Almond Milk vs Coconut Milk: What’s The Difference?

In this article, we are going to compare almond milk and coconut milk to see how they compare in many aspects including calories, nutritional content, taste, usage, effects on weight loss, and environment.

To make this comparison as fair as possible and get a realistic picture of how almond and coconut milk compare, we’ve used USDA’s date on products that are unsweetened and that aren’t fortified or that are minimally fortified if the completely unfortified product isn’t available.

Both almond and coconut milk are dairy-free, and therefore suitable for vegans and people that stick to a plant-based diet for a variety of reasons, but there are also many differences between these plant-based drinks.

Let’s see what almond and coconut drinks are, how they are produced, and finally how they compare in various ways.

What is Almond Milk and How It’s Made?

Almond milk is a nut-based beverage that is becoming more and more popular day by day.

The reason behind the popularity of almond milk is that in addition to its light taste, it can also contain a nutritional composition that may be beneficial for you.

Almond milk is actually the best-selling non-dairy milk in the United States, followed by oat and soy milk.

Since almond milk isn’t a dairy product, it doesn’t contain any lactose. As a consequence of this, it is an excellent alternative for those who are unable to digest lactose.

Almond milk consists of two ingredients: water and almonds. Store-bought products usually contain between 2 and 5% of almonds, but also might contain other ingredients such as salt, stabilizers, and emulsifiers to make them taste better and to extend their shell life.

There are also unsweetened and sweetened variants, as well as products with added flavors such as chocolate or vanilla-flavored almond milk.

Also, almond milk products are usually fortified with vitamins and minerals that are hard to obtain on a plant-based diet, including calcium, Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D.

What is Coconut Milk and How It’s Made?

Coconut milk is a type of milk that is used in many recipes and has many lovers of its mild taste.

It might be confusing to call it milk, but coconut milk is derived from coconuts and is plant-based. You can consume coconut milk, which is often preferred by vegans, or you can use it in your recipes.

The amount of calories in coconut milk is quite high.

Fat accounts for about 93% of its calorie content, including saturated fats, often referred to as medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs).

There has been some research to suggest that the medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) included in coconut milk may assist with weight reduction, as well as improve metabolism and body composition.

The richness of coconut milk may be attributed to the nutritious components that are found in coconuts.

Almond vs Coconut Milk Nutrition and Calories

In this section, we’ll analyze the similarities and differences between almond milk and coconut milk based on nutritional information provided by USDA.

Macronutrients

Plant-based milks mostly consist of water, and almond and coconut milks are no exceptions.

3.5 oz or 100 g of almond milk contains 15 calories, and consists mostly of fat (1.22 g), followed by protein (0.55 g) and carbs (0.34 g).

Speaking of coconut milk, the same amount contains 150 calories, and consists mostly of fat (15 g), followed by protein (1.25 g) and carbs (1.25 g).

The table below compares the nutrition of a 3.5-ounce (100-gram) portion of almond milk to the same amount of coconut milk.

Fiber

Fiber is important for our health as it keeps us feeling full, prevents constipation, lowers sugar spikes and regulates sugar levels, lowers total and LDL cholesterol, and provides many other benefits.

When it comes to dietary fiber, almond milk is a better choice. It contains 0.45 g per 3.5oz (100g), while coconut milk is lower in dietary fiber with 0 g.

Micronutrients

What about micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) in almond and coconut milk?

The table below shows the most important vitamins and minerals in unfortified or minimally fortified plant-based drinks available in the market. Some of these nutrients are hard to get on a vegan diet.

Weight Loss

If you’re trying to lose weight, you probably want to know whether almond or coconut milk is better for you.

With 150 calories per 3.5 oz (100 g), coconut milk is higher in calories than almond milk which contains 15 calories.

Almond vs Coconut Milk Taste and Uses

Almond milk is a low-carb, nutritionally dense, nut-based milk with a watery consistency. It has a slightly nutty taste and can also be a little sweet, depending on the type and quantity of almonds used while making the milk.

It is to be kept in mind that heating almond milk for a long time or on high heat may turn it bitter.

Almond milk can be used in coffee, hot chocolate, pancakes, French toast, smoothies, and even ice creams. It can also be used in baked items like cookies, bread, cakes, and brownies.

Coconut milk comes in different consistencies. It can be unctuous, thick like cake batter with a strong coconut taste, or slightly less viscous with a mild coconut flavor.

Coconut milk has a creamy consistency, and you can use it as a thickener in soups and curries.

The sweet tropical scent of coconut milk is perfect for smoothies. Coconut milk is rich in MCTs. Its high-fat content can add to the moisture of your cakes, brownies, and muffins. Coconut milk can add a tropical taste to vegetable curries and lentil soups.

You can also use coconut milk for your coffee. You can store thick coconut milk in your refrigerator and scoop it out to use it as whipped cream on your desserts. Whipped coconut cream can give your cocktails an exotic touch.

Conclusion

Almond milk and coconut milk are both plant-based, non-dairy beverages, suitable for vegans.

Almond milk and coconut milk have their similarities and differences, but both are nutritious and a healthful addition to your diet. When available, always choose unsweetened, fortified products or try making them at home.

Plant milks, including almond and coconut milks are easy to add to a diet, and can be used in varieties of recipes and dishes.

Fortified products will help get different nutrients, including micronutrients that are usually hard to get on a plant-based diet, such as vitamin B-12, vitamin D, calcium and others.

If you’re willing to learn more about these non-dairy milks, read our articles about them: Almond Milk and Coconut Milk.

Other Almond Milk Comparisons

• Almond vs Barley
• Almond vs Cashew
• Almond vs Macadamia
• Almond vs Oat
• Almond vs Pea
• Almond vs Rice
• Almond vs Soy

Other Coconut Milk Comparisons

• Barley Milk vs Coconut Milk
• Cashew Milk vs Coconut Milk
• Coconut Milk vs Macadamia Milk
• Coconut Milk vs Oat Milk
• Coconut Milk vs Pea Milk
• Coconut Milk vs Rice Milk
• Coconut Milk vs Soy Milk