Almond-Coconut Milk vs Milk: Which Is Better

Cow’s milk – we all know it, we’ve all tasted it, and we’ve all used it in some way, shape, or form. While it has been a staple in households for a long, long time, plant-based options are popping up all over the place. One of these is almond-coconut milk, a blend of almond milk and coconut milk. It brings together the nutty, lightness of almond milk and the rich, coconutty goodness of coconut milk! So, with their unique profiles and uses, which should you choose for your next kitchen adventure?

Comparing almond-coconut milk vs milk

	Almond-coconut milk	Cow milk (including whole, 2%, skim, etc.)
Type	Plant-based (nuts)	Animal-based
Allergens	Tree nuts	Milk
Vegan?	Yes	No
Paleo?	Yes	No
Keto?	Yes	No

Almond-coconut milk stands out for being paleo, vegan, and keto-friendly, thanks to it being made up of almond milk and coconut milk – two non-dairy options that individually check the boxes. However, you’ll want to steer clear if you have tree nut allergies. Cow’s milk doesn’t make the cut for any of these diets and won’t be suitable for those with milk or lactose allergies.

Differences between almond-coconut milk vs milk

While almond-coconut milk comes from plant-based almonds and coconut, regular milk comes from dairy cows. This core difference in their sources is what makes their flavor profile, texture, and use cases so varied! With almond-coconut milk, you’ll notice a mild natural sweetness from the almonds and also enjoy a subtle hint of tropical coconut. 

However, unlike creamier cow’s milk, both almond milk and carton coconut milk are naturally thin, and their fats can sometimes separate from the liquid. To counter this, almond-coconut milk is usually thickened and emulsified with ingredients like sunflower lecithin and gellan gum. These additions give it a luscious, smooth mouthfeel. Cow’s milk boasts a natural richness and distinct dairy flavor that is cherished in cooking and baking.

Types of cow’s milk

Now, we all know there’s not just one type of cow’s milk. Let’s look at a quick overview:

Whole milk: Luxuriously creamy, full-fat milk with around 3.25% fat content.

2% milk (reduced-fat): Offers a lighter touch while still keeping its creamy essence with 2% fat.

1% milk (low-fat): A leaner option with 1% fat content for a healthier edge.

Skim milk (non-fat): Keeps things light with non-fat milk while retaining the nutrients and taste.

Lactose-free milk: Crafted for those with lactose intolerance, this milk is easier to digest with the added enzymes.

Raw cow milk (whole): Milk in its purest form, untouched and unpasteurized right from the cow. Be mindful of potential health risks with raw milk.

Flavored milk: Elevated milk experience with a sweet twist – chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry, for example, enhanced with added sugars.

How to use almond-coconut milk vs milk

Almond-coconut milk:

• Blend with tropical fruits like pineapple and mango.
• Add to pancake batter for a subtle coconut flavor.
• Use as a base for creamy curries.
• Froth for lattes.
• Mix into granola or cereal.
• Make dairy-free ice cream.

Regular milk:

• Make silky mashed potatoes.
• Create a classic bread pudding.
• Elevate teas, hot chocolate, and coffees.
• Culture your own yogurt.
• Melt various cheeses into a pot of whole milk to make cheese fondue.
• Whip up wholesome classics like creamed spinach and mac and cheese.

Can you substitute almond-coconut milk for milk?

In cereal, coffee, or smoothies, almond-coconut milk can be a fantastic alternative to milk. It can also be used in baking, especially in tropical-themed desserts or coconut-flavored ones. But before you get carried away, recipes that rely on the creamy, neutral taste of regular milk, like creamy sauces or classic mashed potatoes, almond-coconut milk might change its flavor and texture. Regular milk has a flavor and consistency that can’t exactly be replicated!

Nutrition: Almond-coconut milk vs milk

Almond-coconut milk has a nutritional composition that is loved by many! It’s low in calories, low in total fat, low in total carbs, non-existent in sugar, and high in calcium, vitamin D, and other important nutrients. It’s also an excellent source of vitamin E, an antioxidant that has a protective effect on the body. But if you’re looking for a plant-powered source of protein, almond-coconut milk probably shouldn’t be your first choice. Both almond milk and coconut milk are milks with the least amount of protein.

Meanwhile, cow milk’s composition depends on the type you’re going for. Whole milk is highest in calories and fat but lowest in total carbs and sugars, while skim milk is lowest in calories and fat but higher in total carbs. In general, you can expect to get a high amount of your calcium and vitamin DV from regular milk, a good amount of protein, and plenty of essential nutrients like phosphorus, vitamin B12, and vitamin A.

Per 1 cup (237 ml/8 oz.)	Calories	Total fat (sat. fat)	Total carbs	Total sugars (incl. added)	Protein	Calcium	Vit D
Almond-coconut milk	40	3.5 g (1 g)	1 g	0 g	1 g	35% DV	25% DV
Whole milk	160	8 g (4.5 g)	11 g	10 g (0 g)	8 g	25% DV	10% DV
2% milk	130	5 g (3 g)	12 g	12 g (0 g)	8 g	25% DV	10% DV
1% milk	110	2.5 g (1.4 g)	13 g	12 g (0 g)	8 g	25% DV	10% DV
Skim milk (non-fat milk)	90	0 g	13 g	12 g (0 g)	8 g	30% DV	25% DV

How to store almond-coconut milk vs milk

Most cartons of almond-coconut milk are shelf-stable if unopened but should be refrigerated right after opening. If you’ve made homemade almond-coconut milk, you’ll need to refrigerate it straight away and consume it within 5 days. Almond-coconut milk will typically stay fresh for around 7 – 10 days in the fridge once opened and a few months unopened on the shelves, but it’s recommended to follow the date stamped on the carton.

Cow’s milk should always be stored in the fridge, but how long it maintains its freshness depends on the type. Unopened cow’s milk lasts 4 – 7 days past the expiration date, while once opened, whole milk lasts around 5 – 7 days, reduced-fat and skim last 7 days, and lactose-free milk lasts 7 – 10 days.

Almond-coconut milk vs milk: Which is better?

Cow’s milk is a timeless classic that is a must-have in the kitchen (unless it doesn’t suit your dietary needs, of course!), while almond-coconut milk brings a plant-based edge and still has good versatility. Almond-coconut milk is an intriguing choice if you don’t need the thickening and creamy qualities of regular milk, but cow’s milk can’t be replaced if you need that classic dairy flavor and texture. 

The exciting thing is that non-dairy milk blends that mimic regular milk are becoming more popular, with blends like NextMilk (oats, soy, and coconut) and Lilk (oats, quinoa, and coconut) on the market.

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