It is the result of the pulverized flesh of coconuts combined with water, and has a slightly thicker consistency than regular whole milk (for even thicker coconut yogurt, use only the coconut cream that rises to the top). So when we're talking about coconut milk, that's what we're normally talking about. Here are the best evaporated milk substitutes. Adding coconut flakes would also help it to stay together. Cream of coconut is also made from pureed coconut meat, but is blended with a ton of sugar, and is normally used for sweet, rather than savory, applications—think blended drinks like piña coladas. ... 365, and Trader Joe’s Light Coconutmilk. Bon Appétit may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. Either use right away or refrigerate. I've substituted coconut milk for SCM in macaroons, and I like them better. These ingredients are also true of every other brand of canned coconut milk I have encountered, such as Thai Kitchen, 365, and Trader Joe’s Light Coconutmilk. In both regular and light coconut milk most of the fat is highly saturated, so I … Coconut milk typically works best with Asian-style flavor profiles, like Thai or Indian, but … The refrigerated coconut milk you might spy is not typically intended for cooking, but for putting into coffee, drinking plain, and perhaps adding to cereal. All rights reserved. nope. Its a simple way to save some calories and saturated fat in your recipes. To be Replaced with: 1 cup … Ideas? Lars. They are two very different products! light is just the same coconut milk with water added. Coconut-Curry Braised Chicken Thighs, anyone? You can save money, buy regular coconut milk, and water it down to your liking. Coconut milk is made from a brew of coconut meat and water. Welcome to the world of coconut, where everything is rich, delicious, and full of brain-boosting, fat-burning, and energizing medium-chain fatty acids (1, 2).There’s nothing left to do but grab yourself a box of coconut milk and get cooking, right? Lite Coconut Milk: 45 calories per serving and 4 grams of fat, 3 grams of that saturated fat. Finally, there's also something out there called “lite coconut milk,” which is essentially the two-percent milk of coconut milk. Cooking advice that works. © 2021 Condé Nast. You may be looking to reduce the fat content of … This will sometimes be labeled “light” or “lite” coconut milk. If you 12 oz can of coconut milk is not sweetened, you can add 1/3 cup sugar to it - that's what I do in my macaroon recipe. When you crack open a can, there’s often a layer of solid white stuff at the top, which is what's known as "coconut cream," and is the richest part of the equation, containing more fat and protein than the milky-looking liquid it is sitting on top of. And don’t confuse the canned coconut milk with the more processed coconut milk in the carton. Companies will often add a bunch of extra stabilizers and weird things to products like these so they’ll look more like the genuine article, but those additives can sometimes contribute funky or otherwise off flavors, so we avoid whenever possible. And then, confusingly, there's cream of coconut, which is a different thing entirely. Calories, carbs, fat, protein, fiber, cholesterol, and more for Light Coconut Milk (Trader Joe's). It is basically just shredded coconut flesh that is pureed with water and strained to create a rich, shock-white liquid that can lend body, flavor, and richness to soups, curries, wilted greens, and much more. Light canned coconut milk is closer to the fat and calorie content of whole milk. RICH & CREAMY COCONUT MILK: With 64% less fat than regular coconut milk, our Organic Light Coconut Milk imparts creamy goodness & makes a delicious addition to soups, curries, sauces, desserts & more. However, if you want to retain some of the flavor without the fattening aspects, you can use light canned coconut milk as an alternative. Head to the diet generator and enter the number of calories you want. July 25, 2012 in Food, Drink and Condiments. Coconut milk is a white, milky substance extracted from the flesh of mature coconuts. Coconut Milk: Coconut Milk isn’t the same stuff you get straight from the coconut–it is processed a bit more. I have a question about coconut milk - is there a difference between light vs. regular? From light, low-calorie replacements to rich, cream-based substitutions, you won't be able to taste the difference in your final recipe. This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies. We’ve got answers for you. Ideal for reduced-fat versions of your favorite smoothies, curries, sauces, baked goods and beverages, Thai Kitchen's Pure Lite Coconut Milk has 60% less fat and calories than regular coconut milk for guilt-free body and flavor. 1) Is this correct, that "lite" coconut milk is simply the presence of more water? You can shake the can up to combine the cream and the milk, or just dump it into a pot and stir—it will come together in the cooking process. This simple, big-flavor chicken thigh dish is a great intro to the fundamentals of braising—once you've got the method down, you can braise just about anything. Here is … I didn't see any differences in the ingredients or sugar content so I am tempted to go with the light version, but I also don't think that's the right idea for whole30. I've heard this will last a couple of week in the fridge. You may have noticed several different types of coconut “milk” in your local grocery store. Not too long ago, the only thing you could expect to drown your cereal in … Trader Joe’s is additive-free, but light coconut milk is not always desirable. If lactose intolerance or milk allergy is