The Best Coconut Milk for Coffee (In a Nutshell)

1. The So Delicious coconut milk is a great organic option that blends really well with coffee. It is delicious and low in calories, making it the perfect option for your daily dose of java.

2. If you are looking for a creamier, full-bodied cup of coffee, don’t look any further than Fiesta Tropical. Rich and creamy, it will turn any cup of coffee into a treat.

3. Want to make a non dairy creamer? Then the Thai Kitchen coconut milk is the answer. It has a higher fat content and provides a thicker texture. It also blends beautifully with the other components in your coconut creamer recipe.

There is no single best coconut milk for coffee. Rather, the brands vary depending on whether you want a creamy option, an ingredient for creamer, or are looking to keep it organic. Here are the top contenders for coconut milk for your java:

Best Organic Coconut Milk for Coffee

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Best Coconut Milk for Homemade Coffee Creamer

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Can You Use Coconut Milk in Coffee?

Now, given the title of this article, this may seem like a rather silly question to ask.

Nevertheless, it is something that many people wonder about.

Well, the answer to your question is a resounding yes!

Absolutely, you can add this delicious liquid to your cup of Joe – just like you would use soy milk or any other cow’s milk alternative. 

The Best Coconut Milk Brand for Coffee

It’s now time to get down to business. Here are the finest coconut milks that you can buy, depending on how you want to add them to your coffee…

Best Organic Coconut Milk for Coffee

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This is certainly one of the better-known coconut milk brands around. The taste and texture of this milk make it a perfect inclusion to your daily cup of coffee.

What We Like:

  • Good Taste: this has a pleasant taste. While you can taste the coconut, it isn’t overpowering. Due to this, it works well with any coffee drink that you want to prepare. 
  • Low in Calories: with this drink, you are consuming just 45 calories a cup. Thus, it is excellent if you are counting calories or watching your weight.
  • Mixes Well with Coffee: the texture of this milk is such that it mixes with your coffee without any issue at all.

What We Don’t Like:

  • Thinner Consistency: this milk is a bit on the thinner side. Therefore, it can’t really function as a coffee creamer.

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Despite being a canned coconut milk this is all-purpose coconut milk. As such, you can add it to your coffee for a delicious, full-bodied beverage.

What We Like:

  • Creamy Texture: if you want a creamier cup of coffee, then this is the coconut milk for you. It mixes well with the coffee to produce a thicker beverage. In fact, it is practically a coffee creamer.
  • Delicious Taste: if you enjoy the authentic taste of coconut milk, you will be delighted by this flavor. It will give your coffee a tropical twist.
  • Minimal Added Elements: there is only a minor amount of organic guar gum added to this milk so it does fare much better than some of its counterparts.

What We Don’t Like:

  • High-Fat Content: this canned coconut milk is rather high in fats. As such, you may not want to add too much of it to your coffee or add it as coffee creamer several times a day.

Best Coconut Milk for Homemade Coffee Creamer

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If you want to make coconut milk-based coffee creamer, then this is the product you need. It has all the elements you need to whip up the ultimate recipe.

What We Like:

  • Only Two Ingredients: this coconut milk only contains coconut cream and water! So, if you are looking for an all-natural product for your coffee creamer, this is certainly it.
  • Authentic Taste: this boasts a full-bodied coconut taste. Thus, if you love the taste of coconut or want a more authentic flavor, you will get it here.
  • Mixes Smoothly: this coconut milk mixes well with the creamer components as well as your coffee. Due to this, you don’t have to worry about any lumps or separation.

What We Don’t Like:

  • Coconut Taste Can Be Strong: one of this milk’s advantages is also a disadvantage. If you don’t like a strong taste of coconut in your coffee, then this may not be the milk for you to use in your coffee creamer. It may overpower the coffee taste. 

So, there you have it, people! These are the things that everyone should know about buying the ultimate products for your coconut milk coffee, along with the links to get you there.

How to Select the Best Liquid Coconut Milk for Coffee

Let’s first take a look at how you can select the most suitable coconut beverage for coffee. This will come in handy when you want to purchase unfamiliar manufacturers or brands.

