Hosts who want a noticeable coconut flavour
If you want the coconut to stand out in the batter or topping, compare the coconut extract content and the ingredients list. This percentage alone won’t predict how your recipe will turn out.
Who is this guide for?
Small groups keen to avoid leftovers
If you’re making a small batch of pancakes, match the pack size to the quantity your recipe calls for, and check the storage instructions for once it’s opened.
Shoppers who check the ingredients
To compare two products, check the ingredients and nutritional information on the packaging. Don’t assume that every product from the same brand has the same recipe.
What should you look for?
If your recipe calls for culinary coconut milk, first check how much you need, then compare the ingredients of the pack sizes that suit you.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Coconut in the recipe | That it’s a culinary product, and its coconut extract content. Adjust the quantity to suit your recipe. | I want the coconut to come through in the batter or topping, so I won’t choose based on the product name alone. Around 50% of shoppers would prioritise this. |
| Pack size and leftovers | The quantity your recipe calls for and the storage instructions for once it’s opened. | If I’m making only a few pancakes, I’d rather choose a pack size I can use up. Avoiding leftovers would be a priority for around 30% of shoppers. |
| Ingredients | The ingredients list and nutritional information for the specific product. | Before choosing, I want to tell the difference between a product made with coconut and water and one that contains other ingredients. Around 20% of shoppers would check the ingredients first. |
Common mix-ups to avoid
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Mistaking a coconut plant-based drink for culinary coconut milk
Alpro classifies its coconut products as drinks, while the culinary products mentioned here are intended for cooking. Don’t assume they’ll give you the same result in a batter or topping.
Use the type of product specified in your recipe. If you’d like to use a drink instead, be prepared to adapt the recipe.
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Choosing based on the word “coconut” alone
Coconut extract content and other ingredients vary from one product to another, so the category name doesn’t tell you everything about what’s in it.
Check the coconut percentage, full ingredients list and pack size of the product you’re planning to buy.
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Buying a large pack without planning how to use it
If the pack contains more than your recipe needs, you’ll have some left over to store according to the product’s instructions.
Work out how much you need before you shop, and check the storage instructions for once opened on the pack you choose.
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Confusing coconut milk with ready-grated cheese
Coconut milk can go into a batter or topping if your recipe calls for it; grated cheese is a different kind of savoury topping. “Ready-grated” doesn’t describe a type of coconut milk.
First decide which ingredient your recipe calls for, then compare products within that category.
Brands and products to know
Carrefour Bio
Organic culinary coconut milk in a 330 ml carton.
- Carrefour’s product listing states that this product contains 76% coconut extract, water and guar gum.
- These ingredients apply to Carrefour Bio coconut milk in the 330 ml pack, not every coconut product sold by the retailer.
Tables du Monde
E.Leclerc lists two different sizes of culinary coconut milk.
- E.Leclerc states that the 200 ml carton contains 63% coconut extract, while the 400 ml can contains 81%.
- Check the size and availability at your local store or on the relevant Drive service before choosing.
Kara
Organic culinary coconut milk in a 200 ml carton, listed by Auchan for sweet or savoury recipes.
- Auchan states that this product contains 64% organic coconut extract and water.
- This ingredients list may not apply to other Kara products.
Vietcoco
Culinary coconut milk in a 400 ml can.
- Carrefour’s product listing states that this product contains 85% coconut extract, water and guar gum.
- Check local availability before adding it to your shopping list for the evening.
Bjorg
Organic coconut-based cooking ingredient in a 20 cl pack, listed by Auchan.
- For this product, Auchan advises refrigerating it after opening and using it within four days.
- Follow the instructions on the product you buy rather than assuming they apply to all coconut milk.
Joybuy products
Related products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
Can I replace culinary coconut milk with a coconut plant-based drink?
Not automatically. Choose the type of product your recipe calls for. If you choose to use a coconut drink instead of culinary coconut milk, you may need to adjust the quantities and the texture you’re aiming for.
What size should I choose for a small pancake night?
First compare the quantity your recipe calls for with the pack sizes available. The products mentioned here include 200 ml, 330 ml and 400 ml options. A smaller pack can help reduce leftovers, as long as it contains enough for your recipe.
How should I store coconut milk once opened?
Follow the instructions for the product you’ve bought. For the smooth organic coconut milk by Bjorg listed by Auchan, the instructions say to refrigerate after opening and use within four days. This timeframe doesn’t apply to every brand.
What should I read on the pack when comparing two coconut milks?
Check the product description, ingredients list, net quantity and nutritional information for each product. The DGCCRF reminds retailers that food labelling must be clear and precise. For your recipe, also check the coconut extract content if it’s stated.