Coconut Milk vs Rice Milk: How To Choose?

In this article, we are going to compare coconut milk and rice 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 coconut and rice 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 coconut and rice 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 coconut and rice drinks are, how they are produced, and finally how they compare in various ways.

If you’re interested in more content like this, you can always use our tool to compare other plant-based milks.

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.

What is Rice Milk and How It’s Made?

Rice milk is a beverage that is frequently used as a plant-based substitute for milk made from dairy animals.

In spite of the fact that it is widely referred to as “rice milk,” the name “milk” may technically only be utilized to refer to a dairy beverage that originates from cows, in accordance with the requirements set by the FDA.

In the event that you go to the grocery in search of rice milk, you will most likely come across packets that are labeled as “rice non-dairy beverage” or “rice drink”.

Thanks to its composition, rice milk is not only a good option for vegans and lactose intolerant but also provides a rich mineral and nutritional supplement, while at the same time it has low fat and energy value.

Rice, either brown or white, combined with water may be used to manufacture one’s own rice milk.

Brown rice, sweeteners, brown rice syrup, plant-based oils, or flavorings like vanilla are often included in industrial ones. Brown rice may also be the primary ingredient.

The vast majority of varieties of rice milk are supplemented with additional minerals. Rice milk often has increased quantities of B vitamins, calcium, iron, vitamin D, and vitamin A in order to make it nearly similar to cow’s milk.

Coconut vs Rice Milk Nutrition and Calories

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

Macronutrients

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

3.5 oz or 100 g of coconut milk contains 150 calories, and consists mostly of fat (15 g), followed by protein (1.25 g) and carbs (1.25 g).

Speaking of rice milk, the same amount contains 47 calories, and consists mostly of carbs (9.17 g), followed by fat (0.97 g) and protein (0.28 g).

The table below compares the nutrition of a 3.5-ounce (100-gram) portion of coconut milk to the same amount of rice 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, rice milk is a better choice. It contains 0.3 g per 3.5oz (100g), while coconut milk is lower in dietary fiber with 0 g.

Micronutrients

What about micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) in coconut and rice 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 coconut or rice milk is better for you.

With 150 calories per 3.5 oz (100 g), coconut milk is higher in calories than rice milk which contains 47 calories.

Coconut vs Rice Milk Taste and Uses

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.

Rice milk has a subtle rice-y and sweet aftertaste with a watery consistency.

The slightly sweet taste of rice milk is because of the fermentation process. Rice milk complements many sweet and savory dishes without overpowering them.

It is an excellent choice for baking, working with thickening agents like cornstarch. Its watery consistency makes it easier to mix it with cornstarch without lumping.

You can use rice milk to make light sauces and soups. You can also use it in fruit and vegetable smoothies.

Rice milk can be also used to make vegan ice-creams. You can also add it to coffee and oatmeal. Sweet and fruity flavors go well with rice milk.

Conclusion

Coconut milk and rice milk are both plant-based, non-dairy beverages, suitable for vegans.

Coconut milk and rice 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 coconut and rice 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: Coconut Milk and Rice Milk.

Other Coconut Milk Comparisons

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

Other Rice Milk Comparisons

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