Looking for the best-tasting dairy-free yogurts? Look no further! I’ve reviewed over 15 brands of coconut milk yogurt, and below are my top five picks!
Whether you’re vegan, lactose intolerant, or simply looking for a delicious dairy-free alternative to dairy yogurt, coconut milk yogurt is an excellent option. Not all coconut milk yogurts are created equal. Some are creamier and tastier than others, while others offer natural ingredients and low-sugar options. I’ve rounded up a few of my favorites to help you find the best brands of dairy-free coconut milk yogurt!
What is coconut yogurt?
Coconut yogurt is made like regular yogurt but with coconut milk instead of dairy milk. The same fermentation process produces a thick plant-based yogurt rich in good bacteria.
How is coconut yogurt made?
Different methods exist for making yogurt, but the primary method uses warm canned coconut milk, probiotic cultures (from probiotic capsules or yogurt starters), and sugar. Some sugar is needed for the culture to grow and work properly. Because coconut milk doesn’t naturally thicken as whole milk does, sometimes starches like tapioca starch and gums like guar gum are added to yogurts to thicken them.
This homemade coconut yogurt recipe is my go-to for making yogurt at home. It’s made with simple ingredients, and you can use a yogurt maker, instant pot, or in the oven (using the oven light) to keep the coconut yogurt warm while it cultures.
What to look for in store-bought coconut yogurts
- Check the ingredients. When shopping for coconut yogurt, read the ingredients list carefully. Most coconut yogurts contain some form of milk or cream, but look out for those that include additional preservatives or sweeteners like sugar and corn syrup. Also, ensure there are no artificial colors or flavors in the ingredients list—the fewer ingredients there are, the better!
- Look at the fat and sugar content. Coconut yogurt is typically much higher in fat than dairy-based yogurts due to its high saturated fat content from coconut oil. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean it’s unhealthy; research has shown that saturated fats can benefit your health in moderation. Be sure to check each product’s nutrition label to know exactly how much fat (and sugar!) you’re getting per serving.
- Thickeners and gums. Check for added thickeners and gums that may be irritating to some. It’s challenging to make thick coconut yogurt with a creamy texture, which is why some brands add many gums and starches to the yogurt. These ingredients thicken yogurt but may not best suit you if you have gut issues.
- Choose organic if possible. Organic products are produced without synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, making them a healthier choice when compared to conventional options. When choosing between organic and non-organic products, always opt for organic whenever possible—you’ll be doing yourself a favor!
Coconut yogurt storage and shelf life
Coconut yogurt should always be refrigerated, and once it’s opened it should be good for up to about seven days. Unopened coconut yogurt can last up to a week or so if unpasteurized and up to four weeks or so if pasteurized. Here’s more information on how long coconut yogurt lasts.
Top 5 Best Coconut Yogurt Brands
Looking for healthy vegan yogurt? Try one of my favorite brands of coconut yogurt that you can buy from the grocery store, natural foods store, or online!
#1 GT’S CocoYo Living Coconut Yogurt
This fermented coconut puree is smooth and creamy and comes in various flavors, raspberry being my favorite. This coconut yogurt is made with raw coconut puree and has a bursting coconut flavor. This yogurt is great tasting but can be on the spendy side.
Ingredients: Raw Young Coconut, Raw Young Coconut Water, and Probiotic Cultures.
Find it at your local health food store or online from amazon. This brand is Coconut Mama’s #1 pick!
#2 Harmless Harvest
Plant-based and delicious, this coconut yogurt is made by Harmless Harvest (my favorite coconut water brand) and offers a variety of flavors. This yogurt is generally affordable and available at the health food store.
Ingredients: L. Acidophilus, B. Lactis, S. Thermophilus, L. Casei, L. Bulgaricus, B. Bifidum, L. Rhamnosus. ;organic Coconutmilk (Water, Organic Coconut Meat), Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Tapioca Starch, Organic Vanilla Extract, Pectin, Organic Vanilla Seeds, Live And Active Cultures.
Find it at your local health food store or online. Coconut Mama’s #2 pick!
#3 The Coconut Cult Yogurt
This yogurt is sour with a tangy flavor and is perfect for adding to smoothies! It’s made in small batches and contains 25 billion probiotics per serving!
Ingredients: Organic Coconut Meat, Organic Coconut Water, Organic Coconut Water Concentrate, and Custom Probiotic Blend.
Find them at your local health food store or online. Coconut Mama’s #4 pick!
#4 So Delicious Dairy-Free Coconut Yogurt Alternative
So Delicious is one of the most popular plant-based alternatives available. Their yogurt is available at most grocery stores and is often very affordable.
Ingredients: Organic coconut milk (filtered water; organic coconut cream), rice starch; contains 2% or less of: pectin; calcium phosphate; dipotassium phosphate; live cultures; locust bean gum; vitamin d2; vitamin b12.
Available at most grocery stores and online. Coconut Mama’s #4 pick!
#5 COYO Natural Yogurt
A pleasant and light coconut yogurt made with natural ingredients. This is one of my favorites, but unfortunately, It’s not always available at retail stores or online. I always enjoy it when I do find it though!
Ingredients: Organic Coconut Cream (57%), Water, Vanilla Bean Blend (4.8%), Organic Starch, Chicory Root Fibre, Live Cultures, and Probiotics.
Available at some grocery stores and sometimes online. Coconut Mama’s #5 pick!
FAQ
Yogurt is one of the best probiotic-rich foods to help support gut health and to build the immune system, and it makes a great addition to a healthy diet. I like mixing coconut yogurt with my smoothies, or top it with fresh fruit and coconut granola, or adding it to savory dishes like Tikka Masala.
Yes, you can make your own coconut yogurt at home with full-fat coconut milk, sugar, or dates and a vegan coconut yogurt starter culture. This coconut milk yogurt recipe is the recipe I follow.
Whether you’re vegan or just trying to reduce dairy intake for health reasons, these dairy-free coconut milk yogurt brands will satisfy your cravings without sacrificing taste. So no matter which brand you choose from this list – rest assured you’ll get delicious flavor without guilt!
