Who is this choice for?

Anyone making a recipe with coconut milk

If the recipe calls for a liquid to add to a mixture, make sure it’s coconut milk, not desiccated coconut.

Anyone looking for the texture of desiccated coconut

For coconut macaroons, biscuits, tarts or muffins, look for the dry product specified in the recipe rather than liquid coconut milk.

Anyone unsure which grated ingredient to choose

If ‘grated’ could mean coconut or cheese on your shopping list, check the exact product name and how it will be used in the dish.

What should you check?

For Christmas dinner, first confirm which form the recipe calls for, then check the quantity you need and the details on the packaging.

Liquid coconut milk

Choose this: if the recipe calls for liquid coconut milk to add to a sauce, soup or dessert.

Bear in mind: it won’t give you the dry texture you’d expect from a topping of desiccated coconut.

Desiccated coconut

Choose this: if the recipe calls for dry, grated coconut, particularly for baking or a topping.

Bear in mind: it isn’t a direct substitute for coconut milk when the recipe needs a liquid.

Ready-grated cheese

Choose this: only if the recipe specifically calls for grated cheese, for example to top a savoury dish before baking.

Bear in mind: the properties of coconut milk and desiccated coconut won’t help you choose a cheese.

What to check What to look for Who is it for?
Form of the ingredient Compare the product name with the recipe: liquid coconut milk, dry desiccated coconut or grated cheese. If I’m making a sauce or topping, I want to avoid confusing a liquid with a grated ingredient. Around 50% of consumers would put this distinction at the top of their list of priorities.
Quantity Check the amount specified in the recipe: ml for coconut milk or g for desiccated coconut. For a one-off meal, I’m looking for a pack size that suits what I’m cooking; around 33% of consumers would prioritise getting the quantity right.
Label Check the ingredients, allergen information, date and storage instructions for the exact product. Before serving a dish to others, I want to know what the product contains and how it should be stored. Around 17% of consumers would make this their priority.

Common mix-ups to avoid

  • Assuming all ‘grated’ products are the same ingredient

    Coconut milk is liquid, desiccated coconut is dry, and grated cheese is a different category altogether. Mixing them up could leave you with an ingredient that isn’t right for the recipe.

    Before comparing pack sizes, match the product name to the ingredient and texture the recipe calls for.

    If you spot a mistake when you start cooking, you may have to make a last-minute trip to the shops.

  • Comparing the quantity of desiccated coconut directly with coconut milk

    Dry products are measured in grams, while coconut milk is measured in millilitres. These quantities are for different uses.

    First identify the form you need, then choose a quantity in that category that suits the recipe.

  • Assuming ‘100% coconut’ tells you everything about allergens

    Carrefour Original desiccated coconut is described as being made from 100% coconut, but its product information also warns that it may contain traces of other allergens.

    If you’re serving a shared meal, check the ingredients and any ‘may contain’ warnings on the packaging of the product you’ll be serving.

  • Buying well ahead of the meal without checking the packaging again

    The date and storage instructions apply to the specific product you’re buying, not just to the type of ingredient.

    Check these details on the product before planning to store it until the meal.

Brands to know for these ingredients

Cocoxim

Carrefour France lists a 400 ml can of Cocoxim liquid coconut milk, suitable for both cooked and uncooked recipes.

  • The product information lists 76% coconut extract, water and guar gum.
  • According to the product information, the contents may solidify below 25 °C and should be shaken before use.

Carrefour Original

A 125 g pack of desiccated coconut to consider when your recipe calls for this ingredient.

  • The ingredients list for this product states ‘100% desiccated coconut’.
  • Its product information warns that it may contain traces of tree nuts, peanuts, egg, milk, soya, gluten, sulphites and sesame; check the packaging of the product you choose.

Sainte Lucie

A 125 g pack of desiccated coconut that the brand recommends for coconut macaroons, tarts, muffins, flans and biscuits.

  • Its grated form suits recipes that call for dry coconut.
  • It isn’t a direct substitute for coconut milk when a recipe needs a liquid.

La Patelière

The brand lists a 125 g pack of desiccated coconut for savoury dishes as well as desserts and baking.

  • The product information suggests using it in meat or fish dishes, as well as desserts.
  • These suggestions apply to this particular desiccated coconut product, not to all La Patelière products.

Related products on Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Can coconut milk replace desiccated coconut?

Not directly, if the recipe needs a dry, grated texture. Coconut milk adds liquid to the mixture; only swap ingredients if the recipe also allows you to adjust the amount of liquid and the texture.

What should you look for on the label of a prepacked ingredient?

First check the product name to make sure you’re buying the right form, then check the ingredients, net quantity and nutritional information. The DGCCRF notes that this information is included on the labels of prepacked foods, among other details. Also check the date and storage instructions for the product you choose.

How can you check for allergens before a shared meal?

Read the ingredients and any ‘may contain’ warnings on the packaging of the exact product. An ingredients list stating ‘100% coconut’ doesn’t mean you can skip this step: the product information for Carrefour Original desiccated coconut also warns that it may contain traces of other allergens.