Coconut milk has surged in popularity as a plant-based alternative in the beverage industry, appealing to consumers seeking health benefits, unique flavors, and dairy-free options. This trend is particularly noticeable in Europe, where projected growth rates are substantial. Baristas are increasingly embracing coconut milk as a versatile and flavorful addition to coffee and tea, catering to a broader range of customer preferences and dietary needs.
What is Coconut Milk?
The coconut (Cocos nucifera), a fruit belonging to the palm family (Arecaceae), thrives in tropical regions such as Malaysia, Polynesia, and southern Asia. Unlike coconut water, which occurs naturally, coconut milk is created by blending coconut flesh with water. Nearly all parts of the coconut can be used, including the water, milk, flesh, sugar, and oil.
Why Coconut Milk in Coffee?
Coconut milk's unique taste profile and creamy texture make it a popular choice among baristas. Its texture is similar to skimmed milk, making it a suitable option for crafting lattes and other frothy beverages. It offers a delicious and versatile alternative to traditional dairy milk in coffee and tea.
The Rising Popularity of Coconut Milk
Coconut milk's popularity is soaring in Europe, with projected growth rates of 7.2%, 8.7%, and 9% in the U.K., Germany, and France, respectively. This rise also reflects an evolving coffee culture where enthusiasts seek new, intriguing flavors and personalized experiences beyond conventional brews.
Flavor Profile
Central to the appeal of coconut coffee is its distinctive flavor profile. The robust notes of coffee seamlessly intertwine with the creamy, subtle sweetness of canned coconut milk. This delightful fusion results in a cup that's both indulgent and refreshing. Coconut adds some of its natural flavor to coffee, but it does not overpower a good brew. Far from it. Coffee and coconut combine with ease, as though they were made for each other.
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Health Benefits
Integrating canned coconut milk into your coffee goes beyond flavor, it's a health-conscious choice. Rich in beneficial fats, coconut milk is a nutritious, lactose-free alternative to traditional dairy products. It’s known for its medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which can aid in metabolism and weight management. Coconut milk may benefit health in several ways, such as by stimulating weight loss and lowering cholesterol.
Environmental Benefits
Coconut milk is less water-intensive to produce than typical dairy milk and other plant-based milks, with a water consumption of only 0.5 liters per 200 ml. Additionally, coconut trees can be grown in agroforestry practices, which promotes biodiversity and soil health. Aside from low water use, biodiversity and soil health, the production of coconut milk has a relatively low carbon footprint, with only 2.1 kg CO2e to produce 1 kilogram of coconuts.
Nutritional Profile of Coconut Milk
A 100ml serving of canned coconut milk typically contains:
- 169 calories
- 1.1g protein
- 16.9g fat
- 14.6g saturated fat
- 3.3g carbohydrate
- 2.0g sugar
Coconut naturally contains significant amounts of fat, including saturated fat. However, the canned product is available as a reduced-fat version with approximately half the fat of the regular product. Check the ingredient information because the coconut content may vary quite considerably (from 22% to 55%) and this may impact the creaminess of your dish.
Top Health Benefits of Coconut Milk
- Contains Medium-Chain Fatty Acids (MCFAs): Coconuts contain significant amounts of fat, but unlike other nuts, they provide fat that is mostly in the form of medium-chain saturated fatty acids (MCFAs) - in particular, one called lauric acid. These fatty acids are made up of a chain of six to 12 carbon atoms, whereas long-chain fatty acids consist of 12 or more carbon atoms. This difference in structure has all sorts of implications, from how the fat is digested to how it may influence your body. While it's important to get a variety of fatty acids, the body can digest MCFAs much more quickly and convert them to a ready source of energy. According to research, they are directed to the liver and turned into energy, or ketone production. In studies, subjects who increased their intake of these fatty acids experienced a higher level of satiety and thus reduced appetite and cravings throughout the day.
- Lactose-Free: Coconut milk is naturally lactose-free and can be used as a milk substitute for those with lactose intolerance. Lactose is the main type of carbohydrate in all mammalian milk, including human, cow, goat and sheep. It's made up of two sugars, and your body needs an enzyme called lactase to adequately digest it. It’s this enzyme that's lacking in those with lactose intolerance.
- Plant-Based: Coconut milk is a popular choice with vegetarians and vegans and makes a great base for smoothies and milkshakes as well as being a good dairy alternative in baking. It is often the main ingredient in commercially produced vegan ‘cheese’ replacements. However, coconut milk is not nutritionally comparable to cow’s milk, with a lower protein and a much higher saturated fat level. If you do choose it as your product of choice you should be aware that only the fortified coconut ‘drink’ products will supply comparable amounts of nutrients, like calcium.
