Substitutes for Coconut Milk: 15 Best Alternatives +FAQs!
One of the most popular forms of milk on the market is coconut milk. It is one of the most delicious plant-based kinds of milk available, not only for vegans but also for lactose-intolerant people.
Coconut milk can be consumed on its own or as part of smoothies. It’s also delicious in sauces, salad dressings, and toppings.
As a result, running out of coconut milk can be a distressing experience. That does not have to be the case. Instead of coconut milk, you can use a variety of other kinds of milk.
Soy milk, rice milk, almond milk, quinoa milk, cashew milk, oat milk, hemp milk, Greek yogurt, sour cream, pistachio milk, cow milk, pecan walnut, goat milk, or spiced milk are all excellent substitutes for coconut milk.
With any of these alternatives, you can’t go wrong.
Substitutes for coconut milk
We chose the best plant-based alternatives to coconut milk, as well as a few animal milk alternatives that you might like. Choose the milk that you prefer and that works best with your recipe!
No. 1 Soy milk
Soy milk is similar to coconut milk in color, consistency, and flavor, making it a versatile option.
Soy milk is available in practically every shop. You can use it in smoothies, baked sweets, and topping or dressing ingredients. Use the same amount of this substitute as coconut milk and enjoy your favorite recipes without difficulty.
Soy milk comes in various flavors, including sweetened and unsweetened varieties and vanilla and chocolate flavors. Choose the option that best fits your needs.
No. 2 Milk made from rice
Rice milk is sweeter and higher in carbs than coconut milk, so it’s not a low-calorie alternative. It can, however, be used as a substitute for coconut milk.
You can use this milk in sauces, toppings, soups, and desserts. Regardless of the mix you use it in, the rice flavor is moderate and will not disturb you. Smoothies will taste just as good with it.
When it comes to the ratio, you can use as much rice milk as you want instead of coconut milk. Keep in mind that rice milk is thinner, and as a result, it works best in smoothies and desserts.
No. 3 Milk made from almonds
If you don’t want to use coconut milk, almond milk works just as well. It gives your dessert or smoothie a nutty flavor, but it’s still excellent.
The most acceptable sort of almond milk to substitute for coconut milk is unsweetened almond milk. It’s fantastic in cereals, smoothies, sauces, and dressings of all kinds. It’s also the healthiest choice, having a bland flavor.
You’ll appreciate how low in calories this milk is. It does, however, have enough fat to suit a wide range of dishes. You can use it in the same amount as coconut milk and make your favorite sweets with it.
No. 4 Milk made from quinoa
Quinoa milk is a more expensive option, but it’s as good as healthful.
You should use unsweetened and unflavored quinoa milk instead of coconut milk. Quinoa milk is high in fiber and contains more vitamins and minerals than coconut milk, so it’s a clear winner in terms of nutrition.
There is no need to change your recipes when using quinoa milk instead of coconut milk. These two milk varieties can be used interchangeably in smoothies and cooked dishes, as long as the proportions are kept the same.
No. 5 Milk made from cashews
Cashew milk is more expensive than other coconut milk replacements and even more expensive than coconut milk itself. However, it is an excellent replacement. Cashew milk has a pleasant flavor and just the good fat to make your dishes come together. If you want to give your soups a thicker consistency, you can use cashew milk.
This milk’s nutty flavor isn’t as intense as it is in other plant-based kinds of milk. It has a sweet flavor that makes it suitable for many meals.
If you’re seeking a fattier alternative, numerous brands of cashew cream may be able to meet your needs.
No. 6 Milk made from oats
You can also use oat milk in place of coconut milk in various dishes. This milk tastes similar to soy milk and has a neutral flavor with both sweet and savory foods. Suppose you appreciate the way coconut milk makes your coffee foam. In that case, you’ll be pleased to learn that oat milk accomplishes the same thing, thanks to the similar fat content.
Oat milk will not curdle or smell foul when used in dishes that need high heat cooking. You can keep the same quantity by using oat milk for coconut milk.
No. 7 Hemp milk
Hemp milk is a relatively new product on the market that has acquired much traction in recent years.
It works well as a substitute for coconut milk in smoothies and cooked dishes. This milk has a nutty, earthy flavor that some people don’t enjoy. On the other hand, Hemp milk can be a good source of protein and fat if you like the flavor. You won’t need to change your recipe if you use hemp milk in the same amount as coconut milk. If the flavor of this milk is too strong for you, you can always dilute it with water.
No. 8 Yogurt from Greece
Even though this is not a vegan choice, Greek yogurt can easily substitute for coconut milk. Coconut milk and many alternatives have a thicker consistency than this yogurt. As a result, you’ll have to utilize it in smaller amounts. If you want to keep the fat level of your dish the same, use a tablespoon of yogurt and dilute it as needed with water.
