Have you ever stared down the grocery aisle, faced with a wall of coconut milk cartons, and felt completely lost? You want that creamy, tropical flavor, but which one is actually best for drinking straight or pouring over your cereal? Many people love coconut milk’s taste and benefits, but they often end up with a can meant for cooking or a carton packed with unwanted sugars and thickeners. It’s frustrating when you just want a simple, delicious drink!
Choosing the perfect coconut milk for drinking is trickier than it seems. You need to avoid varieties that are too watery or those that separate strangely. Finding the balance between rich flavor and a smooth, ready-to-drink texture can feel like a guessing game. We understand that pain point. That’s why we dove deep into the world of coconut beverages.
By the end of this post, you will know exactly what to look for on the label—from fat content to ingredients—to guarantee a refreshing sip every time. Get ready to stop guessing and start enjoying the best coconut milk for your daily glass. Let’s explore the secrets to selecting the ultimate drinking coconut milk!
Top Coconut Milk For Drinking Recommendations
- 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.
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- PLANT-BASED FOR LIFE - Experience what many have said is the best coconut milk they've ever had! Creamy and rich. Full of MCTs and rich in Magnesium.
- 0g SUGAR PER SERVING
- BOTTLED FROM THE SOURCE- Our coconut milk is produced at the source in remote coconut regions of Southeast Asia. This means less ingredients, minimal processing and richer taste as mother nature intended.
- ORGANIC - Non-dairy, soy-free, non-gmo, vegan, gluten-free, trans-fat free, paleo-friendly, kosher, non-artificial, non-pesticidal, non-hormonal, KETO-friendly, and never from concentrate.
- QUALITY, TRANSPARENCY, SUSTAINABILITY - No chemicals. No artificial irrigation. Not a sprinkler in sight. Here, coconuts have been growing and cultivated naturally for thousands of years. Drink guilt-free.
- Vegan cornbread and muffin mix
- Creates delicious breakfast muffins or classic cornbread
- Perfect accompaniment to chili or soup
- Customizable with add-ins like corn or cheese
- Ready to bake in about 20 minutes
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Coconut Milk for Drinking
Coconut milk is a delicious, creamy drink straight from the coconut. Many people use it in smoothies or just enjoy it chilled. Picking the right one can be tricky. This guide helps you choose the best coconut milk for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
1. Fat Content Matters
Coconut milk comes in different richness levels. For drinking straight, you usually want a lighter, lower-fat version. Higher fat content often means thicker milk, which is better for cooking curries.
- Light/Beverage Grade: Lower fat (around 4-7%). Great for sipping or light cereal.
- Regular/Canned Grade: Higher fat (around 17-24%). Very rich, usually needs thinning if you drink it plain.
2. Sweetness Level
Check the label for added sugars. Some brands add sugar to make the taste sweeter. If you want pure coconut flavor, look for “unsweetened.” If you like a treat, choose “sweetened.”
3. Consistency (Thickness)
When you shake the carton, how easily does it pour? A good drinking coconut milk flows smoothly. If it feels thick like pudding, it might be too concentrated for easy drinking.
Important Ingredients and Materials
What’s Inside the Carton?
Good drinking coconut milk should have very few ingredients. The best ones list just coconut extract, water, and maybe a natural stabilizer.
- Coconut Extract: This is the main part, made from pressing shredded coconut meat.
- Water: Used to thin the extract to a drinkable consistency.
- Stabilizers (Emulsifiers): Ingredients like gellan gum or guar gum help keep the fat and water mixed. A small amount is fine, but too many might change the texture.
What to Avoid
Watch out for artificial flavors or colors. These are rarely necessary in good coconut milk. Also, some brands use thickeners that can make the milk taste chalky.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality Boosters
The quality of the original coconut greatly affects the final taste. Freshly pressed milk tastes the best. Look for brands that mention using high-quality, mature coconuts.
Processing Matters
How the milk is treated affects its freshness. Ultra-High Temperature (UHT) processing is common for shelf-stable cartons. While it keeps the milk safe longer, some people feel it slightly changes the fresh flavor compared to refrigerated versions.
Quality Reducers
Separation is a common issue. If you see a thick layer of white cream floating on top of clear liquid, it means the emulsifiers are weak or the milk has been sitting too long. While safe, this milk will not pour evenly.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use the milk guides your purchase. Think about your daily routine.
Best Uses for Drinking Coconut Milk
- Straight Up: If you drink it plain, choose unsweetened, low-fat varieties.
- Smoothies and Shakes: A slightly richer version works well here, as the blender mixes everything.
- Cereal or Coffee: Use a carton marked as “Original” or “Barista Blend.” These usually have a neutral flavor that mixes well without overpowering your coffee or oats.
When you open a new carton, always give it a good shake. A pleasant drinking experience means the milk is smooth, tastes naturally sweet (or not sweet at all, if you prefer), and doesn’t leave a weird film in your mouth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is coconut milk for drinking the same as canned coconut milk?
A: No. Canned coconut milk is very thick and high in fat, made for cooking. Drinking milk is much thinner and lower in fat, made specifically to pour and sip.
Q: How long does shelf-stable coconut milk last unopened?
A: Unopened cartons usually last for many months. Check the “Best By” date printed on the side of the box.
Q: Does coconut milk for drinking need to be refrigerated before opening?
A: Most cartons found on regular grocery shelves (not in the refrigerated section) are shelf-stable until you open them. Once opened, you must refrigerate it.
Q: Can I use drinking coconut milk if I am lactose intolerant?
A: Yes! Coconut milk is naturally dairy-free, so it works perfectly for people who cannot have cow’s milk.
Q: Why does my coconut milk separate in the fridge?
A: This happens naturally because the fat solids rise to the top. Just shake the carton vigorously before pouring.
Q: Are there any artificial sweeteners in most brands?
A: Many unsweetened versions use no sweeteners at all. Always check the ingredients list to be sure; avoid those listing sucralose or aspartame if you prefer natural products.
Q: Is high-fat coconut milk bad for drinking?
A: It is not bad, but it is very rich. Too much high-fat coconut milk at once can sometimes upset sensitive stomachs because of the high saturated fat content.
Q: What is the “natural flavor” sometimes listed on the label?
A: Natural flavor means the company used extracts derived from natural sources (like spices or fruit) to boost the coconut taste, but it is not the pure coconut extract itself.
Q: Can I heat coconut milk for drinking?
A: Yes, you can gently warm it up for a warm beverage. Do not boil it, as high heat can sometimes cause the milk to curdle or separate.
Q: Which fat percentage is recommended for toddlers?
A: Pediatricians usually recommend full-fat dairy or an equivalent for young children, but always ask your doctor. For coconut milk, a mid-range fat content (around 10-14%) is often suggested if used as a primary milk replacement.