15 Best Coconut Milk Substitutes – What to Use Instead

Coconut milk is a delicious and nutritious addition to many recipes, but sometimes it can be difficult to find or simply not on the budget. If that’s the case, never fear!

There are plenty of coconut milk substitutes available. In this article, we’ll discuss our favorites and how to use them.

We’ll provide the ratios you need to make a seamless substitution and give some examples of recipes where each substitute works best.

Coconut Milk Substitutes

  1. Soy milk
  2. Rice milk
  3. Almond milk
  4. Quinoa milk
  5. Cashew milk
  6. Oat milk
  7. Hemp milk
  8. Greek yogurt
  9. Sour cream
  10. Pistachio milk
  11. Cow milk
  12. Pecan milk
  13. Walnut milk
  14. Goat milk
  15. Spiced milk

Soy milk

While coconut milk is a delicious and popular ingredient in many dishes, there are times when it can be difficult to find or may not be the best option for a recipe. In these cases, soy milk is an excellent substitute. You can use it is desserts or as a topping.

Soy milk has a neutral taste that will not alter the flavor of your dish, and its similar color and consistency make it a perfect stand-in for coconut milk. Additionally, soy milk is much more widely available than coconut milk, so it is easy to find at any grocery store.

When substituting soy milk for coconut milk, use a 1:1 ratio. For example, if a recipe calls for 1 cup of coconut milk, simply use 1 cup of soy milk instead.

By following these simple tips, you can easily swap out coconut milk for soy milk in any recipe.

Rice milk

Rice milk is a substitute for coconut milk that can be used in many different recipes. One of the benefits of rice milk is that it is sweeter than coconut milk. Making it a good milk alternative for making desserts.

In addition, rice milk is low in calories and fat, making it a great choice for those who are watching their weight. So, it can be a good choice for those who are looking for a healthier alternative to regular milk.

Rice milk can also be used in dressings, soups and toppings, and is a milder-tasting alternative to coconut milk.

Almond milk

Almond milk can be used as a substitute for coconut milk in many recipes. It has a nutty flavor that goes well with desserts and smoothies. Plus, it is low in calories and fat.

There are also many health benefits to using almond milk as a substitute for coconut milk. It is rich in vitamins and minerals, and it helps to boost the immune system.

Additionally, almond milk is good for the skin and can help to prevent wrinkles. So, if you are looking for a healthy alternative to coconut milk, almond milk is a great choice.

Quinoa milk

When it comes to milk substitutes, there are many options available on the market. However, one of the newest and most popular substitutes is quinoa milk.

Quinoa milk is made from the same grain that is used to make quinoa flour and other quinoa products. It is a bit more expensive than other milk substitutes, but it is also very healthy and tasty.

In addition, quinoa milk is rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a great choice for those who are looking for a healthy alternative to cow’s milk. When using quinoa milk as a substitute for coconut milk, be sure to use unsweetened quinoa milk so that the final product is not too sweet.

Cashew milk

When it comes to culinary substitutes, cashew milk is the perfect stand-in for coconut milk. It is pricier than its coconut counterpart. However, cashew milk has the right amount of fat, making it ideal for use in soups and other dishes where coconut milk would typically be used.

Additionally, cashew milk is slightly sweeter than coconut milk, making it a good choice for desserts and other sweet dishes. Ultimately, whether you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative or simply want to experiment with new flavors, cashew milk is an excellent choice.

Oat milk

Oat milk can serve as the perfect alternative to coconut milk in many cases. For one, oat milk has a very neutral flavor, which means that it will not alter the taste of your food or drink.

Additionally, oat milk is known for giving coffee a nice foam, and it also doesn’t curdle like some other plant-based milk. So, if you’re looking for a milk alternative that won’t alter the taste of your favorite recipes or drinks, oat milk is a great option.

In addition to being a great alternative to coconut milk, oat milk also has several benefits. For instance, it is packed with nutrients and is a good source of fiber. Additionally, oat milk is low in calories and fat, and it’s also lactose-free and cholesterol-free.

Hemp milk

Hemp milk is a recent addition to the non-dairy milk market. Its creaminess and earthy flavor make it a great choice for smoothies. And it has a similar nutritional profile to cow’s milk, with only slightly less protein.

One downside of hemp milk is that it often comes in small containers, which can be expensive if you drink a lot of it. However, it is high in calcium and Vitamin D.

If you’re looking for a non-dairy milk that is similar to cow’s milk in taste and nutrition, hemp milk is a good choice.

Moreover, you can use hemp milk in the same quantity as coconut milk in any recipe. But if the flavor is too strong for you then dilute it with water.

Greek yogurt

Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for coconut milk in many recipes. It is important to note that Greek yogurt is not vegan, as it is made from milk. However, it is a good choice for those who are looking for a thicker substitute for coconut milk.

When substituting Greek yogurt for coconut milk, it is important to use less than the recipe calls for, as Greek yogurt is much thicker than coconut milk. Additionally, Greek yogurt can be used in both sweet and savory dishes.

