People with coeliac disease preparing their own lunch
You’re looking for coconut milk to use in a recipe and need to check that the product you choose is labelled ‘gluten-free’.
Who is this guide for?
People with coeliac disease who prefer a ready-to-eat product
You’re considering a plant-based coconut dessert rather than an ingredient to cook with. You’ll still need to check that the product you choose is labelled ‘gluten-free’.
People choosing between a coconut drink and culinary coconut milk
You want a drink to serve or an ingredient to prepare lunch with, without confusing these two types of product.
What should you check?
For lunch, check that the exact product you’re buying is labelled ‘gluten-free’, then choose between a cooking ingredient, a drink and a dessert. The ingredients list and storage instructions will help you work out whether it suits your plans.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-free labelling | Look for ‘gluten-free’ on the packaging of the exact product you’re buying. Don’t rely on the word ‘coconut’ alone. | If I need to avoid gluten, I want to check the product I’ll actually be eating; around 36% of consumers rank this check as their top priority. |
| Ready to eat | Tell the difference between a plant-based dessert and a cooking ingredient, and check the storage instructions. | If I’m not planning to prepare anything at lunchtime, I’m looking for something ready to eat; ease of consumption is the priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| How you’ll use it | Choose culinary coconut milk for a recipe or a plant-based drink to enjoy as a beverage. | If I’m making a dish, I don’t want to use a drink instead of the ingredient I need; choosing the right product type comes before other criteria for around 21% of consumers. |
| Other ingredients | Read the ingredients and allergen information for the product you choose, especially if you also avoid almonds or soya. | If I need to take another ingredient into account, ‘gluten-free’ labelling alone isn’t enough to make my choice; around 14% of consumers prioritise this additional check. |
Common mix-ups to avoid
-
Confusing a coconut drink with culinary coconut milk
Carrefour classifies Carrefour Sensation coconut milk as a plant-based cooking ingredient, while its Alpro coconut product is a plant-based drink. Their names point to different uses at lunchtime.
Decide whether you’re making a recipe or looking for something to drink, then check the product category on the packaging.
-
Assuming a product is gluten-free because it contains coconut
A plant-based or coconut-based product isn’t necessarily labelled ‘gluten-free’. The claim needs to apply to the exact product you’re buying, not another version in the range.
Check the packaging before choosing coconut milk, a drink or a dessert.
-
Checking only for gluten
The ingredients may include other things you need to consider. For example, Auchan lists almond protein in Les Petites Pousses coconut and blueberry dessert.
If you need to avoid other allergens, check the ingredients list and allergen declaration on the product you choose too.
Brands and ranges to know
These examples show the differences between coconut-based product types. If you need a gluten-free option, always check the labelling on the exact product.
Carrefour Sensation
Carrefour describes its 250 mL carton of coconut milk as a plant-based cooking ingredient.
- An option for making a sauce or another dish before lunch.
- This coconut milk is an ingredient, not a ready-to-eat lunch; check the packaging you buy for ‘gluten-free’ labelling.
Alpro
Carrefour lists, among other products, a sugar-free coconut drink in a 1 L carton and a drink made with coconut, soya and matcha.
- A range to consider if you’re looking for a drink rather than a cooking ingredient.
- Carrefour’s product information describes the coconut, soya and matcha version as gluten-free. Don’t assume this applies to all Alpro drinks, and bear in mind that this version contains soya.
La Coop
Auchan describes its 350 g plain plant-based coconut milk dessert as ‘gluten-free’.
- A dessert to consider if you’re looking for something ready to eat.
- It’s a chilled dessert, not coconut milk for a recipe.
Les Petites Pousses
Auchan describes its plant-based coconut and blueberry dessert as ‘gluten-free’.
- Another type of coconut-based product that’s ready to eat.
- Auchan’s listed ingredients include almond protein. Check the allergen information if you need to avoid nuts.
Jardin Bio Étic
Carrefour describes its 400 mL tin of culinary coconut milk as containing 68% coconut extract, water and guar gum.
- An ingredient to consider if you’re looking for something to cook with.
- If you need a gluten-free lunch, check the tin for the relevant labelling before choosing it.
Joybuy products for cooking or drinking
These two products suit different uses: prepare a recipe with culinary coconut milk or serve a coconut and matcha drink. For both, check the packaging you receive for ‘gluten-free’ labelling and allergen information.
Image unavailable
Kara Organic Coconut Milk UHT, 200 ml
This culinary coconut milk is suitable for a recipe prepared before lunch. Its name indicates a 200 ml UHT format. Check the packaging for ‘gluten-free’ labelling, allergen information and nutritional values, particularly fat content. Once opened, follow the product’s storage instructions.
Image unavailable
ALPRO Matcha coconut, 1 L
This 1 L coconut and matcha drink is for drinking, not for use as culinary coconut milk in a recipe. If you need to avoid soya, check the ingredients list. Also check the carton you buy for ‘gluten-free’ labelling.
Frequently asked questions
Can I choose any coconut product if I have coeliac disease?
No. The presence of coconut doesn’t mean a product is labelled ‘gluten-free’. Look for this claim on the exact product, then check the label on the packaging you buy.
What’s the difference between coconut milk, a coconut drink and a plant-based dessert?
Culinary coconut milk is used to prepare recipes, coconut drinks are for drinking, and plant-based desserts are ready to eat as they are. For example, Carrefour classifies its Sensation coconut milk as a cooking ingredient, while Auchan describes La Coop and Les Petites Pousses products as desserts.
Do I need to check for allergens other than gluten?
Yes, if other ingredients matter to you. Auchan lists almond protein in the Les Petites Pousses coconut and blueberry dessert. Check the ingredients and declared allergens for each product.