Evaporated Milk vs Coconut Milk: The Ultimate Verdict (2024)

Evaporated milk and coconut milk are quite different from one another – so which one should you pick?

Well, that can be answered by taking a closer look at these two great types of milk. On the one hand, evaporated milk boasts dense, creamy, thick, and rich flavors and textures, with an amazing shelf-life. Coconut milk, on the other hand, has a unique and distinct flavor, boasting a tropical vibe that can really add a special touch to many dishes!

As you can see, both have things going for them, so we’ll have to unpack them and compare them side-by-side – then we’ll know exactly which one is better!

Let’s jump in!

Comparing evaporated milk vs coconut milk

Evaporated milk is animal-based and coconut milk is plant-based. If you’re allergic to milk, evaporated milk is a bad choice for you, but coconut milk has tree nuts as an allergen – although, many people with a tree nut allergy can still eat coconut products, so talk to your physician!

Evaporated milk doesn’t fit into any special diets, but coconut milk is a great choice for vegan, paleo, and keto diets!

*Most people with tree nut allergies can consume coconut products, so talk to your physician!

Differences between evaporated milk and coconut milk

The main difference between evaporated milk and coconut milk is where they come from, affecting how they taste and feel.

Evaporated milk is made through an evaporation process that takes regular milk and puts it under a high heat in a reduced-pressure environment. This removes 60% of the water, making it thicker. The creamy texture is filled with a rich, complex, and slightly caramelized flavor.

Coconut milk comes from coconuts, and has a coconut flavor with nutty undertones. You can get it in carton coconut milk and canned coconut milk versions.

Carton coconut milk is thin, creamy, and the type that you drink. It’s made by blending thicker coconut milk or coconut cream with water. Canned coconut milk, on the other hand, is mostly solid at room temperature, and is usually used for making coconut-based dishes! This version is made by heating high-fat coconut pulp in hot water and then extracting the liquid from the solid pulp.

How to use evaporated milk vs coconut milk

Use your evaporated milk and coconut milk in these great (and tasty) ways:

Evaporated milk:

• Add extra creaminess and richness into things like sauces and soups.
• Make custards and puddings.
• Use in recipes like pie, fudge, and sweet buns.
• Bake with it.
• Mix into your coffee or hot chocolate for a rich flavor and texture.

Coconut milk:

• Enjoy it as a dairy-free beverage.
• Make coconut creamer with it.
• Add it to your smoothies.
• Splash it over your cereal or into your oatmeal.
• Bake and cook with it for a tropical addition.
• Make coconut yogurt.

Can you substitute evaporated milk for coconut milk?

You could, but their differing textures and flavors will really change whatever you use them in! For example, coconut milk will give your smoothies a nice coconut and nutty flavor, while evaporated milk will thicken your smoothies up a lot and taste similar to regular milk!

That said, feel free to experiment, but keep their differences (including in dietary compatibility) in mind!

Nutrition: Evaporated milk vs coconut milk

Evaporated milk is very high in calories and fat, and has much more carbs than coconut milk. However, coconut milk has way less sugar, but is also very poor in protein as compared to evaporated milk. You’ll find that both milks are great in calcium and vitamin D, with coconut milk boasting a bit more calcium.

Note the different serving sizes in the chart below, with evaporated milk being compared as 2 tablespoons against coconut milk’s 8 ounces – there are 2 tablespoons in 1 fluid ounce, so you have to multiply evaporated milk’s values by 8 in this chart to get an equivalent!

How to store evaporated milk and coconut milk

Evaporated milk can be stored in a cool and dry place for up to a few months as long as it’s unopened. However, keep it in the fridge and finish it within 3-5 days after opening for best practices!

Carton coconut milk should be stored in the fridge and be consumed within 5-7 days after opening for the best freshness. Canned coconut milk should be stored in an airtight container inside the fridge after it’s opened, and be used up within 7 days – you can freeze your coconut milk and store it for up to a month.

Also, full-fat coconut milks last longer than low-fat versions, so always make sure to check the best-before dates!

Evaporated milk vs coconut milk: The ultimate verdict

Evaporated milk adds a delicious thickness and creaminess to whatever you pair it with, and is a great choice for baking. Coconut milk, on the other hand, is much thinner, but still creamy. It’s a great way of adding the delicious coconut flavor to different things, and has some solid nutritional benefits!

So, which one is better?

I recommend using evaporated milk if you want to thicken something or prefer the taste of regular milk, but coconut milk takes the win here for its culinary and dietary versatility, along with being a low-carb option and providing a unique flavor.

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