Sour cream

In cases where coconut milk is not available, or when you want a slightly different flavor, sour cream can be used as a substitute. While sour cream is not vegan (it is made from cow milk), it has a similar creamy consistency.

It also has a slightly sour flavor that can enhance savory dishes. When substituting sour cream for coconut milk, be aware that the final dish will not be vegan.

However, if you are looking for a creamy alternative to coconut milk that is readily available and inexpensive, sour cream is a good option.

Pistachio milk

Pistachio milk is a perfect substitute for coconut milk in many cases. It has a milder flavor than coconut milk, so it will not overpower the flavors of other ingredients in a recipe. It also has a similar milky texture, so it can be used in the same ways as coconut milk.

One important thing to keep in mind is that pistachio milk is often sold sweetened. So, be sure to use unsweetened pistachio milk. This will help you get a more accurate coconut milk taste. Or make your own pistachio milk at home if you want to avoid adding extra sugar to your recipe.

Cow milk

For those who are not vegan, cow milk is often used as a substitute for coconut milk. Cow milk does contain lactose, but it is also high in fat and calories.

Hence, coconut milk, on the other hand, is a source of healthy fats and can be a good choice for those who are looking to watch their calorie intake. Cow milk is also often used in desserts and smoothies.

The sweetness of the milk can help to offset the sweetness of the coconut milk, making it a good choice for those who want to enjoy a delicious treat without having to worry about the calories.

Pecan milk

Unless you have a severe allergy to nuts, pecan milk is the most common and affordable substitute for coconut milk.

Pecans are a nutritious tree nut that is rich in healthy fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Although it has a stronger nutty flavor than coconut milk, pecans are more versatile and can be used in sweet or savory dishes.

Pecan milk is also a good source of antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. If you are looking for a non-dairy alternative to coconut milk, pecan milk is a good option.

Walnut milk

Walnut milk can be used in both deserts and soups, and it has a nutty, earthy flavor that goes well with many dishes. In addition, walnut milk is healthy, since it is high in vitamins and minerals.

When substituting walnut milk for coconut milk, you should use the same amount. This will help to ensure that your dish turns out exactly as you intended.

Goat milk

Goat milk is not a vegan product, but it is a lactose-free milk alternative that can be used as a substitute for coconut milk in soups and stews. Goat milk has a strong, nutty flavor that some people find unpleasant, so it is not recommended as a drink on its own.

However, when used in cooking, it can add a richness and depth of flavor to dishes that would otherwise be bland. In addition, goat milk is high in fat and protein, making it an ideal choice for those who are looking for a more substantial alternative to coconut milk.

Just be sure to check the labels carefully, as not all brands of goat milk are lactose-free.

Spiced milk

Seasoned cow milk, or spiced milk, is a great substitute for coconut milk. It can be used in soups and desserts, and it has a similar flavor to coconut milk.

Seasoned cow milk is made by adding spices like nutmeg and cinnamon to cow milk. This gives the milk a rich, nutty flavor that is similar to coconut milk.

Seasoned cow milk is a great alternative to coconut milk because it is lower in fat and calories. Seasoned cow milk is also a good source of protein and calcium.

Seasoned cow milk is a great choice for those who are looking for a healthier alternative to coconut milk.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best coconut milk substitute for curry?

If you do not have coconut milk at your home then you can use greek yogurt for you curry as well. The tanginess of the greek yogurt gives the curry a unique and brighter taste.

What is the best coconut milk substitute for soups and stews?

Coconut milk makes soups and stews creamier. But what if you do not have coconut milk at home?

Rice milk, cashew milk, goat milk, and walnut milk works great with soups. But if you want to give your soup a spicier then you can use spiced cow milk. The spicy notes of this milk will deepen the taste of the soup and stew.

What can I use instead of coconut milk in Thai curry?

If you do not have coconut milk at home then you can substitute it with soy milk to almond milk in thai curry.

Soy and almond milk have a rather nuteral flavor. This prevents the milk from overtaking the flavor of the thai curry.

Can I use regular milk in place of coconut milk?

Yes, you can use regular cow milk instead of coconut milk in most of the recipes. However, cow milk is not began and it also contains lactose. So, if you are lactose intolerant then it wouldn’t be a suitable option for you.

Other than that, cow milk is the most widely available and an affordable coconut milk alternative. So, it would be easy to find in your local grocery shop.

Can you substitute coconut milk with coconut oil?

Yes, you can substitute coconut milk with coconut oil in cooking. But it might not give you the same effect. For every 1 cup of coconut milk, use 1/4 cup of coconut oil.

How much coconut milk can we get from one coconut?

Generally you can get 1/2 cup of coconut milk from one coconut. But the amount of milk that you can get from coconut depends on the size of the coconut.

In conclusion

Coconut milk is a popular ingredient in many dishes. However, sometimes it can be hard to find or too expensive.

In this article, we have provided a list of coconut milk substitutes that you can use in your favorite recipes. We have also given the ratios for each substitute so that your dish turns out exactly as you intended.

So, whether you cannot find coconut milk or you want a new flavor , we hope that this article has helped you find the perfect coconut milk substitute for your needs.