Coconut milk has firmly established itself as a beloved dairy-free alternative, gracing the shelves of supermarkets and finding its way into the hearts (and recipes) of health-conscious consumers and culinary adventurers alike. No longer confined to the realm of exotic cuisines, this versatile ingredient adds a touch of tropical richness to everything from morning smoothies to decadent desserts.
Its widespread appeal stems from various factors, including increasing awareness of dairy sensitivities, the growing popularity of vegan and plant-based diets, and a desire to explore unique and delicious flavors. The convenience offered by the shelf-stable nature of many coconut milk products further solidifies its place as a pantry essential.
We’ve analyzed the Amazon Best Sellers list, scoured through customer feedback gleaned from extensive research, and considered the unique attributes of each product to bring you this ultimate guide.
Best Selling Coconut Milk Brands: Ranked and Reviewed
The products featured in this review hold the top spots on Amazon’s Best Sellers list, a ranking that reflects recent sales and overall popularity. These high-ranking items likely benefit from positive customer experiences, effective marketing strategies, competitive pricing, and potential inclusion in Amazon’s promotional programs.
#1. Vita Coco Original Organic Coconut Milk
Vita Coco farmers take pride in their coconuts. Each hand-picked coconut in their non-dairy beverage is 100% organic.
Vita Coco’s Organic Coconut Milk is a versatile, plant-based beverage designed for those seeking a lighter alternative to dairy or canned coconut milk. Made with just organic coconut milk and water, it’s USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, and free from added sugars, making it ideal for health-conscious consumers. The shelf-stable cartons are convenient for on-the-go use, and the subtle coconut flavor blends seamlessly into coffee, cereal, smoothies, or soups.
#2. Native Forest Organic Unsweetened Coconut Milk
Consumers consistently rave about the taste, describing it as creamy, delicious, and possessing a smooth, authentic coconut flavor that isn’t overpowering.
Native Forest Organic Unsweetened Coconut Milk stands out as a top choice. This canned coconut milk is certified organic by the USDA, Non-GMO Project Verified, and contains just two simple ingredients: organic coconut and filtered water. Notably, it is free from guar gum and comes in convenient 13.5 fl oz cans, often sold in a pack of 12.
Given its full-fat content and authentic coconut flavor, Native Forest Organic Unsweetened Coconut Milk is ideally suited for adding depth and creaminess to Thai and Indian curries, hearty soups, flavorful sauces, and rich stews. Its high fat content also makes it an excellent choice for creating homemade vegan ice cream and other dairy-free desserts.
#3. Thai Kitchen Gluten Free Unsweetened Coconut Cream
Thai Kitchen Coconut Cream has a high rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from an impressive 7,061 customer ratings.
This product is widely praised for its exceptionally thick and rich consistency, making it an ideal ingredient for thickening a variety of dishes, including sauces, curries, and desserts. Customers appreciate its pure and authentic coconut flavor, which enhances both sweet and savory creations. The fact that it’s gluten-free and unsweetened caters to a broad range of dietary needs and preferences. Many reviewers consider it a reliable and high-quality product, particularly for achieving authentic flavors in Thai cuisine.
Thai Kitchen Gluten Free Unsweetened Coconut Cream is best suited for thickening traditional Thai curries, creamy soups, and rich sauces where a velvety texture is desired. It’s also excellent for making dairy-free whipped cream (especially when thoroughly chilled), decadent vegan desserts like panna cotta and coconut custards, and for adding a rich coconut flavor and moisture to baked goods.
#4. Aroy-D Organic Coconut Milk
Aroy-D strong reputation for Thai cooking suggests it’s best utilized in savory dishes where the coconut flavor plays a central role.
Many customers consider Aroy-D to be one of the top brands for achieving authentic flavors in Thai cooking. They praise its rich flavor and creamy texture, especially considering its convenient size. The smaller 8.5 oz cans are particularly useful for recipes that don’t require a large quantity of coconut milk, helping to minimize waste. Some reviewers have been loyal customers of this brand for years, finding it consistently reliable.
Aroy-D Coconut Milk is excellent for preparing authentic Thai curries, flavorful soups, and rich sauces where a distinct and high-quality coconut milk is essential. The smaller 8.5 oz can size is particularly well-suited for single-serving recipes or when only a small amount of coconut milk is needed. It can also be used in desserts and beverages where a noticeable coconut taste is desired.
#5. It’s Just – Coconut Milk Powder
It’s Just – Coconut Milk is highly valued for its exceptional convenience and long shelf life, making it an good choice for travel, camping trips, or simply keeping in the pantry for occasional use.
It’s Just – Coconut Milk Powder offers a convenient alternative to liquid coconut milk. This dairy-free option is keto-friendly, contains MCTs, and is made with just two ingredients. It comes in a 24oz package and is a product of Sri Lanka, certified non-GMO. This coconut milk powder holds a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,753 ratings.