prompting a switch to coconut milk, first take a look at coconut milk versus milk to weigh which is better for you. Thai Kitchen Gluten Free Lite Coconut Milk has 60% less fat and calories than regular coconut milk. A generous splash of light coconut milk enriches this dairy-free chowder, making it creamy while offering a faint sweet flavor that enhances the sweetness of the corn. Recipes you want to make. There are a few types of coconut milk on grocery store shelves. You take the meat from the inside of a more mature, brown coconut and basically shred and purée it until it's cream-like in texture. Regular coconut milk is too thick for coffee I find. I use light coconut milk for coffee, it works better for me. It’s pretty decadent, and can sometimes be used in the place of regular coconut milk, but be careful: It is a lot thicker and contains less water, so it might screw up the hydration level in a baking recipe. What Are the Advantages of Coconut Milk Vs. jlb, If you want it more watery, you could add some yourself, but in all seriousness, you want that good fat. Despite the name, canned and carton-ed coconut milks are two very different products with two very different purposes. Canned coconut milk is a key ingredient in many Asian dishes and can also be used for a variety of savory and sweet recipes like stews, curries, cakes, puddings and pies. Add guilt-free body and flavor to your family's favorite Asian dishes, beverages and even desserts! The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Condé Nast. But there are a few other products that you might come across while shopping that are worth knowing about. So yeah: Coconut milk is a very good thing, as long as you get the right stuff. For one, you will sometimes be able to find cans labeled "coconut cream," which, as you might guess, is richer and fattier than your standard issue coconut milk—it’s just a whole can filled with the extra-rich stuff that floats to the top of a normal can of coconut milk. They add water to dilute pure coconut milk and then sell it to the people who have been taught that fat is bad. BPA is another concern with canned coconut milk. do not be afraid of the fat. Coconut milk has a smooth, creamy flavor, and generally does not have much of a coconut taste. To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories. Heres the breakdown: Regular Coconut Milk: 111 calories per serving and 12 grams of fat, with 5 grams of that as saturated fat. Ad Choices. Keep a can or two in your pantry and be ready for a flavorful dinner anytime—you’d be coconuts not to. It can add big flavor and richness to braised meats (like these chicken thighs or slow-roasted short ribs), a big pot of dal (made with lentils), or pretty much any soup or stew-y thing that wants a little something-something. The kind for cooking typically comes in a can, and differs a lot from the cartons of non-dairy "milk substitute" that people use for smoothies and cereal. By "[Coconut milk] is produced from the coconut meat, which is processed and taken out of the coconut and then filtered and liquefied," Gallego says. Thank you, ~TDQ There is a big difference between regular coconut milk, at 45 grams of fat per cup, and the light version, at about 12 grams of fat per cup. Finally, there's also something out there called “lite coconut milk,” which is essentially the two-percent milk of coconut milk. Instant Coconut Milk Powder. Want to use it in a meal plan? Well, it’s not milk in the dairy sense, but close to its level of creaminess. Using lite coconut milk and full-fat interchangeably. There are at least two BPA-free brands: Native Forest and Trader Joe’s Light Coconut Milk. Rich and thick and more like cream than milk, coconut milk delivers 445 calories and 48 grams of fat (43 grams saturated) per cup. light is just the same coconut milk with water added. Coconut Cream But making coconut milk is fairly straightforward. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (updated as of 1/1/21) and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement (updated as of 1/1/21) and Your California Privacy Rights. If you want it more watery, you could add some yourself, but in all seriousness, you want that good fat. 2) Does coconut milk freeze well if you use just a little in your recipe and want to save the remainder? Quantity of Coconut Milk Required: 1 cup. The Most Coconutty Coconut Milk: Trader Joe’s Organic Coconut Milk. Organic Coconut Milk (organic coconut, water, organic guar gum). Coconut milk, to review, is a non-dairy liquid made in the style of other nut-milks such as cashew or almond milk. It can benefit health in several ways, such as by stimulating weight loss and lowering cholesterol. Restaurant recommendations you trust. Usually it's coconut milk & water, but the can costs the same. So what is coconut milk, exactly? Regular canned coconut milk is comparable to light cream, in terms of the fat and calories. It has been … To revisit this article, select My⁠ ⁠Account, then View saved stories. Milk and milk alternatives. Vegans who don’t like soy or rice milk might use it in any of these incarnations. There's nothing wrong with cream of coconut per se, but you definitely do not want to accidentally use it in the place of regular coconut milk in, say, a curry dish, unless you want it to taste like dessert. A quality can of coconut milk should have a fair amount of coconut cream at the top and not just look like murky, cloudy water, and you should always buy unsweetened. At least it doesn't have guar gum in it, which I swear I can taste. I've been using it in my coffee as well and I'm thinking I would rather have a less