- Anti-inflammatory, Anti-Microbial and Anti-Fungal Properties: About 50% of the medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil are a type called lauric acid, which is converted in the body to a highly beneficial compound called monolaurin. With antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties, this destroys a wide variety of disease-causing organisms. It's therefore thought that the consumption of coconut milk and other coconut-derived foods may help protect the body from infections and viruses.
- May Support Cardiovascular Health: Medium-chain fatty acids are rapidly metabolised into energy in the liver; it’s because of this that unlike other saturated fats, MCFAs are used up more quickly by the body and are less likely to be stored as fat. Research is mixed, but some recent studies are suggesting that the fats from coconut may not have such a detrimental effect on blood lipids, cholesterol balance and cardiovascular health as once thought.
- May Reduce Stomach Ulcers: One animal study found coconut milk reduced the size of a stomach ulcer by the same amount as that of an anti-ulcer drug. Further studies confirm the mechanism behind this and explained that it is partly due to compounds in coconut milk (and coconut water) that appear to suppress inflammation. These compounds may also have a positive effect on the growth of the stomach lining.
Potential Drawbacks
One potential downside to coconut coffee is that coconut milk can curdle in coffee due to the acidity and heat of the coffee reacting with the milk's proteins and fats.
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How to Use Coconut Milk in Coffee and Tea
Coconut milk’s creamy texture and subtle sweetness make it a popular choice for baristas to add a unique flavor profile to coffee.
- Regular Coffee: Add a splash of fresh or canned coconut milk to your coffee for a creamy, dairy-free alternative.
- Iced Coffee: For iced coffee, make coffee ice cubes or brew coffee and pour it over ice.
- Lattes and Cappuccinos: For a classic latte or cappuccino, use strong espresso. If you prefer a sweeter, less acidic coffee, try cold brew. Steam coconut milk for a frothy texture, but avoid overheating it to prevent separation.
- Hot Tea: Simply pour coconut milk into your favorite hot tea.
- Iced Tea: Add coconut milk to sweetened iced tea for a refreshing and cream drink.
Tips for Success
- Choose the right coconut milk: To choose the best coconut milk, focus on quality, type, and freshness. Look for coconut milk that is labeled as “barista” or “creamy,” as these are often designed to perform well in coffee and tea.
- Explore the texture: When it comes to texture, you can also froth the coconut milk.
- Experiment with flavors: Experiment with flavors by adding syrups like vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut. Sprinkle cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for a warm aroma.
- Choose barista-style or full-fat coconut milk for best results.
Types of Coconut Milk
Coconut milk can be thick or thin. Thick coconut milk comes from the squeezed coconut flesh left inside the cheesecloth. Thin coconut milk comes from the squeezed coconut flesh left inside the cheesecloth. Manufacturers mix it with warm water and strain it through a cheesecloth a second time. The resulting liquid is much thinner.
Storage
Canned coconut milk should be stored in a cool, dry place and can be refrigerated after opening. Once opened, it should be used within a few days. Some people like to freeze coconut milk in ice-cube trays, to use in daily one-serving portions. Note that freezing coconut milk alters its texture.
Coconut Milk vs. Coconut Cream
Coconut milk and coconut cream differ in thickness and potency. Coconut milk is usually three parts water (or coconut water) with one part shredded coconut pulp. On the other hand, coconut cream is usually three parts coconut with one part water. Coconut cream can be mixed into a coconut milk substitute as well by using coconut water or regular water and sugar.
Coconut Milk vs. Almond Milk
Coconut milk comes from coconuts while almond milk comes from almonds. In taste, these two plant-based milk substitutes differ greatly. On the other hand, coconut milk is sweeter, creamier, and also tends to be rather refreshing with minimal aftertaste. If you are trying to find a good milk substitute to use with coffee, coconut milk is a great choice.
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Is Coconut Milk Safe for Everyone?
Allergic reactions to coconut are rare, although contact dermatitis and sensitisation to the tree pollen is more often seen. Coconuts are one of those foods that oscillate between the ‘good’ and ‘bad’ food camps. Coconut milk, especially the lower-fat variety, can be used in moderation (up to two times per week). However, The British Heart Foundation recommends swapping saturated fats and sources of them, including coconut oil, for unsaturated varieties. Anyone with a coconut allergy should not consume coconut milk.
Coconut Milk: A Versatile Dairy Alternative
Coconut milk is a plant-based alternative to dairy milk, made from the grated meat of coconuts. It is a versatile ingredient and an excellent milk alternative. Like other coconut products, it may provide health benefits. It can also add flavor to sweet and savory dishes and serve as an alternative to dairy milk.