It’s Just – Coconut Milk Powder is excellent for travel, camping, and situations where long-term pantry storage is required. It’s a convenient addition to hot beverages like coffee and tea, blends well into smoothies and protein shakes, and can be used in baking and cooking where the slight variations in taste and texture are not critical. It’s also perfect for quickly making small amounts of coconut milk when needed for specific recipes.
Additional Insights and Considerations
Freezing leftover coconut milk is a common practice for extending its usability and minimizing food waste, especially considering that many recipes don’t require an entire can or carton. While it is indeed to freeze coconut milk, it’s important to be aware of potential changes in texture. Freezing often leads to the separation of fats and liquids within the coconut milk. Upon thawing, the milk may appear grainy due to this separation
To restore a smoother consistency, it is highly recommended to blend the thawed coconut milk using either a regular kitchen blender or an immersion blender for approximately 30 seconds. For convenient portion control, freezing coconut milk in ice cube trays is a popular method. Once frozen, these cubes can be easily added to smoothies or directly into hot dishes like curries and soups. When freezing in larger quantities, airtight containers or freezer-safe bags are suitable options.
Thawing frozen coconut milk is best done overnight in the refrigerator, although it can also be thawed more quickly by placing the container in a bowl of lukewarm water or using the defrost setting on a microwave in short intervals. To understand why freezing affects coconut milk’s texture, it’s helpful to know that coconut milk is a natural oil-in-water emulsion.This means it’s a mixture of tiny oil droplets dispersed in water, stabilized by proteins that act as emulsifiers.
When coconut milk is frozen, the water content crystallizes, and the fat molecules tend to clump together. This process destabilizes the emulsion, leading to the separation of the coconut solids and liquid, which results in the grainy texture observed upon thawing. Some manufacturers add ingredients like guar gum to their coconut milk to help stabilize the emulsion and prevent this separation.
While this review primarily focuses on coconut milk as a beverage, it’s important to highlight its remarkable versatility in the kitchen. Beyond simply drinking it, coconut milk is a staple ingredient in many dishes. It forms the creamy base for countless Thai curries and lends richness to Indian dishes. Coconut milk is also a popular ingredient in soups and sauces, adding a subtle sweetness and velvety texture.
Key Takeaways and Recommendations
To help you pinpoint the best coconut milk for you, here are some tailored recommendations:
- For Rich and Creamy Cooking: If you’re looking to create authentic and flavorful dishes like Thai or Indian curries, opt for a full-fat canned coconut milk such as Native Forest Organic Unsweetened Coconut Milk or Aroy-D Coconut Milk. These options provide the richness and depth of flavor essential for these culinary applications.
- For Everyday Dairy-Free Use: For a convenient milk alternative to pour over cereal, add to coffee, or blend into lighter smoothies, shelf-stable carton options like So Delicious Dairy Free Shelf-Stable Coconut Milk, Original, or Pacific Foods Organic Unsweetened Coconut Milk offer a great solution with their ease of storage and generally thinner consistency.
- For a Sweet Treat: If you’re in the mood for a flavored beverage with less sugar, Vita Coco Treats Strawberries & Cream Coconut Milk Drink provides a delicious and refreshing option.
- For Travel and Long Shelf Life: When convenience and extended storage are paramount, such as during travel or camping, coconut milk powder from brands like It’s Just – Coconut Milk Powder or Z Natural Foods Organic Coconut Milk Powder is the most practical and space-saving choice.
- For Organic Enthusiasts: If you prioritize organic ingredients, Aroy-D Organic Coconut Milk offers the same reliable flavor as their regular coconut milk with the added benefit of organic certification.
Top 5 Coconut Milk Beverages: A Quick Comparison
| Rank | Product Name | Pros | Amazon Rating |
| 1 | Vita Coco Organic Coconut Milk Drink | Organic, Unsweetened, No Guar Gum, BPA-Free | 4.4 stars (1,424 ratings) |
| 2 | Native Forest Organic Unsweetened Coconut Milk | Clean, Organic Ingredients Rich, Creamy Texture BPA-Free Packaging | 4.3 stars (2.249 ratings) |
| 3 | Thai Kitchen Gluten Free Unsweetened Coconut Cream | Rich & Thick Texture, Pure Ingredients, Authentic Flavor, Shelf-Stable | 4.6 stars (7,061 ratings) |
| 4 | Aroy-D Organic Coconut Milk | Pure Ingredients, Chef-Approved. Shelf-Stable. Creamy Consistency. | 3.9 stars (2,052ratings) |
| 5 | It’s Just – Coconut Milk Powder | Minimal Ingredients, Long Shelf Life, Allergen-Friendly | 4.5 stars (1,753 ratings) |
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