Fans of lighter coconut drinks
You’re looking for a long-life plant-based drink to pour into tea, coffee or hot chocolate, without the thickness of concentrated coconut milk for cooking.
Who are these options for?
People keeping an eye on sugar
You compare “no added sugars” and “no sugars” claims, and also check the sugar content in the nutritional information.
People who use a milk frother
You make lattes or cappuccinos and want a recipe described as suitable for your appliance, while checking its ingredients and allergens.
What should you check before choosing?
First, tell the difference between a plant-based coconut drink and coconut milk for cooking. Then compare the nutritional information, whether it’s suitable for frothing, and the storage instructions after opening, depending on what matters most for your cup.
| What to consider | What to check | Who might prioritise it? |
|---|---|---|
| Consistency and fat | The product description, followed by the fat and saturated fat content per 100 ml. | I prefer a lighter drink to concentrated coconut milk for cooking. Around 31% of consumers would reportedly put this difference at the top of their list. |
| Sugars | The claim on the front of the pack, the ingredients list and the “of which sugars” line in the nutritional information. | If I want to avoid added sugars, I also want to know whether the recipe contains naturally occurring sugars. This distinction would be a priority for around 31% of consumers. |
| Froth | Whether it’s described as suitable for a milk frother, and the ingredients in the specific formula. | For a latte, I look for a recipe designed to froth and need to consider any potential allergens. Around 23% of consumers would make froth their main consideration. |
| Storage after opening | The carton size and the instructions for refrigeration and use after opening. | I only make a cup now and then, so I want to be able to finish the carton within the stated time. Storage would be the main consideration for around 15% of consumers. |
Common mix-ups to avoid
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Confusing coconut milk for cooking with a plant-based coconut drink
These products have different compositions: Alpro lists 0.8 g of fat per 100 ml for its classic coconut drink, while Auchan’s UHT coconut milk for cooking contains 17 g per 100 ml.
For a lighter cup, look at plant-based drinks in cartons. Save coconut milk for cooking for recipes where you want its thicker consistency.
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Assuming “no added sugars” means “no sugars”
Carrefour Bio’s coconut drink, labelled “no added sugars”, states that it contains naturally occurring sugars.
Compare the exact claim, the ingredients list and the “of which sugars” line to choose what best suits your priorities.
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Assuming a standard coconut drink is designed to froth
A recipe made to pour into a hot drink isn’t necessarily suitable for frothing for a latte. Bjorg describes its Coco Barista as suitable for use with a milk frother.
If froth is essential, look for guidance specific to the product and check the ingredients: Bjorg’s Coco Barista contains soya.
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Choosing a large carton without checking storage instructions after opening
Long-life storage before opening doesn’t replace the instructions for once the carton has been opened. The product information for Alpro’s coconut and rice drink says to keep it between +1 °C and +7 °C and use it within five days of opening.
Choose a size that suits how you use it, and follow the timeframe on the product you buy.
If you can’t finish a carton within the stated time, it may go to waste.
Brands to consider
Alpro
The range includes 1 L cartons of plant-based coconut drinks, including a coconut and rice recipe and a “no sugars” option.
- Alpro lists 120 mg of calcium and 0.8 g of fat per 100 ml for its classic coconut drink.
- If you’re using a milk frother, check the guidance for the specific product rather than assuming every recipe in the range is suitable for the same use.
Carrefour Bio
An organic plant-based coconut drink in a 1 L carton, labelled “no added sugars”.
- The ingredients list includes 3.8% coconut extract and pea protein.
- The recipe states that it contains naturally occurring sugars. Check the “of which sugars” line if the total amount matters to your choice.
Auchan
The retailer sells a 1 L plant-based coconut drink as well as concentrated UHT coconut milk for cooking.
- The plant-based drink contains 3.2% coconut and rice syrup, according to its ingredients list.
- The UHT coconut milk for cooking contains 17 g of fat, including 16 g of saturated fat, per 100 ml. Don’t confuse it with the plant-based drink.
Bjorg
The range includes a “no sugars” coconut drink and a Coco Barista formula designed for lattes and cappuccinos, among other uses.
- Bjorg says its Coco Barista is suitable for use with a milk frother and a coffee machine.
- The Coco Barista recipe contains soya beans. Check the ingredients if you need to avoid this allergen.
Joybuy products
Related products will be available soon.
Frequently asked questions
Does “no added sugars” mean there’s no sugar at all?
No. Carrefour Bio says its coconut drink, labelled “no added sugars”, contains naturally occurring sugars. To find out the total amount declared, check the “of which sugars” line in the nutritional information.
How long can I keep a carton after opening?
Keep it in the fridge and follow the timeframe stated on the carton you buy. The product information for Alpro’s coconut and rice drink says to keep it between +1 °C and +7 °C and use it within five days of opening. Other products may have different instructions.
Can a plant-based coconut drink replace infant formula?
No. A plant-based coconut drink should not be used instead of infant formula. Anses has reported cases of malnutrition, sometimes severe, in children fed with plant-based drinks similar to milk.
What should I compare on the label before buying?
Compare the product description, ingredients list and nutritional information, particularly the sugars and fat per the same quantity. Also check the storage instructions after opening and, if you use a milk frother, any guidance specific to the recipe.