Ever stared at the grocery aisle, lost in a sea of coconut milk cartons? You want that creamy, tropical taste, but which one is actually *good* for drinking? It can feel like a real puzzle. Many store-bought versions are loaded with extra sugars or strange ingredients that just don’t hit the spot when you’re craving a refreshing sip.
Finding the perfect coconut milk for your smoothie, coffee, or just to enjoy straight from the glass shouldn’t be this complicated. You want pure, delicious flavor without the guesswork. That’s exactly why we dove deep into the world of ready-to-drink coconut milk.
In this guide, we cut through the noise. We’ll show you exactly what to look for on the label, explain the difference between refrigerated and shelf-stable types, and reveal our top picks for the creamiest, most authentic choices. Get ready to discover your new favorite coconut milk. Let’s explore the best options waiting for you!
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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
The Ultimate Buying Guide to Delicious Coconut Milk for Drinking
Coconut milk is a creamy, tasty drink made from the white part of mature coconuts. It’s popular worldwide. People use it in smoothies, coffee, or just drink it plain. Choosing the right one can be tricky. This guide helps you find the best carton or can for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for coconut milk meant for drinking, a few things really matter. Look closely at the label.
- Fat Content: This is very important. Canned coconut milk often has high fat, making it thick—great for cooking. Drinking coconut milk usually has lower fat (around 5% to 15%). Lower fat means it pours easily and tastes lighter.
- Sweetness Level: Some brands add sugar. If you want a pure coconut taste, choose “unsweetened.” If you like a sweeter drink, look for “lightly sweetened.”
- Consistency: Good drinking coconut milk should be smooth and pourable, not thick like yogurt.
Important Ingredients and Materials
What’s inside the carton determines the quality and health benefits.
The Core Ingredient: Coconut Extract
The best coconut milk starts with real coconuts. Check the ingredient list. You want “coconut milk” or “coconut extract” listed first. If water is listed first, the product is mostly watered down.
Additives and Stabilizers
Many shelf-stable cartons include additives to keep the milk fresh and prevent separation. Common ones include guar gum or carrageenan. While these help texture, some people prefer to avoid them. If you see fewer ingredients, it often means a cleaner product.
Packaging Matters
Coconut milk comes in cartons (shelf-stable) or cans (refrigerated after opening). Cartons are convenient for daily use. Cans often hold a richer product, but you must shake them well because the cream separates.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The way the milk is processed greatly affects its taste and texture.
Processing and Pasteurization
Most coconut milk is pasteurized (gently heated to kill germs). High-quality brands use careful heating methods that keep the fresh coconut flavor intact. Over-heating can give the milk a slightly cooked or dull taste.
Natural Separation vs. Smoothness
Natural coconut milk separates. The thick cream rises to the top, leaving watery liquid below. If the product is perfectly uniform without any stabilizers, it means the manufacturer worked hard to blend it well, which is a sign of good care. If the milk is too thin, the quality is reduced because too much water was added.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use the milk will guide your final choice.
For Coffee and Tea
If you stir it into hot drinks, choose a low-fat version (below 8%). High-fat milk might curdle when it hits very hot coffee. You need something that blends easily without changing the temperature too much.
For Smoothies and Shakes
For thicker smoothies, you can use slightly higher fat content (10% to 15%). This gives your smoothie a rich, satisfying mouthfeel. Unsweetened options work best here so you can control the total sugar.
Drinking Straight
If you drink it straight from a glass, choose the one you find tastes best! Many people enjoy slightly sweetened versions for this purpose, as it tastes more like a treat.
10 Frequently Asked Questions About Coconut Milk for Drinking
Q: Is coconut milk for drinking the same as canned coconut milk?
A: No. Drinking coconut milk usually has less fat and more water. Canned milk is very thick and best for cooking curries.
Q: Does drinking coconut milk need to be shaken?
A: Yes, always shake the carton or can well before pouring. Natural fats separate and settle at the bottom or top.
Q: How long does unopened coconut milk last?
A: Shelf-stable cartons last many months until the date printed on the package. Keep them in a cool, dark pantry.
Q: Can I use coconut milk if I am lactose intolerant?
A: Absolutely! Coconut milk is naturally dairy-free and lactose-free, making it a great alternative to cow’s milk.
Q: What is the difference between light coconut milk and regular?
A: “Light” coconut milk means it has less fat content, usually under 10%. Regular (or full-fat) has much more fat.
Q: Does all drinking coconut milk contain added sugar?
A: No. Many brands offer an unsweetened version. Always check the nutrition label if you are avoiding added sugar.
Q: Will coconut milk curdle in my hot tea?
A: Sometimes, yes, especially if the tea is very hot or acidic. Look for brands specifically made for coffee/tea, as they are more stable.
Q: What is carrageenan, and should I avoid it?
A: Carrageenan is a seaweed extract used to keep the milk smooth. Some people choose to avoid it, but most food safety groups say it is safe in small amounts.
Q: Can I freeze leftover coconut milk?
A: Yes, you can freeze it in ice cube trays. When thawed, the texture might change a little, but it works perfectly for smoothies.
Q: Does coconut milk for drinking taste very strongly of coconut?
A: The flavor varies by brand. Lower-fat versions often have a milder taste, while richer ones have a stronger, nutty coconut flavor.