If the thickness of the yogurt isn’t an issue for you, stick to the exact proportions, and your dish will be wonderful. And you’ll be pleased to learn that there are brands of Greek yogurt with a coconut flavor.
No. 9 Sour cream
If you don’t mind dairy products, sour cream, like Greek yogurt, can be an excellent substitute for coconut milk.
Sour cream comes in a variety of flavors. The sour flavor will modify the overall flavor of your food, but you might appreciate it. On the other hand, the traditional sour cream is prepared from cow’s milk. Vegan alternatives made from cashews or oats are also available.
Sour cream is available in a variety of fat content levels. You can select the one that is most appropriate for your recipe. The ratio stays the same when using sour cream instead of coconut milk. Feel free to dilute the cream if you find it too thick.
No. 10 Pistachio milk
When compared to other options, pistachio milk is a little pricier. However, it’s a terrific option if you need to substitute coconut milk in a recipe.
Sweetened and unsweetened pistachio milk are both available. Opt for the unsweetened variety to utilize the best coconut milk substitute. The creamy texture of this milk, as well as the mild sweet taste of pistachio milk, will appeal to you. Use the same quantity as you would if you were using coconut milk. As a result, you won’t need to change your recipe.
No. 11 Milk from a cow
Cow milk is one of the most widely consumed milk varieties in the world. This type of milk may be the most fantastic option for coconut milk if you are not vegan or lactose intolerant.
Cow milk has a higher fat content. The level of calories is the same. Cow milk can be substituted for coconut milk in the same proportions.
Your dishes may taste even better. Cow milk is ideal for desserts, smoothies, icings and toppings of all kinds, and more.
You can use cow milk in cereal or drink it straight. Also, keep in mind that cow milk comes in various fat levels, allowing you to select the type of milk that you want.
No. 12 Milk made from pecans
Pecan milk isn’t the most common or inexpensive coconut milk alternative. However, it is unquestionably a fantastic option.
In general, Pecans and pecan milk are excellent for lowering cholesterol. They supply a considerable amount of healthful fat, minerals, vitamins, and protein to your diet.
You can use pecan milk instead of coconut milk in the same proportions. However, keep in mind that pecan milk has a deeper nutty flavor than coconut milk. The taste will be somewhat different.
No. 13 Milk made with walnuts
Walnut milk can also be used in place of coconut milk in desserts, soups, and stews if you don’t mind the earthy, nutty flavor.
Walnut milk is one of the healthiest forms of milk you can use in nutrition. It has a significant quantity of protein, healthy fat, and fiber, all of which are beneficial to your health.
Walnut milk can be used in coconut milk in the same proportions as long as you don’t mind the strong nutty flavor.
No. 14 Milk from a goat
If you are not vegan or lactose intolerant, goat milk, like cow milk, can replace coconut milk. Instead of sweets or smoothies, this alternative works well in main course dishes like soups or stews. It would be best to keep in mind that goat milk has a more robust flavor than cow milk, so use caution when using it.
You can dilute this milk in water if the flavor is too strong for you. If you don’t want to use coconut milk, use the same amount of goat milk instead.
No. 15 Milk with a hint of spice
Spiced milk is seasoned cow’s milk that you can use instead of coconut milk in a wide variety of sweets and smoothies. Spiced milk, which gives a pleasant flavor to all recipes, is also fantastic in soups and other warm foods. To make spiced milk, simply heat cow’s milk and season with your preferred spices.
Nutmeg and cinnamon are the most common spices, although you can use whatever flavors you like. As the milk heats up, you’ll need to keep stirring it. You should use it in the same proportions as coconut milk. It ensures that all spices are thoroughly combined and that your milk does not become scorched.
FAQs
Can I use water instead of coconut milk?
In most smoothies, you can use water instead of coconut milk.
On the other hand, water will not give you the consistency you seek in soups or baked meals.
You will, however, miss out on all of coconut milk’s advantages. If you dilute your recipe with water, it will have a watery consistency and a weaker flavor. Alternatively, the replacements in this article will add flavor to your cuisine.
Can coconut milk be substituted in curry?
You can use almond milk in place of coconut milk for preparing curry. You can also use sour cream made from coconut. Oat milk and cashew milk are also attractive options because their nutty flavors blend well with the rest of the curry ingredients.
With either of these options, the consistency of your curry will be comparable.
Conclusion
You don’t have to worry if you don’t have coconut milk in your kitchen, as delicious as it is. Even if you don’t have coconut milk, you may make a delightful dessert or soup using any of the substitutions listed in this tutorial. Allow your imagination to go wild in the kitchen, and you might just come up with some delicious combos!