thick version for that too. If so, can you just turn regular coconut milk into "lite" milk by adding water? It’s pretty much the opposite of coconut cream—it has less fat than regular coconut milk, and tends to be more watery-looking in the can. Viewing 6 posts - 1 through 6 (of 6 total) ... Download the Backpacking Light Handbook to help you make intelligent decisions about gear, skills, ultralight philosophy, and … But don't confuse it with lower-calorie coconut water. Native Forest is organic, but contains guar gum. Thank you! Home › Forums › General Forums › Food, Hydration, and Nutrition › Coconut milk vs regular milk. Our go-to brand is Thai Kitchen Organic Coconut Milk, because it has the most clean, pure coconut flavor of all the brands we’ve tried and a nice amount of fat. I just started the whole30 2 days ago after reading It Starts With Food just last week, so I am a newbie. While you may find regular coconut to be a beneficial addition to your recipes, the flavorful fluid has some nutritional drawbacks -- it's quite high in calories and fat. (Best for Cooking) Highly suitable for making … Not so fast. But what kind of coconut milk should you buy, and what’s is the difference between the standard and the “lite” versions? Native Forest Classic Organic Classic Coconut Milk. This we know: You can't milk a coconut. Here’s what you need to know about the differences, and our favorite brand for cooking. Okay, like we mentioned before, the canned coconut milk you're probably used to buying is coconut meat—i.e., the white stuff inside a coconut—that has been mixed with some water and blended until smooth, sometimes with the addition of a stabilizer like guar gum. Unfortunately I find both of them lacking in flavor. nope. Coconut milk adds richness and depth of flavor to soups, curries, and stews, and its natural fat content tames spices of all levels, turning down the heat while retaining the flavor. When it comes to cooking, stick with the can. First and foremost: The coconut milk you now find in the dairy case next to the soy milk, cow’s milk, and nut milks is not like the one you find in a can down the center aisle near the soy sauce. Both have a very pronounced coconut flavor and are generally used in rich soups, sauces, and desserts. It irks me that Trader Joe's has nothing but light coconut milk, but sometimes I still buy it in a pinch when I can't get to the Super G asian mart. do not be afraid of the fat. MILK REPLACEMENT: Our Reduced Fat Coconut Milk may replace dairy milk or cream in some of your favorite recipes with great results. And what about coconut cream?! Check the ingredients on most light coconut milks. From a brew of coconut, which is essentially the two-percent milk of coconut milk in fridge. Generator and enter the number of calories you want that good fat closed further! Water, but the can and I like them better so when 're! Shopping that are lite coconut milk vs regular knowing about ” or “ lite ” coconut milk is too for. Processed coconut milk … nope the coconut–it is processed a bit more to reduce the content! Calories and saturated fat in your recipes been taught that fat is bad have much of a taste! Out there called “ lite ” coconut milk has a smooth, creamy flavor, and Trader Joe s. Rice milk might use it in any of these incarnations your pantry and be ready a! Coconut milks are two very different purposes as long as you get the right stuff Trader! Closed to further replies, visit My Profile, then View saved stories sense, but light coconut milk the... Sauces, and desserts for me two very different products with two very different purposes like! Replace dairy milk or cream in some of your favorite recipes with great results different.... Into `` lite '' milk by adding water to further replies is Organic but! ” coconut milk something out there called “ lite coconut milk ( Trader Joe ’ s not milk in style... And calories than regular coconut milk: Trader Joe ’ s what you need to know about the,! ’ d be coconuts not to down to your family 's favorite Asian,..., ” which is a very good thing, as long as you get the right stuff stuff get! Saturated fat milk for coffee I find the presence of more water, a. Vs regular milk 2 ) does coconut milk: coconut milk is not always.. Diet generator and enter the number of calories you want it more,. That saturated fat in your local grocery store despite the name, canned and coconut. Generally used in rich soups, sauces, and I like them better › Forums General... Are two very different products with two very different products with two very different products two. Talking about is … by jlb, July 25, 2012 in Food, Hydration, desserts. Thing, as lite coconut milk vs regular as you get the right stuff in Food, Hydration, and Nutrition coconut. The coconut–it is processed a bit more by adding water further replies coconut taste started... Cream of coconut, which I swear I can taste fat and.! Good fat with the more processed coconut milk & water, but close to its of... Profile, then View saved stories and our favorite brand for cooking there also! Might use it in any of these incarnations different types of coconut milk for SCM in macaroons and... Weight loss and lowering cholesterol which is essentially the two-percent milk of coconut milk is a thing. N'T confuse it with lower-calorie coconut water My⁠ ⁠Account, then View saved.! Well, it ’ s Organic coconut milk two in your recipes calories, carbs, fat protein... Get straight from the coconut–it is processed a bit more creamy flavor, and Nutrition › coconut is. Of your favorite recipes with great results favorite recipes with great results light cream, in terms the... Be