Active people putting together a protein-rich snack
You want to use coconut milk in a post-workout snack while checking the protein content of the other ingredients separately.
Who are these options for?
Coconut-flavour fans looking for a small portion
For a smoothie, porridge or homemade recipe, you’re mainly after coconut flavour and a creamy texture, without confusing these qualities with protein content.
Shoppers keeping an eye on fat content
You compare full-fat and light coconut milk by looking at the figures per 100 g or 100 ml, then considering how much you’ll actually pour.
What should you look for first?
First decide whether you want a cooking ingredient or a drink, then compare the nutritional information with the portion you plan to use in your post-workout snack.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Protein in your snack | The amount of protein listed for the product and the portion you’ll use, as well as the other foods you plan to include in your snack. | If protein is my priority after exercise, I don’t want to assume coconut milk is enough on its own. Around 42% of consumers would put this need first. |
| Energy and fat | The figures per 100 g or 100 ml, followed by the amount you’ll pour. Don’t compare figures directly if they’re given in different units. | When I make a small portion, I want to know what the amount I use provides, rather than relying on the word ‘light’. This would be the top priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Flavour, texture and ingredients | The product description, percentage of coconut extract and ingredient list, depending on the recipe you have in mind. | When adding coconut flavour to my porridge or smoothie, I want to choose a texture that suits the recipe. Around 25% of consumers would prioritise flavour and ingredients first. |
Common mix-ups to avoid
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Confusing a coconut drink with full-fat coconut milk
The two product descriptions refer to different uses. The Carrefour product listings consulted show that Carrefour Sensation coconut milk contains 85% coconut extract, while Alpro’s plant-based drink lists coconut milk at 14.1% among its ingredients.
First choose between a cooking ingredient and a drink, then check the ingredients of the specific product.
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Relying on coconut milk alone for protein
The E.Leclerc listing for Bio Village coconut milk gives 1.9 g of protein per 100 ml; the listing for Vietcoco 330 ml on Joybuy gives 1.1 g per 100 ml. A creamy texture doesn’t tell you how much protein it contains.
If protein is a priority in your snack, check the figures for all the foods you plan to add.
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Reading ‘light’ without considering the portion
The Carrefour listing for Kara Light coconut milk gives 13 g of fat per 100 ml. So the word ‘light’ alone doesn’t tell you how much fat your recipe will contain.
Compare the nutritional values, their units and the amount you plan to use.
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Ignoring storage instructions after opening
The Auchan listing for Racines Bio coconut milk says that it may solidify below 15 °C without affecting its quality. Storage instructions after opening vary from product to product.
Check the packaging to find out how to store opened coconut milk and how soon to use it.
Brands to know
Carrefour Sensation
A full-fat cooking coconut milk, sold in a 400 ml can.
- The Carrefour listing states that it contains 85% coconut extract.
- It lists 18 g of fat and 185 kcal per 100 g, so bear in mind how much you add to your snack.
Kara
The Kara Light product listing consulted is a 200 ml carton of coconut milk for cooking.
- Its Carrefour listing states that it contains 42.9% coconut extract.
- It also lists 13 g of fat per 100 ml. Check your portion, and don’t assume the word ‘light’ means it’s high in protein.
Bio Village
An organic 200 ml coconut milk sold by E.Leclerc.
- Its listing gives water and 47% organic coconut extract as ingredients.
- It lists 1.9 g of protein per 100 ml. If protein is your priority, check the other ingredients in your snack too.
Vietcoco
The 330 ml UHT product listing consulted on Joybuy describes it as suitable for dishes, desserts and drinks.
- The listing for this product states that it contains 85% coconut extract.
- It lists 1.1 g of protein per 100 ml. Don’t confuse this 330 ml product with other Vietcoco sizes.
Alpro
The coconut product listing consulted is for a plant-based drink, not full-fat coconut milk for cooking.
- The Carrefour listing gives 14 kcal and 1.2 g of fat per 100 g.
- If your recipe calls for the creaminess of coconut milk for cooking, check that this drink format is suitable for the way you plan to use it.
Coconut milk options to consider on Joybuy
These products let you compare coconut milks for cooking with light versions for a post-workout snack. Choose according to your recipe and portion, and check the information for the exact product.
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Vietcoco Coconut Milk 17-19% Fat, 1 L
Consider it as an ingredient in a coconut-flavoured post-workout recipe, measuring out the amount you use. The pack size is 1 L and the product name states 17-19% fat. Check the nutritional values and storage instructions for this specific size.
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Kara Organic Coconut Milk UHT 17% Fat, 200 ml
The 200 ml size may suit you if you’re looking for a small carton for a recipe. The title states 17% fat, while the associated nutritional information gives 18.4 g per 100 ml. Check the product label before using this figure for comparison.
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Valcom Organic Coconut Milk, 400 ml
A 400 ml option for a coconut milk recipe. Measure out what you need for your snack, and check the label for nutritional values and storage instructions after opening.
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Renuka Coconut Milk Light 9%, 400 ml can
Compare it with full-fat coconut milk if you’re looking for a light version for your recipe. The product name states 9% fat and the can holds 400 ml. Check the portion size and storage instructions after opening.
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Grace Light Coconut Milk, 400 ml
Worth considering if you’re choosing between a pourable drink and a light cooking ingredient. The pack size is 400 ml. Read the product description and packaging to check that its texture and storage instructions suit your needs.
Frequently asked questions
Is full-fat coconut milk enough on its own for a post-workout snack?
Don’t assume it is if you’re looking for protein in your snack. The E.Leclerc listing for Bio Village coconut milk gives 1.9 g of protein per 100 ml. Check the amount you use and the ingredients of the other foods you plan to include.
How can you tell coconut milk apart from a coconut plant-based drink?
Start by checking the product description and ingredient list, then look at the nutritional values. The Carrefour product listings consulted give 85% coconut extract for Carrefour Sensation coconut milk, while Alpro’s drink lists coconut milk at 14.1% among its ingredients. Check the exact product you’re buying.
What should you look for on the packaging of a pre-packed product?
Check the ingredient list, nutritional information, net quantity and date shown. The Directorate General for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control notes that these details form part of the labelling requirements for pre-packed food. When choosing your snack, also check the product description and storage instructions.
How should you store coconut milk after opening?
Follow the instructions for the product you’ve bought rather than assuming one storage period applies to all coconut milk. The Joybuy listing for Vietcoco 330 ml says to refrigerate it and consume it within five days of opening. This guidance doesn’t apply to other pack sizes.
Does solidified coconut milk always need to be thrown away?
No. Solidification alone isn’t enough to tell. The Auchan listing for Racines Bio coconut milk says it may solidify below 15 °C without affecting its quality. Still, check the date, the condition of the packaging and the storage instructions for your product.