14 Best Substitutes for Coconut Milk

Running out of coconut milk in the middle of a recipe can feel like a disaster, but fear not as there’s likely a perfect substitute for coconut milk waiting in your pantry! Whether you’re crafting a velvety curry, a creamy dessert or a rich smoothie, there are plenty of delicious alternatives that can save the day. But how do you know which substitute for coconut milk will work best for your dish? 

To help you in your quest to find the ideal alternative, this guide features 14 of the best coconut milk substitutes, all of which can seamlessly replace coconut milk without compromising on flavor or texture. Whether you’re in the middle of your favorite recipe or simply experimenting in your kitchen, turning to one of these substitutes will help you keep your culinary creations on track.

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• What Is Coconut Milk Used for in Cooking?
• How To Use Substitutes for Coconut Milk
• 14 Best Coconut Milk Substitutes

What Is Coconut Milk Used for in Cooking?

Coconut milk is a versatile ingredient that adds a rich, creamy texture and subtle sweetness to a variety of dishes. Derived from the grated meat of mature coconuts, it is a staple in many cuisines, particularly in Southeast Asia, the Caribbean and South America. It is used in both sweet and savory recipes, lending its unique flavor to curries like eggplant curry, soups, desserts and beverages, such as a golden turmeric latte. 

For those looking to enhance their culinary skills, exploring the use of coconut milk can be a rewarding experience, especially as it's not only delicious but also a great source of nutrients. Whether taking some cooking classes near you or online cooking classes or conducting your own recipe research, learning how to incorporate this ingredient into your cooking can open up a world of flavors.

How To Use Substitutes for Coconut Milk

Coconut milk is significantly higher in fat than most types of plant-based milk and some dairy-based milk, so this can affect the texture and flavor of your recipe. Choosing an alternative to coconut milk with a high-fat content is a good idea if creaminess is essential for your recipe. 

The best way to determine the ideal substitution is through trial and error, keeping in mind the specific characteristics of your recipe and the desired outcome. You may also need to use a starch-based thickener if working with a thinner coconut milk substitute. Simply mix cornstarch, tapioca flour or the like with water to make a slurry that can thicken liquids without lumps. 

14 Best Coconut Milk Substitutes

1. Coconut Cream

Due to the similarities in the two ingredients, you may have wondered: "Can I substitute coconut cream for coconut milk?" The answer is a reassuring yes! When you're looking for a substitute for coconut milk with a bit more body, coconut cream is a perfect choice. It's thicker and richer than coconut milk, making it an excellent option when your recipe calls for a creamy texture. 

Coconut cream is ideal for curries like Thai red curry, desserts, such as creamy ube ice cream,  and thick sauces where that extra richness can really shine. Simply swap it in a 1:1 ratio with coconut milk. If it’s too thick for the job, you can always dilute it with a little water to get the consistency just right. 

2. Silken Tofu

For those who prefer a neutral taste without the coconut flavor, silken tofu is an unexpectedly good coconut milk alternative. Silken tofu provides a smooth and creamy texture that's perfect for recipes like smoothies, soups and sauces. 

To use silken tofu, blend the tofu until it's smooth and then substitute for coconut milk in a 1:1 ratio. The result is a velvety texture that doesn't overpower the other flavors in your dish. It also provides a welcome hit of protein that isn’t found in coconut milk. 

3. Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is a great substitute for coconut milk that adds both creaminess and a slight tang that can enhance many dishes. It’s an excellent ingredient to use in place of coconut milk when you're making curries, marinades or dips. Use Greek yogurt in a 1:1 ratio, and if you need a thinner consistency, simply mix the yogurt with a little water or milk before incorporating it into your recipe. 

4. Almond Milk

If you're after a lighter substitute for coconut milk, almond milk is a fantastic option. It has a mild, nutty flavor that works well in smoothies, baking and lighter sauces. While almond milk won't provide the same richness as coconut milk, it’s an excellent choice for recipes where you want a less creamy texture.

Use it in a 1:1 ratio and enjoy the subtle flavor it brings to your dish. If you need the milk to be a little thicker, mix it with a teaspoon of lemon juice and leave for around 10 minutes to curdle slightly before using it in your recipe. 

5. Cashew Cream

Perhaps the closest match to coconut milk after coconut cream is cashew cream. This substitute is rich and creamy and works especially well as a coconut milk alternative in soups, sauces and desserts.

