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Wellness Mama » Blog » Recipes » Drink Recipes » Homemade Coconut Milk Recipe

Homemade Coconut Milk Recipe

September 22, 2020  —  by Katie Wells

homemade coconut milk

Reading Time: 3 minThis post contains affiliate links. Click here to read my affiliate policy.

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  • How to Make Coconut Milk From Scratch+−
    • Coconut Milk Recipes to Try
  • Homemade Coconut Milk Recipe
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I’ve been using coconut products for years and now you can find everything from coconut cream to coconut flour in your grocery store baking aisle. Coconut milk is a wonderful alternative to pasteurized cow’s milk or to rice, almond, soy, or other plant-based milk, and you can find this at most stores as well.

Unfortunately, canned coconut milk at the store usually contains BPA in the can lining. New refrigerated carton varieties are somewhat better but can be expensive and have added sweeteners or preservatives. Not to mention the cost and packaging generated for what is — let’s face it — mostly water!

Fortunately, making coconut milk at home is very simple and inexpensive! From my calculations, homemade coconut milk costs less than $1 per batch. We use it in smoothies, curries, ice cream, or just to drink by itself. It can also be flavored with natural vanilla, strawberries, or cocoa powder. (Yum!)

How to Make Coconut Milk From Scratch

Coconut is packed with medium-chain fatty acids and lauric acid with a host of health benefits — one of the reasons coconut oil has become so popular. My kids can’t get enough of it and I love that it is full of the healthy fats that are especially good for growing bodies.

Best of all, you only need two ingredients to make coconut milk and one of them is self-stable! Grab some unsweetened shredded dried coconut from the pantry, add some hot water and a blender, and voila — fresh coconut milk!

Another bonus: this recipe takes minimal prep time and clean-up. You don’t have to have a nut milk bag for a strainer, either (although it is nice if you make coconut or almond milk from scratch often). I have used a towel or some cheesecloth in a pinch.

I’m experimenting with creative ways to use the coconut pulp when I’m done… let me know in the comments if you’ve found a favorite way to use it!

Coconut Milk Recipes to Try

Coconut milk works great for vegan, dairy-free, or paleo diets. Here are some recipes to try with your freshly made creation!

  • Tom Kha Gai (Thai Coconut Soup)
  • Coconut Curry Chicken (Quick Instant Pot Recipe)
  • Coconut Milk Irish Cream Recipe
  • Strawberry Coconut Milk Ice Cream Recipe
  • Coconut Mango Popsicles (With Probiotics)
  • 10 Other Ways to Use Coconut Milk

Try this inexpensive way to make coconut milk:

homemade coconut milk
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4.57 from 112 votes

Homemade Coconut Milk Recipe

Homemade coconut milk from shredded coconut for a healthy and inexpensive milk alternative.
Course Drinks
Cuisine Paleo, Superfood
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 4 -6
Calories 586kcal
Author Katie Wells
The ingredient links below are affiliate links. Click here to read my affiliate policy.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups water
  • 1½-2 cups  unsweetened shredded coconut

Instructions

  • Heat water until hot, but not boiling.
  • Put shredded coconut in blender or Vitamix and add the hot water. If all the water will not fit, this can be done in batches. See instructions below.
  • Blend on high for several minutes until thick and creamy.
  • Pour through a mesh strainer to remove most of the coconut solids.
  • Squeeze the strained liquid through a towel or several thicknesses of cheesecloth to remove remaining pieces of coconut.
  • If you had to split the water into batches put all the coconut that you strained out back in the blender, add the remaining water, and repeat.
  • Drink immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days after making for best flavor and texture. Since there are no preservatives or fillers, the "cream" of the coconut milk may separate to the top if stored in the fridge. Just shake or stir before using.

Notes

Try adding different flavor options after all coconut has been strained out!
  • Vanilla coconut milk: ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • Strawberry coconut milk: ½ cup pureed fresh or frozen strawberries
  • Chocolate coconut milk: 2 tsp cocoa powder + ½ tsp vanilla extract

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 586kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 57g | Saturated Fat: 51g | Sodium: 45mg | Potassium: 482mg | Fiber: 14g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 30mg | Iron: 3mg

Like this recipe? Check out my new cookbook, or get all my recipes (over 500!) in a personalized weekly meal planner here!

Ever made coconut milk before? Planning to try sometime? Offer your favorite tips below!

Make your own homemade coconut milk with only shredded coconut and water for a simple, inexpensive and healthy drink.

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Category: Drink Recipes, Recipes

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About Katie Wells

Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder and CEO of Wellness Mama and Co-Founder of Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a wife and mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.

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Reader Interactions

Discussion (370 Comments)

  1. Hillary

    September 23, 2020 at 11:13 AM

    Do you use this for cooking? Like in curries to thicken/flavor ?

    Reply
  2. Lisa

    May 4, 2020 at 10:01 PM

    how long does it last in shampoo…. first time I made it, hair was great on first wash, since my hair is sticky, per say. I should be past this stage

    Reply
  3. BevAnn

    April 19, 2020 at 11:40 AM

    5 stars
    I’ve used this recipe for atleast 5 years if not more. Since I’m not on a family budget, I use 2 cups of tropical traditions (healthy traditions now) shredded coconut. It comes out perfect every time.

    Reply
  4. Janice Simmonds

    January 26, 2020 at 3:21 AM

    What is the reason for soaking in the very HOT water in making the milk? I have seen recipes that call for this and recipes that soak at room temp, and recipes that don’t soak at all. I’m trying to find one that is simple and good tasting.

    Reply
  5. Stephanie

    October 20, 2019 at 7:11 AM

    5 stars
    350 kcal per cup? Is that right?

    Reply
    • Katie Wells

      October 27, 2019 at 8:36 AM

      There was a glitch in the recipe markup. It is for the whole batch! Should be fixed now.

      Reply
  6. Liz

    October 7, 2019 at 11:43 PM

    Could one use a juicer instead of blending/straining?

    Reply
  7. Kathryn

    June 17, 2019 at 2:00 PM

    5 stars
    I really enjoyed making my own coconut milk for some homemade golden milk latte. The directions were simple and clear and the milk turned out great! Ive made it twice since and plan on continuing to use this recipe in the future.

    Reply
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