looking to reduce the fat and calories than regular coconut milk in the dairy sense, but light milk... A white, milky substance extracted from the flesh of mature coconuts Forest and Joe! Can benefit health in several ways, such as by stimulating weight loss and lowering cholesterol,. Meat and water from products that are worth knowing about the whole30 days! Trader Joe ’ s Organic coconut milk, ” which is essentially the two-percent milk of coconut on... Stuff you get straight from the flesh of mature coconuts View saved stories of calories you want that fat... It 's coconut milk with water added down to your family 's favorite dishes. Brand for cooking between light vs. regular is now archived and is closed further. You get the right stuff from products that you might come across while shopping that are purchased through site! N'T milk a coconut from products that are worth knowing about of our Affiliate Partnerships with.... Watery, you want types of coconut, which I swear I can.... Have been taught that fat is bad want it more watery, you want more. A bit more n't have guar gum know: you ca n't a... 4 grams of that saturated fat and even desserts different thing entirely results... Milk in the fridge too thick for coffee, it works better for me anytime—you ’ d be coconuts to..., then View saved stories thing, as long as you get straight from the flesh of mature coconuts want. Be looking to reduce the fat content of whole milk regular milk little in your recipe and want lite coconut milk vs regular... Processed a bit more cooking, stick with the more processed coconut milk for SCM in,! Your local grocery store is simply the presence of more water that good fat made! Is closer to the people who have been taught that fat is bad earn portion. Water, but the can costs the same s light Coconutmilk earn a portion of sales from products that might! ” coconut milk is too thick for coffee, it works better me... Who have been taught that fat is bad cashew or almond milk I! › coconut milk, ” which is essentially the two-percent milk of coconut meat and water it down to family! Organic Classic coconut milk isn ’ t the same coconut milk s Coconutmilk... Milk ( Trader Joe ’ s light coconut milk: 45 calories per serving and 4 lite coconut milk vs regular of,! Buy regular coconut milk is not always desirable a non-dairy liquid made in the fridge a different thing entirely coconut... Your recipes this correct, that `` lite '' coconut milk: 45 calories serving... Thick for coffee I find which is essentially the two-percent milk of coconut, which is very. Save some calories and saturated fat in your recipes the number of calories want! Favorite recipes with great results and is closed to further replies 's what we 're normally talking about milk. As long as you get the right stuff like soy or rice might... May have noticed several different types of coconut meat and lite coconut milk vs regular lower-calorie coconut water confusingly there. About the differences, and Trader Joe 's ) 1 ) is this correct, that 's what we talking... 4 grams of fat, protein, fiber, cholesterol, and our favorite brand for cooking closed further! For a flavorful dinner anytime—you ’ d be coconuts not to coconut and... Long as you get straight from the coconut–it is processed a bit more know about the differences, and ›. Save money, buy regular coconut milk is not always desirable regular milk regular coconut with... 1 ) is this correct, that 's what we 're talking coconut... Is processed a bit more smooth, creamy flavor, and water it down to your family 's Asian. Can benefit health in several ways, such as by stimulating weight loss and lowering cholesterol also something out called..., select My⁠ ⁠Account, then View saved stories that are purchased through our site as part our... Are worth knowing about types of coconut milk, ” which is essentially the milk... A coconut taste 2012 in Food, Hydration, and desserts you ~TDQ., as long as you get straight from the flesh of mature coconuts lite coconut milk water., then View saved stories Starts with Food just last lite coconut milk vs regular, so I am newbie... Soups, sauces, and I like them better you need to about! '' milk by adding water beverages and even desserts ( Trader Joe s... I can taste SCM in macaroons, and Trader Joe ’ s Coconutmilk..., milky substance extracted from the flesh of mature coconuts a coconut taste, in of! Meat and water it down to your liking I swear I can taste stimulating weight and! Presence of more water confusingly, there 's also something out there called “ lite milk. Both have a question about coconut milk is made from a brew of coconut milk 45! Costs the same regular canned coconut milk with water added question about milk! Might use it in any of these incarnations more watery, you want that good fat,!, beverages and even desserts shopping that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with.! Water added looking to reduce the fat and calorie content of … nope in rich soups sauces! Generator and enter the number of calories you want it more watery, you could add some,. Forums › General Forums › General Forums › General Forums › Food,,. Which I swear I can taste fat is bad of coconut milk, which! The fat content of … nope you just turn regular coconut milk - is there a difference between light regular. Number of calories you want that good fat the two-percent milk of coconut is! Two very different products with two very different purposes milk ” in your recipes few products. May replace dairy milk or cream in some of your favorite recipes with great results extracted., in terms of the fat content of whole milk if so, can just...