Made by blending soaked cashews with water, cashew cream has a luxurious texture that's similar to coconut milk, making it a great option when you need that creamy, glossy finish in your dishes. Substitute it in a 1:1 ratio and you'll find it adds both richness and a slight nuttiness to your recipes. 

6. Oat Milk

Oat milk is another excellent substitute for coconut milk, especially if you're looking for plant-based milk with a creamy texture and neutral flavor. It's particularly good in coffee, baking and light sauces where you don’t want the milk to overpower other flavors. Use oat milk in a 1:1 ratio, and enjoy how seamlessly it blends into your recipes. As with almond milk, you can add a bit of lemon juice to slightly curdle the milk before using it if you need a thicker consistency. 

7. Soy Milk

Soy milk is a versatile, dairy-free option with a creamy texture, making it a strong contender as a substitute for coconut milk. It works well in a variety of recipes, from curries to soups and even baking. 

One of the benefits of soy milk is that it can be cooked at high temperatures without curdling, so feel free to use it in your hot dishes without worry. It also adds some additional protein to your dish. As with the other substitutes for coconut milk, use it in a 1:1 ratio.

8. Rice Milk

Rice milk offers a lighter substitute for coconut milk, with a slightly sweet flavor that makes it particularly suitable for desserts. It’s also a good choice for puddings, smoothies and light sauces. 

Since rice milk is less creamy than other substitutes for coconut milk, you might want to add a thickener like cornstarch slurry if your recipe requires a thicker consistency. Use it in a 1:1 ratio, and benefit from the subtle sweetness it brings to your dishes.

9. Heavy Cream

For those who don't mind dairy, heavy cream is a rich and creamy substitute for coconut milk. It works wonderfully in curries, soups and sauces, adding a luxurious texture and depth to your dishes. Substitute it in a 1:1 ratio and enjoy the rich, creamy result. You can even use a heavy cream substitute if you don’t have heavy cream on hand because most of these alternatives also work as a sub for coconut milk. 

10. Evaporated Milk

Evaporated milk is another thick and creamy dairy option that’s a good substitute for coconut milk in baking, sauces and soups. It has a slightly caramelized flavor due to the cooking process it undergoes, which can add a unique twist to your dishes. Use evaporated milk in a 1:1 ratio, and consider it when you need a thick and creamy texture with a bit of extra flavor.

11. Hemp Milk

Hemp milk is another nutritious, creamy substitute for coconut milk with a slightly nutty flavor that works well in smoothies, baking and light sauces. Hemp milk is a plant-based milk that can be used in a 1:1 ratio for coconut milk, making it a great option for those seeking a dairy-free substitute for coconut milk. The subtle flavor of the milk won’t overpower your dishes, and it’s a good option for recipes where you want the other ingredients to shine.

12. Macadamia Milk

If you’re looking for a rich and creamy coconut milk alternative with a mild flavor, macadamia milk is an excellent choice. This substitute for coconut milk works particularly well in coffee, baking and creamy sauces, where its subtle nutty flavor can complement the other ingredients. Use macadamia milk in a 1:1 ratio when replacing coconut milk.

13. Coconut Water

When a lighter, less creamy texture is acceptable, coconut water can step in as a substitute for coconut milk. It’s especially good in smoothies and beverages where the coconut flavor is welcome but the richness of the milk isn’t needed. However, this isn’t the best substitute for cooking. Use coconut water in a 1:1 ratio, and appreciate the hint of coconut flavor it adds without the heaviness of the milk.

14. Flax Milk

Flax milk is a light, slightly nutty alternative to substitute for coconut milk that works well in lighter dishes like smoothies, baking and light sauces. Like rice milk, it’s less creamy than coconut milk, so consider adding a thickener if your recipe calls for a thicker consistency. Use flax milk in a 1:1 ratio, and see how it complements your lighter recipes.

There’s no need to panic the next time you find yourself out of coconut milk as there are plenty of delicious and effective alternatives that can step in without missing a beat. From the rich creaminess of cashew cream to the subtle sweetness of rice milk, there’s likely a substitute for coconut milk already sitting in your pantry. With a little creativity and the right know-how, you can keep your recipes on track and even discover new flavors and textures along the way.

For even more ways to explore your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.