For a coconut-flavoured drink that’s less rich than the regular version
You want to compare fat and saturated fat per 100 ml, rather than relying on the word “light” alone.
Who are these options for?
For a really creamy hot drink
You’re making a hot chocolate, chai or dessert drink and want a thick texture. The amount of coconut milk you pour in and the nutritional values of the product you choose matter just as much as its pack size.
For a coconut latte made with a plant-based drink
You’re looking for a drink designed to be mixed with coffee and frothed, rather than concentrated culinary coconut milk. Alpro’s Barista range includes a coconut-based option.
What should you look for before buying?
First decide whether you want to focus on comparing fat content, making a latte or getting a thick texture. Then check the nutritional values and usage instructions for the specific product you plan to pour or heat.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Fat content | Compare fat and saturated fat on the same basis, such as per 100 ml. Also read what “light” is being compared with. | If I want to keep the coconut flavour without automatically choosing regular culinary coconut milk, the ingredients matter more than how thick the drink is. Around 38% of consumers put this relative reduction at the top of their needs. |
| Latte use | Look for a coffee or Barista use label on the specific product, then check its heating and frothing instructions. | If I’m making a latte in the evening, I first look for a product designed for that use rather than a cooking ingredient. This texture is the priority for around 37% of consumers. |
| Texture and pack size | Check the texture described, the carton size and the storage instructions after opening. | If I’m making an occasional dessert drink, I prefer a thick mugful without opening more product than I can use. Around 25% of consumers prioritise this balance between creaminess and managing leftovers. |
Common mix-ups to avoid
-
Assuming “light” means low in fat
Auchan describes KARA Light as having 30% less fat, but also states that it contains 13 g of fat and 12 g of saturated fat per 100 ml.
Compare the nutritional values per 100 ml with those of the product you’re using as a reference, then choose how much to pour according to the drink you want.
-
Expecting culinary coconut milk to work like a Barista drink
Auchan’s culinary coconut milks and the Barista range presented by Alpro are designed for different types of preparation. However, the Barista label alone doesn’t guarantee the result you’ll get in every mug.
For a latte, check the heating and frothing instructions for the specific product. For a thicker dessert drink, measure out the culinary coconut milk and dilute it to get the texture you want.
-
Choosing a pack size without thinking about what happens after opening
Opening a carton for a single drink can leave you with product to store, even if the pack looks small.
Check the packaging for how long the product keeps and how to store it after opening before choosing a size.
If you haven’t planned to use the rest within the stated time, some of the carton may go to waste.
Brands to know
These products show how uses and ingredients can differ: a brand that sells culinary coconut milk won’t necessarily offer a drink designed for coffee.
KARA
A 200 ml carton of Light culinary coconut milk, which Auchan describes as having 30% less fat.
- Auchan’s product listing states 13 g of fat per 100 ml, giving you a clear figure to compare with regular coconut milk.
- It also states 12 g of saturated fat per 100 ml, so the Light label doesn’t mean you can ignore how much you use.
Auchan
Two 200 ml cartons of culinary coconut milk: one regular and one semi-thick.
- Their product listings state 18 g and 24 g of fat per 100 ml respectively, making it easy to tell the two products apart.
- If reducing fat is your main priority, compare these figures with those for a light product rather than choosing on texture alone.
Carrefour Bio
A 330 ml carton of organic culinary coconut milk; Carrefour states that it contains 76% coconut extract.
- The proportion of coconut extract is listed in the ingredients and can help you compare products.
- Carrefour’s product listing states 17 g of fat per 100 ml, so don’t mistake this product for a light version.
Bio Village
A 200 ml carton of organic culinary coconut milk, sold by E.Leclerc.
- The 200 ml size can be handy if you’re planning to use a small amount or make several dishes close together.
- E.Leclerc’s product listing states 18 g of fat and 16 g of saturated fat per 100 ml. Check these values if reducing fat is your priority.
Alpro
A range of Barista plant-based drinks, including a coconut-based option, which Alpro presents for coffee drinks.
- This category is suited to anyone looking for a product for a latte or cappuccino, rather than culinary coconut milk.
- The range’s positioning doesn’t replace checking the ingredients, nutritional information and instructions for the product you choose.
Joybuy products for these uses
These products offer two ways to make a coconut drink: measure out culinary coconut milk labelled Light or choose a Barista drink for a hot coffee. Their names alone don’t tell you whether they have the same ingredients or are prepared in the same way.
Image unavailable
Grace Light Coconut Milk, 400 ml
Worth considering if you want to measure out coconut milk labelled Light for your evening drink.
400 ml pack. Before comparing its fat content with another product or heating it, check the basis used for the nutritional values and read the product instructions.
Image unavailable
Renuka Coconut Milk Light 9%, 400 ml tin
Another culinary coconut milk to measure out if you’re looking for a product labelled Light.
The tin contains 400 ml. Before using it in a hot drink, check what “9%” refers to on the label, along with the nutritional values and preparation instructions.
Image unavailable
Alpro Coconut Barista, 1 l
Worth considering if your evening drink is a latte-style coffee and you’re looking for a Barista drink rather than culinary coconut milk.
1 l pack. Check the ingredients, nutritional information, and heating and frothing instructions for this product before choosing it.
Frequently asked questions
Is “light” coconut milk always low in fat?
No. “Light” means a reduction compared with a reference product, not a specific amount in your mug. Auchan states that KARA Light has 30% less fat, while also listing 13 g of fat and 12 g of saturated fat per 100 ml. Check the nutritional values for the specific product.
Which product should I choose for a hot coconut latte?
If coffee use and frothing are your priorities, look for a plant-based drink whose label says it’s designed for that purpose. Alpro includes a coconut-based option in its Barista range. Check the instructions for the product you choose rather than assuming culinary coconut milk will give you the same result.
How should I store coconut milk after opening?
Follow the instructions on the carton or tin you’ve bought. If you only make a drink now and then, check how long it keeps after opening before you buy, and plan how you’ll use the rest.