Who are these options for?

People enjoying an organic breakfast outdoors

If you’re having porridge, fruit, coffee or cereal in the park, check that your chosen product carries the appropriate organic certification rather than relying on the word ‘natural’ alone.

People making a coconut-based recipe

If you’re preparing breakfast before you set off, make sure you distinguish culinary coconut milk from a coconut drink, and choose a pack size that suits your recipe.

People looking to avoid leftovers

Compare how much you need with the 20 cL, 40 cL and 1 L pack sizes, then plan how to store any opened pack.

What should you check?

For breakfast in the park, first decide whether you’ll use the coconut product as a drink or as a cooking ingredient. Then compare pack size, ingredients and storage instructions after opening to find the right option for the job.

What to check What to look for Who is it for?
Organic labelling Look for the EU organic logo in particular, and check the product description. If I’m looking for an organic product for breakfast, I want to be able to recognise it on the packaging before I buy. Around 36% of consumers would make this their top priority.
Product type Distinguish between a coconut drink and culinary coconut milk; compare their ingredient lists and stated coconut content. I’m looking for a different product to drink or serve with cereal than I am for a recipe prepared in advance. Around 29% of consumers would put suitability for the intended use first.
Pack size and leftovers Compare 20 cL, 40 cL and 1 L packs against the quantity you need, as well as the storage instructions after opening. If I only need a small amount, I’d rather avoid opening a pack that I can’t keep chilled. Managing the quantity would be the top priority for around 21% of consumers.
Ingredients Read the ingredient list and, if sugar matters to you, check the nutritional information rather than relying on the ‘no added sugars’ claim alone. I want to compare the ingredients before choosing between a short ingredient list and a drink that also contains ingredients for texture or flavour. Around 14% of consumers would make this their top priority.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Confusing a coconut drink with culinary coconut milk

    The products listed by Carrefour and Auchan have different formulations: Carrefour Bio’s drink contains 3.8% coconut extract, compared with 64% in Kara’s culinary coconut milk and 76% in Carrefour Bio’s. They are not automatically interchangeable in a recipe.

    Start with how you plan to use the product, then check the product description and coconut percentage on the packaging.

  • Assuming ‘natural’ means organically certified

    A reference to natural ingredients isn’t enough on its own to identify an organic food. The DGCCRF states that, for processed products to qualify for organic labelling, at least 95% of their agricultural ingredients must come from organic farming.

    In particular, check for the EU organic logo and the information shown on the product.

  • Choosing a large pack for a single serving

    A 40 cL or 1 L pack can leave you with leftovers if you only use a small amount. Once opened, the product must be stored according to the instructions for that particular product.

    Choose a pack size to suit the portions you’re planning, and make sure you can keep any leftovers chilled after your picnic.

Brands to consider

Carrefour Bio

Carrefour offers both organic culinary coconut milk and an organic coconut drink, designed for different uses.

  • The culinary coconut milk product information states that it contains 76% organic coconut extract; the drink contains 3.8% coconut extract.
  • Check the product description before buying: the drink won’t automatically work as a substitute for culinary coconut milk in a recipe.

Jardin Bio Étic

Organic culinary coconut milk in a 40 cL tin, worth considering when your recipe calls for this quantity.

  • Auchan’s product information states that it contains 68% organic coconut extract.
  • Auchan advises keeping the product chilled after opening and using it within 4 days. A 40 cL pack may be more than you need for a small recipe.

Kara

An organic UHT cooking ingredient in a 20 cL carton, for recipes that need a small amount of coconut milk.

  • Auchan’s product information states that it contains 64% organic coconut extract and water.
  • This is a cooking ingredient, not a ready-to-drink coconut drink. The product information advises keeping it chilled after opening and using it within 3 days.

Bjorg

The product reviewed is a smooth organic coconut milk in a 20 cL pack, intended for cooking.

  • Auchan’s product information states that it contains 51% coconut and 4% coconut water.
  • It also contains maltodextrin and guar gum. Check the ingredient list if you’re looking for a product made with just coconut and water.

Joybuy products

Products related to this topic will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

How can you identify organic coconut milk in France?

Check for organic labelling, particularly the EU organic logo, rather than relying on a general reference to natural ingredients. The DGCCRF states that at least 95% of the agricultural ingredients in processed foods must come from organic farming.

Can a coconut drink replace culinary coconut milk?

It may be suitable for drinking or serving with cereal, but it won’t necessarily work in a recipe that calls for culinary coconut milk. Carrefour and Auchan’s product information states that Carrefour Bio’s drink contains 3.8% coconut extract, compared with 64% in Kara’s culinary coconut milk and 76% in Carrefour Bio’s. Check what your recipe calls for.

What should you do with an opened pack during a picnic?

Plan to keep it chilled and follow the storage time shown for the product you’ve bought. Auchan’s product information advises using Kara within 3 days of opening and Jardin Bio Étic within 4 days, with both products kept chilled.

Does ‘no added sugars’ mean ‘sugar-free’?

No. ‘No added sugars’ doesn’t mean the total sugar content is zero. If sugar content matters to you, check the nutritional information for the drink you’re considering.