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We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products-learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.Maintain a Dairy-Free Diet Using the Best Canned Coconut Milk
Are you looking to avoid dairy but can’t stop using it in your dishes? It’s difficult to stick to a dairy-free diet when milk and milk-based ingredients are such an important part of cooking. But if you’re really wishing to change things around, canned coconut milk might be the alternative you were looking for.
Whether you’re lactose intolerant or simply looking for a change of taste, canned coconut milk has got your back. Filled with a variety of different ingredients, these processed cans of milk accommodate a variety of people with properties like gluten-free and kosher-free.
However, not all ingredients are beneficial for your health, and picking up random canned products from the internet isn’t your safest move. Therefore, to help you out, we’ve compiled a complete list of our favorite canned coconut milk in 2023 that is available for you to follow on a dairy-free diet!
Show contentsTop Canned Coconut Milk Worth Considering in 2023Canned Coconut Milk: A Buying Guide
When there is such a wide range of quality canned coconut milk available on the market, it becomes quite difficult for you to make your choice. Therefore, we’ve created a detailed buying guide to assist you in picking the perfect canned coconut milk to fulfill your needs.
What Features Should I Look For?
Organic ingredients
Coconut milk can become an important item in your life if you are consuming a dairy-free diet. Therefore, it is crucial that your dietary intake is healthy and made out of organic ingredients to ensure a nourishing diet.
Free of sweeteners
Since coconuts aren’t very sweet in taste, a lot of companies tend to add artificial sweeteners to their canned coconut milk. These artificial sweeteners can cause harmful fluctuations in blood glucose levels and can lead to unhealthy weight gain. This is why you should only buy canned coconut milk that is unsweetened or only contains natural sweeteners like honey.
Sustainable
It is important to only buy coconut that is farmed under a sustainable farming method. This method ensures that no pesticides or chemicals are used in the production of the coconuts. These pesticides and chemicals tend to make food unsafe for consumption.
Mistakes to Avoid
Carrageenan
Carrageenan is a texturizing ingredient produced from seaweed that was formerly used in the majority of plant-based drinks. The FDA considers it safe, however, some people have experienced gastrointestinal troubles after consuming it. Moreover, it also causes stomach aches and nausea. Therefore, it is better that you avoid canned coconut milk containing carrageenan.
Not shaking or stirring the can
If you buy canned coconut milk, the thickest, creamiest component of the milk will naturally come to the top, creating a dense layer that needs to be properly mixed. Therefore, before opening a can, lightly shake it to ensure all the ingredients are mixed well.
Sulfites
Sulfites, which are utilized as preservatives, may also be present in canned coconut milk, Sulfites can induce allergies such as runny nose, sneezing, headache, throat tightness, hives, and asthma episodes. Therefore it is best to avoid the coconut milk that contains sulfites.
Guar gum
It’s also worth mentioning that guar gum, a popular stabilizer, is frequently found in coconut milk. While guar gum is typically healthy in moderation for most people, it can cause stomach difficulties in some people. So be careful when choosing canned milk with Guar Gum.
How To Store Canned Coconut Milk Properly?
If you have some coconut milk leftovers, you may be tempted to wrap the can in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. However, it is preferable to remove the rest of the milk out of the container for storage since the milk may develop a metallic flavor. You may also freeze the remaining coconut milk in an airtight jar for up to five days.
Top Canned Coconut Milk Worth Considering in 2023
1Vita Coco Canned Coconut Milk
– Best Overall
Buy on AmazonThis canned coconut milk by Vita Coco is a prime example of what coconut milk should be like. This coconut milk is organically certified and made of high-quality ingredients, making it a great alternative to milk. The coconut milk is also gluten-free and kosher-free, making it suitable for a wide range of users.
Moreover, this canned coconut milk’s light flavor makes it an ideal base for a variety of dishes like curries and desserts. The coconut milk can be stored for up to two years, so you can stock up knowing that each can you open will taste just as good. The use of organic high-quality ingredients along with the option of using this milk in a variety of dishes makes this product the best overall on our list.
