Who is this choice for?

Parents sharing a coconut drink at home

If you’re planning several snacks using a 1 L carton, distinguish between a plant-based drink and coconut milk intended for recipes. Carrefour, E.Leclerc and Auchan list coconut drinks in this size.

Parents comparing sugars in snack-time drinks

The ‘of which sugars’ line lets you compare recipes on a like-for-like basis. Product listings for Alpro No Sugars, VEGE and Auchan show 0 g, 1.5 g and 1.7 g of sugars per 100 ml respectively.

Families following school dietary instructions

If your child follows a medically required diet or has a PAI, check the ingredients and any ‘may contain’ statements on the product you buy. Then follow the arrangements in place for snack time at school.

What should you check?

First, decide whether you need the product as a drink or as a cooking ingredient. For a drink in a carton, compare the label with your needs around sugars, dietary requirements and storage.

Criteria What to check Who it matters to
Product use Read the product description: is it a coconut plant-based drink or coconut milk intended for recipes? If I’m preparing a drink for snack time, I want to avoid choosing an ingredient for sauces or desserts instead; around 29% of consumers prioritise this distinction.
Sugars Compare ‘of which sugars’ per 100 ml and distinguish between ‘no sugars’ and ‘no added sugars’. When comparing several cartons, I want to know the stated sugar content rather than relying on the wording on the front; around 29% of consumers share this priority.
Dietary requirements Check the ingredients and any ‘may contain’ statements for the exact product. For school snacks, follow the PAI if there is one. If my child follows a medically required diet, I need to choose a product that meets the instructions that apply to them; around 24% of consumers put this check first.
Size and storage Check the carton size and storage instructions after opening before planning several snacks from the same carton. Once the carton is open at home, I want to use it within the stated time and avoid wasting any; this is the top priority for around 18% of consumers.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Choosing cooking coconut milk as a drink

    The Vietcoco and CHAOKOH cooking products listed on Joybuy state fat contents of 17–19% and 18% respectively, and are intended for dishes such as sauces, soups and desserts. The packaging doesn’t make them plant-based drinks for snack time.

    If you’re looking for a drink to serve, look for the description ‘coconut plant-based drink’ and read the nutrition information.

  • Confusing ‘no added sugars’ with ‘no sugars’

    The E.Leclerc listing for Bio Village organic rice and coconut drink, labelled ‘no added sugars’, shows 4.2 g of sugars per 100 ml. The Auchan listing for Alpro Coconut No Sugars shows 0 g per 100 ml.

    Compare the ‘of which sugars’ line per 100 ml, even when the front of the carton highlights a claim about sugars.

  • Assuming a plant-based drink is suitable for every allergy

    A Carrefour listing for an Alpro coconut drink mentions that it may contain traces of nuts. The French Ministry of the Economy explains that allergens in prepacked foods must be declared and highlighted.

    If your child has an allergy or follows a medically required diet, check the packaging of the exact product and follow the instructions that apply to them, including those in their PAI.

  • Buying several cartons without planning when to use them

    Auchan listings for Alpro No Sugars and Auchan coconut drinks say to refrigerate after opening and consume within five days.

    Choose an amount that suits your household’s plans and check the instructions on every carton you buy.

Brands to know when comparing coconut drinks

Alpro

Alpro offers, among other products, a standard coconut drink and a No Sugars version in 1 L cartons, listed by Carrefour and Auchan.

  • The Auchan listing for the No Sugars version states 0 g of sugars and 120 mg of calcium per 100 ml.
  • A Carrefour listing for an Alpro coconut drink says it may contain traces of nuts. Check the statement on the specific product you’re buying.

VEGE

VEGE, an E.Leclerc own-brand range, offers a coconut drink in a 1 L carton.

  • The E.Leclerc listing states 1.5 g of sugars and 140 mg of calcium per 100 ml.
  • If you’re counting on this product for several snacks, check that it’s available at your chosen shop or for collection from your chosen Drive.

Auchan

Auchan lists a coconut plant-based drink in a 1 L carton, made with coconut and rice syrup.

  • The listing states 1.7 g of sugars per 100 ml and gives details of the ingredients.
  • After opening, the listing says to refrigerate the drink and consume it within five days.

Bio Village

Bio Village, an E.Leclerc own-brand range, offers a 1 L organic rice and coconut drink labelled ‘no added sugars’.

  • The listing gives details of a recipe that includes rice, coconut paste and pea protein.
  • It states 4.2 g of sugars per 100 ml: ‘no added sugars’ does not mean ‘no sugars’.

Joybuy products related to this topic

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is a 1 L coconut drink the same as cooking coconut milk?

No. These products are intended for different uses: coconut plant-based drinks in cartons are made to be drunk, while the Vietcoco and CHAOKOH cooking products listed on Joybuy are intended for dishes such as sauces, soups and desserts. Check the product description and stated fat content before choosing.

Does ‘no added sugars’ mean ‘no sugars’?

No. The Bio Village rice and coconut drink labelled ‘no added sugars’ has 4.2 g of sugars per 100 ml on its E.Leclerc listing. To compare cartons, read the ‘of which sugars’ line in the nutrition information.

How do I choose a coconut drink for a child with a dietary PAI?

Only choose a drink after checking the label on the exact product and the instructions that apply to your child. The French Ministry of National Education says that a PAI sets out adjustments to a child’s schooling. For example, a Carrefour listing for an Alpro coconut drink mentions that it may contain traces of nuts.

How long can you keep a carton of coconut drink after opening?

The Auchan listings for Alpro No Sugars and Auchan coconut drinks say to refrigerate them and consume them within five days of opening. Check the instructions on the carton you buy before planning how many snacks it will cover.