Who are these options for?

People cooking for a crowd

If several dishes in your Christmas meal call for coconut milk, a 1 L carton could save you opening several smaller packs. Carrefour, for example, stocks Tantie and Real Thai products in this size.

People looking for a thicker texture

If your sauce or dessert recipe calls for coconut cream, texture matters more than the pack size. Auchan describes its Vietcoco cream as thicker than coconut milk.

People who compare labels

If the coconut content, ingredients or nutritional values matter to you, compare the details of the products you’re considering rather than looking at pack size alone.

What should you look for before buying?

Start with the recipes you’re planning and the total amount you’ll need, then check whether they call for coconut milk or coconut cream. You can then use the label to compare products in your chosen size.

Criteria What to check Who is it for?
Quantity Add together the amounts listed in your recipes, then compare the 200 ml, 400 ml and 1 L sizes. I use it in several dishes and want to make sure I have enough coconut milk without opening lots of packs; for around 33% of consumers, quantity would be the top priority.
Texture Check whether the recipe calls for coconut milk or coconut cream; compare the product description and the stated proportion of coconut extract. If I’m after a thicker texture for a sauce or dessert, choosing between milk and cream matters more than the tin size; this would be the priority for around 27% of consumers.
Ingredients Read the ingredients list and compare nutritional information on the same basis: per 100 g or per 100 ml. I want to know what’s in the product before choosing one; ingredients would be the top priority for around 20% of consumers.
Local availability Check that your chosen size is available at the store or collection point you plan to use. Before finalising my menu, I need to be able to buy the product from my chosen retailer; local availability would be the priority for around 20% of consumers.

Which common mistakes should you avoid?

  • Confusing coconut drinks with coconut milk for cooking

    Alpro markets its Barista range for coffee drinks, while the coconut milks for cooking mentioned by Carrefour are intended for use in recipes. They’re not designed for the same purpose.

    Check the product description and recommended use on the packaging before substituting one for the other in a recipe.

  • Choosing a 1 L carton without working out how much you need

    A large pack is only useful if your recipes call for that amount. Storage instructions after opening vary by product. For example, Auchan says to refrigerate its Vietcoco cream after opening and use it within 24 hours.

    Work out how much you need and read the storage instructions for the product you choose.

    Any leftovers that can’t be used in line with the instructions on the packaging may end up being thrown away.

  • Assuming the texture from the pack size alone

    A 1 L carton doesn’t tell you anything about the texture of its contents. Products vary in their coconut content and ingredients; Auchan describes its Vietcoco cream as thicker than its coconut milk.

    First check whether your recipe calls for coconut milk or cream, then compare the details of the relevant products.

Trusted brands to compare

Carrefour Sensation

Carrefour lists a 400 ml tin of coconut milk for cooking.

  • Carrefour’s product information lists 85% coconut extract, water and guar gum.
  • If your recipe needs more than 400 ml, you’ll need to work out how many tins to buy.

Tables du Monde

E.Leclerc lists a 400 ml tin of coconut milk.

  • E.Leclerc’s product information lists 81% coconut extract, water and guar gum.
  • Check availability with the E.Leclerc store where you plan to shop.

Real Thai

Carrefour lists a 1 L carton of Real Thai coconut milk for cooking.

  • Its ingredients list shows 85% coconut extract and water.
  • If you’re only making a small dish, check that you can use and store the rest as directed on the packaging.

Tantie

Carrefour lists a 1 L carton of Tantie coconut milk.

  • The product information lists 86% coconut extract.
  • The ingredients list also includes additives, so check it if their presence is a factor in your choice.

Vietcoco

Auchan lists Vietcoco coconut milk and coconut cream in 400 ml packs.

  • Auchan describes the cream as thicker than the milk, so check which one your recipe calls for.
  • For this cream, the product information says to refrigerate after opening and use within 24 hours.

Joybuy products related to coconut milk

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

How should I compare two coconut milks for a Christmas meal?

First compare the amount your recipes need, then check the product description, ingredients and stated proportion of coconut extract, where available. For nutritional information, compare like for like: per 100 g or per 100 ml, as shown on the label.

Can coconut cream be used instead of coconut milk?

Not automatically: first check the texture your recipe requires. Auchan describes its Vietcoco cream as thicker than coconut milk, so swapping it in at the same volume could change the result of a liquid dish.

Which size should I choose if several dishes call for coconut milk?

Add up the amounts needed for all your recipes before choosing your packs. A 1 L carton could be suitable if that’s what your total calls for; for a smaller amount, consider the 200 ml or 400 ml sizes.

How long can coconut cream be kept after opening?

For the Vietcoco coconut cream listed by Auchan, the instructions are to refrigerate it and use it within 24 hours of opening. For any other product, follow the instructions on its packaging.