Pros- Can be stored for two years
- Organic and environmentally friendly
- Great in taste
- Gluten and kosher free
Cons- Carrageenans can cause gut-related problems
2Thai Kitchen Canned Coconut Milk
– Best Value
Buy on AmazonThis canned coconut milk by Thai Kitchen is perfect for those who want to consume dairy-free milk on a budget! This coconut milk is manufactured from high-quality premium coconuts to provide you with excellent quality milk that will satisfy your taste buds. Furthermore, the canned milk is gluten-free making it ideal for non-gluten and dairy-free diets. This coconut milk will retain itself when at high temperatures allowing you to experiment with your dishes in the oven!
This coconut milk is unsweetened and free of artificial sweeteners to help you control your blood sugar level. This vegan coconut milk is also great for keto diets. Thai Kitchen’s canned coconut milk is a great addition to curries and soups as it is a great way to enrich the taste of these dishes.
Pros- Free of chemicals and preservatives
- Does not contain artificial sweeteners
- High quality and has a rich taste
Cons- Thick consistency may make it difficult to use
3Chaokoh Canned Coconut Milk
– Most Versatile
Buy on AmazonThis creamy coconut milk is made from the pulp of mature coconuts that have undergone stringent quality control inspections to assure excellent quality. These coconuts are ethically sourced from sustainable farmers that do not use any pesticides or chemicals in their farming practice, which makes sure that you don’t have to worry about your health when consuming this milk.
This canned milk is a very versatile ingredient that is a staple in Thai, Filipino and Indian cuisines. This organic coconut milk is high in protein, carbs, fiber, vitamin C, folic acid, iron, and magnesium. Since it is completely natural, it is suitable for vegans, vegetarian, gluten-free, and keto diets. There is also no added sugar, artificial flavors, or preservatives in the coconut milk making it safe to consume.
Pros- High quality and versatile
- High in nutrition
- Made out of organic materials
Cons- Uses illegal monkey labor to harvest coconuts
4Edward & Sons Canned Coconut Milk
– Most Healthy
Buy on AmazonCheck Price on WalmartThis organic coconut milk by Native Forest may successfully substitute dairy milk or cream in some of your favorite recipes. Made from high-quality organic certified Sri Lankan coconut palms, this milk is a great way to you maintain a healthy diet. Moreover, this coconut milk does not include Sodium Nitrite and Guar Gum which causes health problems.
Native Forest is a non-GMO organization that is keen on only using natural components in their products rather than genetically modified ones to keep your diet free of chemicals. Therefore, this canned milk is made from pesticide-free, sustainably farmed coconuts that are high in nutrients. Vegan, gluten-free, paleo, keto, kosher, organic, and low salt diets can all benefit from using this canned milk.
Pros- Made out of healthy ingredients
- Free of chemicals and pesticides
- Used in a variety of diets
- Safe to consume
Cons- Expensive and has a thick consistency
5Nature’s Greatest Foods Canned Coconut Milk
– Most Convenient
Buy on AmazonThe last on our list is the canned coconut milk by Nature’s Greatest Foods. This nutritional milk exclusively uses organic coconut extract and filtered water. There is no added sugar in this milk, which will help you maintain a healthy blood glucose level. This milk is safe for consumption since it is free of inorganic compounds such as carrageenan, guar gum, and sulfites.
Moreover, the affordability of this canned milk makes it a great choice for you to follow a dairy-free diet without breaking your bank. Unlike its competitors, you can conveniently open this can thanks to its easy-open lid. Furthermore, the environmentally friendly nature of this canned milk will certainly appeal to a wide range of clients.
Pros- Organic and sustainable
- Can be easily opened
- No fluctuations in blood sugar
- Safe from chemicals
Cons- The packaging may be damaged
People Also Asked
Q: What is the difference between canned and normal coconut milk?A: Normal coconut milk is substantially more diluted than canned coconut milk. There are relatively few additives in canned coconut milk.
Q: Is it safe to drink canned coconut milk?A: Coconut milk has health advantages when consumed in moderation, but too much might be harmful.
Q: Can you drink canned coconut milk without cooking it?A: There’s nothing wrong with drinking canned coconut milk directly out of the can!
Q: Will canned coconut milk make me gain weight?A: Just one cup of coconut milk a day will help you gain one pound in just a week as it contains a lot of additives and is high in calories and fat.