Be Aware of the Difference

The first thing you need to be aware of is that there are different types of coconut milk for drinking and cooking.

As you can imagine, you want the beverage type for your coffee – in most instances.

So, let’s discuss the differences between these varieties of coconut milk. You can then get a better idea of why you should be using one instead of the other.

The milk that is meant for cooking has a higher fat content, making it a lot creamier. The one meant for drinking (and using in cereal), on the other hand, has a higher moisture content as it contains more water.

In many cases, the coconut milk beverage has a more toned down taste. This is why coconut milk for coffee espresso can be added without changing the taste of the drink all that much. 

Coconut Cream Coffee

When to Add Cooking Coconut Cream to Your Coffee

This doesn’t mean that the milk used for cooking doesn’t have a place in your coffee. If you want to make coconut milk creamer, you will need to use the full-fat coconut milk that is typically used in cooking.

Also, if you prefer a cup of Joe with extra creaminess, then the cream version works well too.

Now, is there an easy way of figuring out the difference between these two products for dairy free creamers?

Yes, there is!

More often than not, the milk for drinking is in a carton and requires refrigeration. The milk for cooking is often a canned coconut milk and has a much longer expiration date.

Therefore, when making non dairy creamers make sure to pay attention to the label as well as the packaging.

Coconut Milk and Iced Coffee

As you are probably aware, coconut milk, unlike almond milk and many other plant-based drinks, is rather high in fats. This composition can pose a bit of a problem when adding it to your ice coffee or cold brew.

Now, this isn’t something that you have to worry about with warm or room temperature liquids.

However, even if you were to add the milk to warm coffee and then place it in the refrigerator or add ice, separation may take place after the cooling process.

Understand, fats submerged in cold drinks tend to separate. Thus, you may find that your coconut milk will clump up rather than mix with your coffee.

Due to this, when selecting a coconut milk for iced coffee, opt for one with lower fat content. This should help the two liquids to combine together more easily. 

In case you are looking for alternate solutions, you can use a blender to blend the components together.

This is a tactic that works well when making smoothies and adding frozen food items like fruits and veggies. 

The Types of Coconut Milk for Drinking

Even within the coconut milk beverage field, there are different varieties. These can be classified as unsweetened, sweetened, and flavored. Here is what you need to know about selecting these non dairy drinks:

Sweetened vs. Unsweetened

The difference between these two kinds is fairly obvious. So, which one should you choose to put in your coffee?

Well, there isn’t a right or wrong answer here.

Keep in mind, this is largely a personal decision. If you love a sweeter cup of coffee, then the sweetened version may appeal to you more.

At the same time, you should be aware that sweetened option has added sugar. Thus, it contains a greater number of calories as well.

Should You Choose Flavored Coconut Milk?

Once again, the answer is entirely up to you.

The most common flavor for this kind of milk is vanilla although you will find chocolate options as well.

It should be noted that just because flavors are added to the coconut milk, it doesn’t automatically mean that it is sweetened as well.

More often than not these types just include vanilla extract or another flavoring.

Flavored coconut milk works well if you like adding creamers to your coffee, but don’t want to deal with added sugar or calories.

It may also be a suitable solution if you aren’t a fan of the natural taste of coconut milk.

Or, if you are making vanilla coffee creamer, using a pre-flavored drink can improve the overall taste.

Nevertheless, read the contents before purchasing to make certain that it is vanilla extract or another flavoring and not a sugar-laden syrup.

pouring milk into coffee

Read the Nutrient Information on Labels

Before selecting a particular type of coconut milk for your coffee, make sure to read the nutrition label. This will let you know exactly how nutritious a certain brand is.

Now, on average, the nutritional content for single servings of unsweetened coconut milk would look like this:

  • Calories: 50
  • Total Fat: 5g               
  • Sodium: 15mg
  • Carbohydrates: 1g  
  • Protein: 1g 
  • Calcium: 100mg        

Naturally, the exact amounts will vary from one brand to another. Some brands will fortify their milks so that they have higher levels of nutrients or vitamins.

To make sure that you stick to a balanced diet, keep an eye on the number of calories, total fat, and sodium content.

