While coconut milk is a common plant-based liquid, it does not mean that you have any stocked up at home.
When a recipe asks you to use coconut milk and there isn’t any available, fortunately there are some great alternatives.
If you need a substitute for coconut milk, then look no further. Below you will find a list of coconut milk substitutes so you do not have to rush to the grocery store and buy some.
You can thank us later!
1. High Fat Milk
Milk is probably the most obvious substitute when it comes to coconut milk. While you can use a low fat variety, if you want to have a like-for-like creamy taste, then high fat is better.
However, it will still be on the watery side, so do not expect it to mimic coconut milk completely.
One way to add a coconut taste is to splash some coconut oil into the mix too, but this is optional.
If you are vegan, this is not a good option. So, let’s move on.
2. Soy Milk
Soy milk is a commonly used milk alternative, so it also makes it a great coconut milk substitute. While it is plant-based, it also includes a good amount of protein too, making it a healthy choice.
Do remember to pick up an unsweetened version however, as a sweetened soy milk will impact the overall flavor.
Use a 1:1 ratio when substituting.
3. Oat Milk
Oat milk has become more common to use within the past couple of years due to its creamy taste in coffee.
Not only does it taste great, but it can also foam up quite well because it includes a natural fiber known as beta glucan.
If you have a hot recipe, then oat milk is ideal because it does not tend to curdle at higher temperatures.
Use a 1:1 ratio when substituting for coconut milk.
4. Unsweetened Almond Milk
Almond milk is another enjoyable dairy milk alternative. It can also be used as a substitute for coconut milk. Even so, you may need to make it a little thicker due to it having such a low content of fat.
To do so, add a tablespoon of lemon juice to a single cup of almond milk. Or, you can add coconut flour to add taste and thickness.
5. Evaporated Milk
If you have some powdered milk in the pantry (we all do, right?) then you will be happy to know that you can use it as a substitute for coconut milk. It is great in creamier dishes and soups.
Just use a 1:1 ratio to produce a deliciously thick and creamy alternative. However, it is not suitable for vegans or those who cannot consume dairy.
6. Greek Yogurt
The reason greek yogurt is great to use is because it has a thick texture. To use in place of one cup of coconut milk, add a tablespoon of water into a cup of greek yogurt.
This then makes it slightly thinner so it is easier to use.
7. Hemp Milk
Hemp milk is a sweet milk alternative that has a subtle nut-like taste. It comes from the hemp plant (Cannabis sativa), though fortunately does not include THC which is what makes people high.
It is best to use at the 1:1 ratio, however you can reduce it if you feel like the taste is too strong. Otherwise, it is a great milk to use, especially when it comes to baking.
8. Silken Tofu
You can buy silken tofu from the grocery store which is usually packaged into a block. Once blitzed in a blender with an equal amount of soy milk, it will make a great alternative to coconut milk.
Use at a 1:1 ratio in place of coconut milk.
9. Heavy Cream
This type of cream is ultra thick, creamy and delicious. It can be used in equal amounts in most cases, and will provide a fatty ‘milk’ to the likes of a sauce, a soup, or even tasty ice cream.
If you are concerned about its fat content, are vegan, or lactose intolerant, then this substitute is not for you.
10. Sour Cream
While not the best coconut milk substitute, it does work great in curries as it will thicken up the ingredients.
Try not to use too much however, as the flavor will come through too strong and be obvious. Add in some coconut oil if you would prefer some added coconut flavor too.
Final Thoughts
As you may have guessed by now, coconut milk is super easy to find a substitution for, no matter what you are cooking or baking.
From using regular milk to heavy cream (see also ‘What Can I Use Instead Of Table Cream? – 5 Great Alternatives‘), take a look in your kitchen and see what you have available. There is sure to be something!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is In Coconut Milk?
Coconut milk has a lot of benefits which includes magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. They provide maintenance of the heart, an immune system boost, and help to keep the muscles functioning.
Is Coconut Milk Vegan?
Yes, coconut milk is vegan-friendly because it does not contain any animal derived ingredients. The coconut milk is water and the inner flesh taken from the inside of mature coconuts.
What Can You Use In A Curry In Place Of Coconut Milk?
Anything that is a creamy liquid can be used in a curry instead of coconut milk. For example, any milk, cream, yogurt or even sour cream substitutes.
10 Substitutes For Coconut Milk
We have put together a list of 10 coconut milk substitutions to try, from vegan to non-vegan
Ingredients
High Fat Milk
Soy Milk
Oat Milk
Unsweetened Almond Milk
Evaporated Milk
Greek Yogurt
Hemp Milk
Silken Tofu
Heavy Cream
Sour Cream
Directions
- Decided on what substitute you need
- Pick a substitute from the list above
- Read what you need to substitute with
- Create the recipe and enjoy
Recipe Video
Cooking is great for your mental, physical, and emotional health. What’s the worst that could happen? Find a recipe that you like the sound of and cook it along with me. You might even unlock a new passion!
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