In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleWhere Does Coconut Milk Come From?Is Coconut Milk Good for You?Where Does Coconut Water Come From?Is Coconut Water Good for You?FAQs
In This ArticleView All
View All
In This Article
Where Does Coconut Milk Come From?
Is Coconut Milk Good for You?
Where Does Coconut Water Come From?
Is Coconut Water Good for You?
FAQs
Healthy Coconut Recipes
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While it’s common to drink coconut water as a standalone beverage, Roszkowski notes that coconut milk is most commonly used as an ingredient. You can use it to add a creamy flavor and body tosoupsand curries (sans dairy), or add it to smoothies and pancake and cake batters to replace cow’s milk. “Coconut milk can be reduced down with coconut sugar to form a caramel, or blended with cashews, refined coconut oil and a sweetener for a no-churn ice cream base,” Roszkowski says. “Or use it when cooking grains to makecoconut riceor an extra-creamy batch of oats.” You can also pop a can of coconut milk into the fridge, then scrape off the layer of cream and whip it up into coconut cream.
Healthy Coconut Milk Recipes
While coconut milk has more calories and fat content than coconut water (more on that later), it also contains more iron. “Saying any one food is good for you is tricky––what matters most is that our overall diet is diverse in nutrients and the proper portions for you (not anyone else!). In that respect, coconut milk or coconut water can definitely fit,” says Alyssa Pike, RD, senior manager of nutrition communications at theInternational Food Information Council. She adds that coconut milk is often used as a dairy replacement to make dishes creamy and that the fat content can help keep you satisfied.
Nutrition information for 1 cup of coconut milk:
From a cartonFrom a canCalories: 76Calories: 445Protein: 0.5 gramsProtein: 4.5 gramsFat: 5 gramsFat: 48 gramsCarbohydrate: 7 gramsCarbohydrate: 6 gramsWhere Does Coconut Water Come From?Coconut water comes from the inside of young coconuts. It’s relatively clear, slightly sweet and has a thinner consistency than coconut milk. “Refrigerated versions will most likely be less pasteurized and taste closest to what it is like to crack open a coconut,” Roszkowski says.As far as recipes go, coconut water is as versatile as coconut milk. Use it to make smoothies, popsicles, cocktails (like this yummyCoconut Margarita) and raw vegan desserts. Roszkowski notes that coconut water is best utilized in cold applications because some of its nutritional benefits subside once it’s heated.Is Coconut Water Good for You?Coconut wateris a hydrating drink that contains vitamin C plus electrolytes like magnesium, potassium, sodium and calcium, notes Pike. “Coconut water can be a source of hydration, especially to rehydrate after physical activity or after illnesses that cause vomiting or diarrhea,” she says. And while coconut water has fewer calories than many fruit juices or sugar-sweetened beverages, it isn’t calorie-free. If you’re watching your calorie intake, Pike recommends sticking with plain water.A cup of coconut waterprovides:Calories: 46Protein: 2 gramsFat: 0.5 gramsCarbohydrate: 9 gramsFAQsWhat’s Inside a Coconut—Milk or Water?The clear liquid found inside a coconut is coconut water. “Coconut water is predominantly found in young coconuts that have a green exterior,” says Roszkowski. This is because young coconuts have a higher water content, and the water inside has a more pleasant taste. “As a coconut matures, the fat content of the coconut meat increases, which is why young coconuts are not predominantly used to create coconut milk,” she says.Is Coconut Water Good for Electrolytes?While coconut water contains electrolytes like magnesium, potassium, sodium and calcium, Pike notes that “most people don’t exercise for long enough or at a level of intensity that necessitates replenishment of electrolytes from a drink like coconut water.” As far as hydration goes, water is still the gold standard. “Think of coconut water as an option (not the only one!) for when electrolytes need to be replenished,” she says.5 Sneaky Signs You Might Need More Electrolytes, According to a DietitianDoes Coconut Water Taste the Same as Coconut Milk?While coconut water and coconut milk both come from the same fruit, coconut water has a thinner, clearer consistency and a slightly sweet flavor. Coconut milk, on the other hand, is thicker, creamier and has a nutty flavor.Can I Use Coconut Water Instead of Coconut Milk?Because of the differences in flavor and consistency (not to mention fat content and calories), coconut water cannot be used in place of coconut milk in most recipes.Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!Tell us why!OtherSubmit
From a cartonFrom a canCalories: 76Calories: 445Protein: 0.5 gramsProtein: 4.5 gramsFat: 5 gramsFat: 48 gramsCarbohydrate: 7 gramsCarbohydrate: 6 gramsWhere Does Coconut Water Come From?Coconut water comes from the inside of young coconuts. It’s relatively clear, slightly sweet and has a thinner consistency than coconut milk. “Refrigerated versions will most likely be less pasteurized and taste closest to what it is like to crack open a coconut,” Roszkowski says.As far as recipes go, coconut water is as versatile as coconut milk. Use it to make smoothies, popsicles, cocktails (like this yummyCoconut Margarita) and raw vegan desserts. Roszkowski notes that coconut water is best utilized in cold applications because some of its nutritional benefits subside once it’s heated.Is Coconut Water Good for You?Coconut wateris a hydrating drink that contains vitamin C plus electrolytes like magnesium, potassium, sodium and calcium, notes Pike. “Coconut water can be a source of hydration, especially to rehydrate after physical activity or after illnesses that cause vomiting or diarrhea,” she says. And while coconut water has fewer calories than many fruit juices or sugar-sweetened beverages, it isn’t calorie-free. If you’re watching your calorie intake, Pike recommends sticking with plain water.A cup of coconut waterprovides:Calories: 46Protein: 2 gramsFat: 0.5 gramsCarbohydrate: 9 gramsFAQsWhat’s Inside a Coconut—Milk or Water?The clear liquid found inside a coconut is coconut water. “Coconut water is predominantly found in young coconuts that have a green exterior,” says Roszkowski. This is because young coconuts have a higher water content, and the water inside has a more pleasant taste. “As a coconut matures, the fat content of the coconut meat increases, which is why young coconuts are not predominantly used to create coconut milk,” she says.Is Coconut Water Good for Electrolytes?While coconut water contains electrolytes like magnesium, potassium, sodium and calcium, Pike notes that “most people don’t exercise for long enough or at a level of intensity that necessitates replenishment of electrolytes from a drink like coconut water.” As far as hydration goes, water is still the gold standard. “Think of coconut water as an option (not the only one!) for when electrolytes need to be replenished,” she says.5 Sneaky Signs You Might Need More Electrolytes, According to a DietitianDoes Coconut Water Taste the Same as Coconut Milk?While coconut water and coconut milk both come from the same fruit, coconut water has a thinner, clearer consistency and a slightly sweet flavor. Coconut milk, on the other hand, is thicker, creamier and has a nutty flavor.Can I Use Coconut Water Instead of Coconut Milk?Because of the differences in flavor and consistency (not to mention fat content and calories), coconut water cannot be used in place of coconut milk in most recipes.
