Out of Coconut milk, one case
Vegan coconut milk substitutes
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Cashew cream
Same amount as the coconut milk
The best vegan coconut milk substitutes are Cashew Cream, Oat Milk + Coconut Oil, or Almond Milk + Cornstarch. Use proper ratios and choose plant-based options for optimal results.
- Verdict —
- Tweak it
- What changes —
- different taste, similar texture
- Best for —
- vegan recipes
One casethe full coconut milk card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of coconut milk | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cashew creamvegan recipes | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 2 | Oat milk + coconut oilvegan recipes | 1 cup oat milk + 1 tbsp coconut oil per 1 cup coconut milkWorks | Works |
| 3 | Almond milk + cornstarchvegan recipes | 1 cup almond milk + 1 tbsp cornstarch per 1 cup coconut milkTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Soy milk + coconut oilvegan recipes | 1 cup soy milk + 1 tbsp coconut oil per 1 cup coconut milkWorks | Works |
| 5 | Rice milk + coconut oilvegan recipes | 1 cup rice milk + 1 tbsp coconut oil per 1 cup coconut milkWorks | Works |
Cashew cream
different taste, similar texture
Blended cashews with water that provides similar creaminess and richness to coconut milk. Good for maintaining the luxurious texture in vegan recipes.
- Best for
- vegan recipes, curry, soup, when you want creamy texture, baking
Cashew cream provides the closest texture match to coconut milk. Soak cashews for 2-4 hours before blending for best results.
Oat milk + coconut oil
similar taste and texture
Oat milk with added coconut oil that provides similar richness and a hint of coconut flavor. Good for when you want plant-based creaminess.
- Best for
- vegan recipes, baking, sauces, when you want coconut flavor, creamy applications
Oat milk is naturally creamy, and coconut oil adds richness and coconut flavor. Use unrefined coconut oil for best flavor.
Almond milk + cornstarch
different taste, similar texture
Thickened almond milk that provides similar consistency to coconut milk. Good for when you want plant-based creaminess.
- Best for
- vegan recipes, baking, sauces, when you want plant-based, thick applications
Almond milk is thinner than coconut milk, so cornstarch helps thicken it. Mix cornstarch with cold liquid before adding to hot mixtures.
Soy milk + coconut oil
similar taste and texture
Soy milk with added coconut oil that provides similar richness and a hint of coconut flavor. Good for when you want plant-based creaminess.
- Best for
- vegan recipes, baking, sauces, when you want coconut flavor, creamy applications
Soy milk provides good creaminess, and coconut oil adds richness and coconut flavor. Use unrefined coconut oil for best flavor.
Rice milk + coconut oil
similar taste and texture
Rice milk with added coconut oil that provides similar richness and a hint of coconut flavor. Good for when you want plant-based creaminess.
- Best for
- vegan recipes, baking, sauces, when you want coconut flavor, creamy applications
Rice milk is naturally sweet, and coconut oil adds richness and coconut flavor. Use unrefined coconut oil for best flavor.
How it behaves in this recipe
When choosing vegan coconut milk substitutes, it's important to ensure all ingredients are plant-based and dairy-free. The recommended substitutes work because they provide similar creaminess and richness while being completely vegan and suitable for plant-based diets.
Tips for substituting coconut milk
5 tips- Always choose plant-based ingredients to ensure your substitute is completely vegan
- The key to successful vegan substitution is maintaining the right balance of creaminess and flavor
- Use high-quality plant-based ingredients for best results - the flavor difference is noticeable
- Common mistakes to avoid: using dairy-containing substitutes, not checking labels, incorrect ratios
- For best results, experiment with different plant milks to find your preferred flavor profile
Notes on coconut milk
- Use different plant milks (almond, oat, cashew, soy) for varying flavor profiles
- Try adding coconut extract to non-coconut substitutes for authentic flavor
- Experiment with different plant-based fats (coconut oil, avocado oil) for varying richness
Questions
5 questionsWhat's the best vegan substitute for coconut milk?
For vegan recipes, cashew cream provides the closest texture match to coconut milk. It's creamy, rich, and completely plant-based.
Can I use almond milk instead of coconut milk in vegan recipes?
Yes, but you'll need to thicken it with cornstarch. Mix 1 cup almond milk with 1 tablespoon cornstarch for best results.
Why is coconut milk not always vegan?
Coconut milk is naturally vegan, but some brands may add non-vegan ingredients. Always check labels to ensure it's completely plant-based.
Can I make vegan coconut milk at home?
Yes, you can make coconut milk by blending shredded coconut with water and straining. This gives you complete control over ingredients.
What's the best vegan substitute for coconut milk in curry?
For vegan curry, cashew cream or oat milk with coconut oil work best. They provide similar creaminess and richness without dairy products.