So this is a bit of an interesting comparison…
As you can tell by their names, almond-coconut milk and almond milk are very similar except for one little detail: almond-coconut milk is a blend of almond milk and coconut milk, while almond milk takes the tropical coconut vibes out and offers you a purely almond-based milk with no frills and whistles.
Now, there are benefits to both of these types of milk, and they both warrant a much closer look – we’ll do just that, but we’re also going to compare these two and really get into the nitty gritty details, ultimately determining which one is better!
So, let’s check out almond-coconut milk versus almond milk, and see whether you should add a little coconut into your life or stick to the pure almond-sourced beverage…
Let’s jump in!
Comparing almond-coconut milk vs almond milk
These two are essentially the same product, with almond-coconut milk mainly being different from almond milk because it also has coconut milk in it…
Both choices are plant-based and come from nuts, and therefore have tree nuts as an allergen. They’re also super versatile, being great options for vegan, paleo, and keto diets! If you have a tree nut allergy, neither of these are suitable for you, and you can check out something like regular milk!
| Almond-coconut milk | Almond milk | |
| Type | Plant-based (nuts) | Plant-based (nut milk) |
| Allergens | Tree nuts | Tree nuts |
| Vegan? | Yes | Yes |
| Paleo? | Yes | Yes |
| Keto? | Yes | Yes |
Differences between almond-coconut milk and almond milk
The main difference between almond-coconut milk and almond milk is their consistency.
Almond milk tends to be quite thin, and coconut milk’s texture can vary depending on what type it is (carton coconut milk tends to be thin as well), but it often has things like sunflower lecithin and gellan gum in it to thicken it up. So, almond-coconut milk is creamier and more luscious than regular almond milk, which is very thin.
They also have some differences in flavor, with almond milk tasting nutty and slightly sweet. Almond-coconut milk gets the best of both worlds, with the coconut milk boosting the natural sweetness of the almonds and adding a touch of coconut flavor into the beverage – it’s quite delicious!
How to use almond-coconut milk vs almond milk
Here are some of the best ways to use these two:
Almond-coconut milk:
- Use as a dairy alternative.
- Blend with tropical fruits like pineapple and mango for a creamy smoothie.
- Add to pancake batter for a subtle coconut flavor.
- Use as a base for creamy curries.
- Froth for delicious lattes.
- Mix into granola or cereal.
- Make dairy-free ice cream.
Almond milk:
- Use it as a dairy alternative.
- Make smoothies with it.
- Cover your cereal and granola.
- Bake recipes.
- Create dairy-free ice cream.
- Mix into your coffee.
- Create vegan desserts.
- Add a nutty twist to curries and stews.
Can you substitute almond-coconut milk for almond milk?
You can generally use these two interchangeably with no issues, but switching out almond milk with almond-coconut milk in recipes that call for almond milk will add a bit of extra creaminess and coconut flavor, along with some more sweetness. If that’s not a problem, you can go for it, but just be aware of the slight differences between the two!
Nutrition: Almond-coconut milk vs almond milk
Almond-coconut milk and almond milk are very similar when it comes to nutritional profiles.
The extra creaminess of almond-coconut milk is partnered with 10 extra calories per serving and 1 gram of extra saturated fat as compared to almond milk. It also has a little less calcium, with 35% of your daily calcium value versus almond milk’s 45% daily calcium value – which is one of the best calcium values in any milk!
Otherwise, they both share just 1 gram of carbs and protein (which is one of the lowest protein contents of all milk types) per serving, no sugar, and 25% of your daily vitamin D content!
| Per 1 cup (237 ml/8 oz.) | Almond-coconut milk | Almond milk |
| Calories | 40 | 30 |
| Total fat (saturated) | 3.5 g (1 g) | 2.5 g (0 g) |
| Total carbs | 1 g | 1 g |
| Total sugars (incl. added) | 0 g | 0 g |
| Protein | 1 g | 1 g |
| Calcium | 35% DV | 45% DV |
| Vit D | 25% DV | 25% DV |
How to store almond-coconut milk and almond milk
These two are similar in terms of storing them, as almond milk is best stored in the fridge so that it doesn’t spoil too soon, and it usually lasts around 7-10 days if stored right.
It gets a little interesting with almond-coconut milk, as storing coconut milk is also done best in the fridge, but it tends to last a little less than almond milk, being good for 5 days after opening – but that number can become bigger depending on what type of coconut milk the almond milk is blended with!
For best practice, I recommend finishing almond-coconut milk within 5-7 days after opening, but make sure to always check for spoilage first!
Almond-coconut milk vs almond milk: Which is better?
Well, this has proven to be a very balanced match-up!
Almond-coconut milk is a wonderful choice if you want a creamier version of almond milk that’s sweeter and has a hint of coconut, while almond milk is a classic choice for any plant-based milk and provides a delicious nutty and slightly sweet flavor profile that fits well with many things!
Overall, both are great options, but I recommend almond-coconut milk for the extra flavor and creamier texture!
FAQs
Almond-coconut milk has a creamier texture and a more unique flavor that’s sweeter and a bit more tropical!
Almond-coconut milk has some healthy qualities, including low calories, low carbs, high vitamin and mineral contents, and a high vitamin D and calcium content! Just keep an eye on the added sugar for flavored versions!
That depends on what you call “healthy.” Raw cow milk, almond milk, cashew milk, and many more types of milk have pros and cons that are different from one another, so I recommend doing a deep dive on them or talking to a health professional to find one that fits your needs!
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