carbohydrates compared to 6.35 grams in canned coconut milk. While it has lost around 90% of its potassium content, sweetened coconut milk is a considerably greater source of calcium than pure canned coconut milk.
Consequences of Eating Coconut Milk
With the exception of weight gain and other impacts from drinking too much coconut milk in one’s regular diet, coconut milk in moderation is unlikely to create any negative effects unless one develops a coconut allergy. While the FDA classifies coconuts as a tree nut, they are not a tree nut, and so coconut allergies are uncommon.
Some experts advise individuals with FODMAP intolerances to restrict their coconut milk consumption to no more than half a cup at a time, since coconut milk contains fermentable carbohydrates, which may cause digestive disturbance in those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Cholesterol Levels and Coconut Milk
While coconut milk does not contain as much fat as coconut, it is still fat-rich and is often seen as an unwise option for improved heart health. Yet, as we saw previously in this essay, coconut fats vary from regular saturated fats and seem to operate differently in the body.
There is presently limited study on coconut milk and cholesterol levels; instead, most of the research has focused on coconut oil, which some studies have found may have some benefit for persons with high or normal cholesterol levels.
One eight-week research found that males who ate coconut milk porridge had lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels than men who ate soy milk porridge. HDL (good) cholesterol levels were also increased by 18% in those who drank coconut milk porridge against 3% in those who consumed soy.
Triglyceride levels, for example. Several research have shown that coconut oil or flakes improve LDL, HDL, and HDL levels.
Mental Ability and Coconut Milk
According to a 2014 study, the MCTs in coconut milk may stimulate the generation of ketones, which serve as an energy source for the brain. This suggests that coconut milk has the potential to improve mental performance, memory, cognitive decline, and even repair brain function.
Additional Potential Coconut Milk Advantages
Several modest trials conducted on animals in the lab revealed that coconut oil and coconut extract might decrease edema and inflammation in wounded animals. Another research found that coconut milk reduced the size of stomach ulcers in mice by 54%, the same as an anti-ulcer medicine.
One particular lipid found in coconut milk In the laboratory, lauric acid can limit the development of certain bacteria and may also be able to suppress the growth of endometrial and breast cancer cells.
Conclusion
In this article, we looked at some preliminary study on the potential advantages of coconut milk, and although it is rich in fat, it is likely that the particular forms of fat in coconut may bring some health benefits. Nevertheless, coconut milk should be used in moderation as part of a balanced diet and lifestyle, since it might lead to weight gain and increased daily calorie consumption.
Pure and unsweetened coconut milk is available, as is a beverage that is typically sweetened but also fortified with nutrients that some of us may not be able to receive readily from certain diets. We hope you enjoyed reading this post and that the information we gave helped remove some of the guesswork from selecting the finest coconut milk for your dietary and lifestyle requirements.
FAQs
What brand coconut milk is best for curry?
Thai Kitchen Organic Unsweetened Coconut Milk is the best overall.
It may be used in a variety of meals, including soups and stews, curries, foreign cuisines, and drinks. The flavor is robust enough to withstand cooking while being mild enough not to overwhelm.
What kind of coconut milk is used in Thai curry?
Choose full-fat coconut milk for its richness (you won’t be sorry!). Adding a little amount of rice vinegar and sugar adds a lot of complexity. Store-bought Thai red curry paste gives a distinctive Thai taste, and the Thai Kitchen brand is vegetarian.
Which coconut milk tastes the best?
What is the finest brand of coconut milk? The finest all-around brand in the carton, according to our taste test, is Vita Coco Coconut Milk Original Organic. Thai Cooking 2 Simple Ingredients is the greatest in full-fat. Unsweetened Coconut Milk, and the finest in light is Thrive Market Organic Coconut Milk Lite.
What type of coconut milk is best for coffee?
To use in your coffee, you may purchase sweetened or unsweetened coconut milk. Most individuals, however, prefer sweetened coconut milk. Subtle traces of coconut taste, creamy undertones, and a refreshing finish await you. We suggest adding one of our coconut-flavored coffees to truly make a beverage sing.
What coconut milk do baristas use?
Pacific Barista Series Coconut Milk is a delectable alternative milk with a creamy, milky texture and a subtle and soothing coconut taste. This product can be used in lattes, cappuccinos, smoothies, baked goods, soups, and curries. Baristas adore it for its foaming qualities.
Can you use bottled coconut milk for curry?
Coconut milk in a can
Standard boxed coconut milk is substantially more diluted than canned coconut milk. Canned coconut milk is an essential component in many Asian meals, but it may also be used in savory and sweet recipes such as stews, curries, cakes, puddings, and pies.
Can I use carton coconut milk in Thai curry?
Carton coconut milk is a thinner liquid with less fat than canned coconut milk, thus it won’t have the same smoothness and texture. Because of this, most recipes, such as Thai curry and other coconut cream-based foods, would call for canned coconut milk rather than carton coconut milk.
Should I use coconut cream or coconut milk for curry?
In dishes like curries and soups, coconut milk and cream may be used interchangeably. Use coconut cream for a fuller flavor and texture, or vice versa.
Does authentic Indian curry have coconut milk?
Coconut milk is not often used in Indian curry dishes. People in the north often add simply water or a modest bit of milk and butter. Most Indians add blended tomatoes or onions to thicken the consistency. South Indian curries are more likely to contain coconut milk for a sense of sweetness.
What brand of coconut milk does Starbucks use?
Starbucks Sumatra Single Origin For an extra 60 cents, coconut milk may be added in any handmade Starbucks beverage. A cup of our coconut milk has 80 calories and 10 grams of sugar in a tall (12oz.) caffe latte prepared with coconut milk.