If you are vegan or have a particular deficiency, checking the amount of added nutrients can help as well. 

Know What Ingredients to Watch Out For

Most brands will add other ingredients to your coconut milk. This can be done for a number of reasons, including prolonging the lifespan of the milk. Here are the ones you should be aware of:

  • Gums: most companies will use plant-based gums that act as emulsifiers and stabilizers for the coconut milk.
  • Carrageenan: this is a rather controversial ingredient found in coconut milk. Although it is used in many brands, it has also been linked to digestive issues. Thus, if you have any concerns you may want to stay away from this component.

Of course, for the healthiest selection, it is best to opt for brands without preservatives.

However, stabilizers may be required to keep the liquid and solid part together.

Making Your Own Coconut Milk Creamer

When making creamer, you can choose between the recipes for the original or vanilla flavor. Regardless of which one you make it is sure to become a favorite in your family.

Original Flavor Recipe

  • 15 ounces of coconut milk
  • 2 tablespoons of sweetener of choice
  • 1 teaspoon of preferred spices like cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

  1. Add everything into a large, sealable jar and tighten the lid well to avoid a mess.
  2. Shake the container until they are thoroughly combined.
  3. You can store this cream-based goodness for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator.
  4. If you are looking for convenience, then this is one of the best recipes to follow.

*If you use maple syrup, raw honey, or monk fruit to add sweetness, the recipe will be paleo.

Vanilla Flavored Recipe

  • 13.5 ounces of coconut milk
  • 2 tablespoons of almond milk
  • 3 tablespoons of sugar
  • pinch of salt
  • 1/2 vanilla bean

Instructions

  1. With the exception of the vanilla bean, add all the other items into a saucepan.
  2. Blend it all together with a whisk and gently heat. You can use a microwave instead – just heat until the sugar has dissolved.
  3. Once the mixture has begun to bubble and has greater thickness, remove it from the stove.
  4. Scrape the seeds from the bean into the pot and add the bean as well.
  5. Allow the seeds and bean to steep and rest for around for 30 minutes.
  6. Strain the mixture and store the batch in a jar.
  7. Store in the fridge.

*To boost your health levels and cut down on calories, add a splash of stevia instead of sugar. 

Tips for Using Coconut Milk in Black Coffee

Need a piece of advice or some suggestions on how to add some creaminess to your coffee?

Well, here are the main things that people need to know to get this mixture right each and every time:

  • For a stronger brew, always use an espresso machine. This way, you can prevent a watered down combo.
  • Adding the milk to the coffee mug first and then pouring in the java are one of the ways to minimize curdling.
  • If you want to froth the milk with the help of a frother, use a good quality name brand with a high fat content.
  • Everyone has different tastes. When making lattes, add your preferred quantity of creamer.
  • Don’t be afraid to experiment by adding your own favorite touch to your mug. 

The Health Benefits of Using Coconut Milk

Of course, you may like to learn about some of the benefits of making coconut milk coffee.

There are actually several health benefits that you can enjoy from this addition. Here are the top nutrition facts, properties, and effects you need to know: 

Contains Some Nutritious Components

In addition to calcium, this drink also contains potassium, iron, copper, magnesium, manganese, and selenium.

While the composition isn’t incredibly high, using this kind of milk can definitely contribute to your daily value of these nutritive components. 

Contains Medium Chain Triglycerides

More commonly known as MCTs, this fat – also present in coconut oil – is stored in a more efficient energy form.

As such, you may not gain weight as readily when consuming products with MCT. 

Contains Lauric Acid

There is some evidence that lauric acid can fight off bacteria and viruses, helping your immune system.

Thus, in the long run, this drink could potentially help you to remain healthier for a greater period of time. 

Potential to Reduce Stomach Ulcers

In animal studies, ulcer size on the lining was reduced by half.

Best of all, these results were on par with the anti-ulcer drugs that are typically used for treatment.

As such, there is a chance that this drink may benefit you more than traditional medication for those who suffer from acid reflux and associated symptoms. 

An Important Disclaimer

Always check with your doctor or dietitian before adding this component to your daily coffees or diet.

This especially important if you are at risk of heart conditions or need to follow a low calorie diet. 

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