Coconut water comes from the inside of young coconuts. It’s relatively clear, slightly sweet and has a thinner consistency than coconut milk. “Refrigerated versions will most likely be less pasteurized and taste closest to what it is like to crack open a coconut,” Roszkowski says.
As far as recipes go, coconut water is as versatile as coconut milk. Use it to make smoothies, popsicles, cocktails (like this yummyCoconut Margarita) and raw vegan desserts. Roszkowski notes that coconut water is best utilized in cold applications because some of its nutritional benefits subside once it’s heated.
Coconut wateris a hydrating drink that contains vitamin C plus electrolytes like magnesium, potassium, sodium and calcium, notes Pike. “Coconut water can be a source of hydration, especially to rehydrate after physical activity or after illnesses that cause vomiting or diarrhea,” she says. And while coconut water has fewer calories than many fruit juices or sugar-sweetened beverages, it isn’t calorie-free. If you’re watching your calorie intake, Pike recommends sticking with plain water.
A cup of coconut waterprovides:
What’s Inside a Coconut—Milk or Water?
The clear liquid found inside a coconut is coconut water. “Coconut water is predominantly found in young coconuts that have a green exterior,” says Roszkowski. This is because young coconuts have a higher water content, and the water inside has a more pleasant taste. “As a coconut matures, the fat content of the coconut meat increases, which is why young coconuts are not predominantly used to create coconut milk,” she says.
Is Coconut Water Good for Electrolytes?
While coconut water contains electrolytes like magnesium, potassium, sodium and calcium, Pike notes that “most people don’t exercise for long enough or at a level of intensity that necessitates replenishment of electrolytes from a drink like coconut water.” As far as hydration goes, water is still the gold standard. “Think of coconut water as an option (not the only one!) for when electrolytes need to be replenished,” she says.
5 Sneaky Signs You Might Need More Electrolytes, According to a Dietitian
Does Coconut Water Taste the Same as Coconut Milk?
While coconut water and coconut milk both come from the same fruit, coconut water has a thinner, clearer consistency and a slightly sweet flavor. Coconut milk, on the other hand, is thicker, creamier and has a nutty flavor.
Can I Use Coconut Water Instead of Coconut Milk?
Because of the differences in flavor and consistency (not to mention fat content and calories), coconut water cannot be used in place of coconut milk in most recipes.
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!Tell us why!OtherSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Tell us why!OtherSubmit
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Coconut MargaritaKabocha Squash SoupWhipped Frozen LemonadeBlueberry-Banana Overnight OatsRoasted Cauliflower & Potato Curry SoupCurried Sweet Potato & Peanut SoupCoconut-Curry Chicken CutletsWalnut Spice Cake with Butterscotch PearsSlow-Cooker Curried Butternut Squash SoupSlow-Cooker Thai Chile & Corn ChowderLamb Curry with Winter SquashBlack Bass Packets in Curry-Coconut BrothVegan Coconut YogurtCoconut Brown RiceChickpea Coconut CurryCoconut-Rum Pumpkin Pie
Coconut MargaritaKabocha Squash SoupWhipped Frozen LemonadeBlueberry-Banana Overnight OatsRoasted Cauliflower & Potato Curry SoupCurried Sweet Potato & Peanut SoupCoconut-Curry Chicken CutletsWalnut Spice Cake with Butterscotch Pears
Coconut Margarita
Kabocha Squash Soup
Whipped Frozen Lemonade
Blueberry-Banana Overnight Oats
Roasted Cauliflower & Potato Curry Soup
Curried Sweet Potato & Peanut Soup
Coconut-Curry Chicken Cutlets
Walnut Spice Cake with Butterscotch Pears
Slow-Cooker Curried Butternut Squash SoupSlow-Cooker Thai Chile & Corn ChowderLamb Curry with Winter SquashBlack Bass Packets in Curry-Coconut BrothVegan Coconut YogurtCoconut Brown RiceChickpea Coconut CurryCoconut-Rum Pumpkin Pie
Slow-Cooker Curried Butternut Squash Soup
Slow-Cooker Thai Chile & Corn Chowder
Lamb Curry with Winter Squash
Black Bass Packets in Curry-Coconut Broth
Vegan Coconut Yogurt
Coconut Brown Rice
Chickpea Coconut Curry
Coconut-Rum Pumpkin Pie
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