Canned Coconut Milk Vs Carton: Which Is Better?

Coconut milk is a good non-dairy alternative to milk.

With its rich, slightly sweet coconut flavor and creamy texture, you can use it in your sweet and savory recipes. Some of the recipes where coconut milk does a great job include curries, sauces, dressings, stews, soups, ice cream, smoothies, and many different desserts.

You can find coconut milk in the stores as canned and carton coconut milk. They are both good depending on what you want to use them for.

Canned coconut milk is usually used in cooking and baking while carton coconut milk is used as a non-dairy substitute for milk in cereals, puddings, smoothies, and drinks.

Even if canned coconut milk and carton coconut milk are both made of shredded coconut flesh, they are not the same.

Canned Coconut Milk Vs Carton: What’s The Difference?

Canned coconut milk contains less water, more fat, and calories. It is thicker than carton coconut milk as well. It also doesn’t contain any flavorings or additives like carton coconut milk.

There are two types of canned coconut milk including light and full-fat coconut milk. The light type contains more water and is thinner than the full-fat canned coconut milk.

Full fat canned coconut milk, on the other hand, is thicker. You can add it to many sauces, curries, stews, and other sweet and savory recipes to provide a creamy texture and lovely coconut flavor.

If you have bought canned coconut milk and you haven’t used it all you can store the leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for about 7-10 days. An unopened can of coconut milk can be stored in a cold, dry place for about 2-5 years.

Carton coconut milk contains more water, less fat, and calories. It is also thinner than canned milk. It has added sweeteners, thickeners, vitamins, stabilizers, and flavorings which can alter the flavor of your dishes.

Carton coconut milk is a good substitute for milk in cereals, smoothies, and coffee. But it can be also used as a beverage. You can store unopened carton coconut milk in the fridge from 6-12 months, and open for about 7 days.

Canned Coconut Milk Vs Carton: Comparison Chart

Below is the table where you can see the differences between canned coconut milk and carton coconut milk. Ingredients may vary depending on the brand of coconut milk.

Is Canned Coconut Milk Better Than Carton?

They both have two main ingredients organic coconut and filtered water. However, we suggest that you always buy coconut milk with few or non-added ingredients, because that way you will taste the real flavor of the coconut milk.

In my opinion, canned coconut milk is better than carton coconut milk because it doesn’t contain preservatives, sweeteners, and other additives, like carton coconut milk does.

Canned coconut milk and carton coconut milk both have water but carton coconut milk contains more water than canned coconut milk. So, it is thinner and has a weaker coconut flavor.

Canned coconut milk has higher fat content than carton coconut milk, so you can use it to give a nice creamy texture and beautiful coconut flavor to your recipes. This milk is used in baked goods, sauces, marinades, dips, curries, soups, and many other recipes.

Carton coconut milk, on the other hand, is used as a dairy-free alternative to regular milk in coffee, cereals, smoothie, or your favorite dessert.

Can You Substitute Coconut Milk For Canned Coconut Milk?

You can’t substitute coconut milk for canned coconut milk in your recipes. Because coconut milk and canned coconut milk are not the same. They have different textures and flavors and are used in different recipes.

Coconut milk has lower fat content than canned coconut milk. Therefore, if you use it as a substitute, you will get a watery recipe with a weaker coconut flavor.

It also contains sweeteners, flavorings, thickeners, and stabilizers that can alter the flavor of your recipes. So, if you have a recipe that calls for canned coconut milk it is better not to substitute it with coconut milk.

Can I Use Carton Coconut Milk In Curry?

Curry is a popular and specific dish where coconut milk is one of the main ingredients. It is used as a balance for its spicy flavor and to provide a thick, creamy texture and coconut flavor to the curry dish.

So, you need to use full-fat canned coconut milk for the best results. Carton coconut milk is thinner than can coconut milk and has a weaker coconut flavor. You can use it in curry but you will get a thinner texture and your curry will not taste as good as with canned coconut milk.

However, if you only have a carton of coconut milk, make sure it doesn’t have any added sweeteners. Also, reduce the amount of the carton coconut milk and adjust the amount of the other ingredients to get a better texture and flavor.

Uses For Carton Coconut Milk

Carton coconut milk has more ingredients than canned coconut milk. It contains cane sugar, sunflower lecithin, locust bean gum, natural flavor, sea salt, gellan gum, and vitamins. There are also unsweetened versions of carton coconut milk which are used as a healthier option.

Carton coconut milk makes a great non-dairy, lactose-free substitute for regular milk. You can use it as an alternative to regular milk in different smoothies, cereals, desserts, coffee, baked goods or you can simply drink it on its own.

Substitute Canned Coconut Milk For Carton

Canned coconut milk has a higher fat content. So, it is thicker and has a stronger coconut flavor than carton coconut milk. You can use it as a substitute for carton cocoa milk if you dilute it with water or some other liquid.

If you are on a low-calorie diet, have in mind that canned coconut milk contains more fat and calories than carton coconut milk. Diluted canned coconut milk is a good substitute for carton coconut milk and you can use it in coffee, cereals, smoothies, and beverages.

For one can of coconut milk, you will need two cups of water. Just mix them and if you like it sweeter you can add a sweetener like maple syrup or one tablespoon of unrefined sugar. If you get a thick texture, you can add some more water until you get the desired one.

Final Tips

Coconut milk is a nutritious, tasty, and versatile item you can find in every local store. You can choose between different brands and use the one that works best for your recipe and taste. You can even make coconut milk at home and adjust it to your taste.

So, canned coconut milk or carton coconut milk, which is better? Well, they are both good depending on what you want to use them for, on your preferences and your taste.

But it is always best to use the one that doesn’t have many additives, flavorings, and sweeteners so you can enjoy its full flavor and use the benefits it provides for your better health.