Choosing Coconut Milk: From Light to Cream for Every Dish

Do you ever find yourself in the supermarket aisle, wondering which coconut milk to choose? One is full-bodied and creamy, another is ‘light’, and then there’s coconut cream. The choice can be overwhelming, especially when your recipe calls for a specific texture. Whether you're making an authentic Thai curry, a creamy soup, or a lactose-free dessert, the right coconut milk is essential.

This guide is designed to bring some clarity. We'll break down the differences based on fat content, ingredients, and use, so you can confidently make the right choice for your dish every time.

What to Look for When Buying Coconut Milk?

Before we dive into specific products, here are a few practical points to consider that will help you choose.

1. Fat Content: The Key to the Right Texture

The fat percentage determines the creaminess and flavour of the coconut milk and is the most important factor in your decision.

• Coconut Cream (20-24% fat): This is the thickest and richest variety. The dense, creamy part of the coconut milk separates and rises to the top. Coconut cream is ideal for finishing sauces, adding a luxurious texture to desserts, or as a base for cocktails.
• Full-Fat Coconut Milk (15-19% fat): This is the standard for most recipes, especially for Thai coconut milk curries and soups. It offers a perfect balance between creaminess and liquid, creating a rich but not overly heavy sauce.
• Light Coconut Milk (5-9% fat): This is essentially coconut milk diluted with more water. Light coconut milk is a good choice if you're watching your calories or want a lighter texture in smoothies, oatmeal, or certain soups. Keep in mind that the result will be less creamy.

2. The Ingredient List: Pure or with Stabilisers?

The ingredient list reveals a lot about the quality and texture.

• Coconut Milk Without Additives: Products like Aroy-D coconut milk often contain only coconut extract and water. This results in a product that can naturally separate into a thick cream layer and a watery part. This is not a sign of poor quality; a quick shake or stir before use is all it takes. Many purists prefer this.
• Coconut Milk with Stabilisers: Many brands add stabilisers (like guar gum or xanthan gum) to prevent the coconut milk from separating. This ensures a smooth, homogenous texture straight from the package. This can be convenient, but it's a matter of personal preference.

3. Packaging: Can or Carton?

The most common packaging is canned coconut milk. This is an excellent option with a long shelf life. Some brands also offer coconut milk in cardboard cartons. These often come with a convenient screw cap and are sometimes BPA-free, which can be a consideration for some consumers.

Our Coconut Milk Recommendations

Based on the criteria above, we've selected some popular choices, each serving a different purpose.

For the Authentic Curry: AROY-D Coconut Milk 19% Fat

Why it stands out: This coconut milk is known for its pure ingredients. With 19% fat, it's the perfect base for a rich and flavourful coconut milk for curry.

Pros:

• Contains only coconut extract (60%) and water, so there are no additives.
• The 19% fat content ensures a creamy, but not overly thick, consistency.
• The packaging is BPA-free.

Who is it for? For home cooks seeking an authentic flavour and texture for their Asian dishes, especially Thai curries. Also ideal for those who prefer products without stabilisers or other additives.

For Lighter Cooking: Green Life Canned Coconut Milk 5-7% Fat

Why it stands out: This is a classic light coconut milk with a significantly lower fat content, making it a versatile option for everyday use.

Pros:

• Low fat content of 5-7%, resulting in fewer calories.
• Vegan, lactose-free, and gluten-free.
• Suitable for soups, smoothies, and as a plant-based alternative in dishes where creaminess is less critical.

Who is it for? For health-conscious consumers looking for a lighter option for their dishes. Perfect for those following a low-carb or low-fat diet, or simply wanting to prepare a less heavy meal.

For the Richest Desserts and Sauces: KARA Coconut CREAM UHT 24% Fat

Why it stands out: With 24% fat, this is a true coconut cream. The UHT processing and added stabilisers ensure a consistently thick and smooth texture.

Pros:

• Very high fat content of 24% for maximum creaminess.
• Ideal as a base for sauces, elevating cocktails, or creating creamy desserts like panna cotta.
• The UHT packaging (carton) is convenient to use.

Who is it for? For anyone looking for an extra-thick, luxurious texture. An excellent choice for pastry chefs, dessert lovers, and cooks who want to give a sauce or soup a velvety finish.

Still Haven't Found What You're Looking For?

The world of coconut milk is wide and diverse. If the options above aren't exactly what you need, or if you're simply curious about other brands and varieties, there's more to explore.

View all coconut products

Frequently Asked Questions About Coconut Milk

What is the difference between coconut milk and coconut cream?

The main difference is the fat content. Coconut cream typically contains over 20% fat, making it significantly thicker and creamier. Full-fat coconut milk is usually between 15% and 19% fat. Light coconut milk contains less than 10% fat. For a rich sauce, use full-fat coconut milk; for an extra-creamy dessert or finish, choose coconut cream.

Can I use light coconut milk for a curry?

Yes, you can, but the result will be noticeably different. A curry made with light coconut milk will be more watery and less rich in flavour. If you want a creamy curry, full-fat coconut milk (around 17-19% fat) is the recommended choice.

How do I store opened coconut milk?

After opening canned coconut milk, it's best to transfer it to a sealed, non-metallic container (like glass or plastic). It will then keep in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Coconut milk in a carton with a screw cap can be stored directly in the fridge and usually stays fresh a bit longer.

By the Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer