I’d put money on the fact that chocolate milk is the most popular flavored milk – and why wouldn’t it be? It’s deliciously sweet, chocolatey, and the perfect drink to enjoy at any time – I loved drinking it after my hockey games back in the day!
We’re going to compare it to another wonderful type of milk: coconut milk!
Coconut milk is a delicious plant-based milk that’s popular for its rich coconut flavor and creamy texture. It’s also one of the most versatile milks when it comes to special diets, and it has some great nutritional characteristics!
The fun thing about this comparison is that while they may be quite different in many things, the chocolate and coconut flavors go together perfectly. And, they each do certain things that the other can’t do as well, making for an interesting showdown!
So, let’s jump in and see whether chocolate milk or coconut milk is better!
Comparing chocolate milk vs coconut milk
Chocolate milk is animal-based and has milk as an allergen. Coconut milk is the opposite, being plant-based. And, although coconut milk has tree nuts as an allergen, a lot of people with a tree nut allergy can still enjoy coconut products, so I recommend you talk to your physician!
These milks are on complete opposite ends of the spectrum when it comes to their dietary versatility. You can enjoy your coconut milk whether you follow vegan, keto, or paleo diets, while chocolate milk misses the mark on all of those.
| Chocolate milk (2%) | Coconut milk | |
| Type | Animal-based | Plant-based (nut milk) |
| Allergens | Milk | Tree nuts* |
| Vegan? | No | Yes |
| Paleo? | No | Yes |
| Keto? | No | Yes |
*Most people with tree nut allergies can consume coconut products, so talk to your physician!
Differences between chocolate milk and coconut milk
The main difference between chocolate milk and coconut milk is their source, with chocolate milk coming from cows (with additional ingredients) and coconut milk coming from coconuts.
Chocolate milk is a combination of sugar, cocoa, and regular milk, resulting in a delicious chocolatey beverage that’s quite sweet. You can get it at the store in many different fat levels like regular milk, or you can make your own right at home!
Chocolate milk boasts a very similar texture to regular milk – you can get chocolate milks with other types of milk as the base, even with coconut milk. We’re referencing the most popular type here, which is made from regular cow’s milk, but you can definitely get different ones!
Coconut milk, on the other hand, is generally made by blending thick coconut milk or coconut cream with water, which creates the drinkable, creamy, and delicious carton coconut milk. There’s a canned type as well, which is mostly solid at room temperature and is mainly used for creating coconut-inspired dishes.
How to use chocolate milk vs coconut milk
Try using your chocolate milk and coconut milk in these mouth-watering ways:
Chocolate milk:
- Enjoy a tall glass for a tasty refreshment.
- Add it to your coffee for a chocolate twist.
- Use it in your smoothies.
- Make pancake or waffle batter with it.
- Blend it with ice cream and peanut butter for a delicious treat.
- Incorporate it into different chocolate-based recipes.
Coconut milk:
- Enjoy it as a dairy-free beverage.
- Make coconut creamer with it.
- Add it to your smoothies.
- Splash it over your cereal or into your oatmeal.
- Bake and cook with it for a tropical addition.
- Make coconut yogurt.
Can you substitute chocolate milk for coconut milk?
I’ve tried this in several things, mainly in smoothies and drinks like coffee. Overall, you can absolutely substitute these out for one another, but that will really change the taste of whatever you pair it with.
Coconut milk will definitely give a more tropical coconut flavor, and tends to be a bit thinner than chocolate milk – although still creamy! Chocolate milk has a very sweet and chocolate flavor which, as you can imagine, will impose a very different flavor in things like smoothies, pancake batter, oatmeal, coffee, etc. than coconut milk will.
So, while I personally use these interchangeably in some cases, it’ll come down to your preferences – you’ll quickly learn what you like and don’t like using these interchangeably in!
Nutrition: Chocolate milk vs coconut milk
Chocolate milk has way more calories than coconut milk – they’re basically opposites here! In terms of fat, both are extremely similar, and both are solid sources of calcium and vitamin D – although coconut milk is better in both of those.
They couldn’t be more different in their carbs, sugar, and protein contents, as chocolate milk has significantly more in all of those! Check out the chart below, and you’ll see a massive difference in almost all nutritional values between these two!
| Per 1 cup (237 ml/8 oz.) | Chocolate milk (2%) | Coconut milk |
| Calories | 220 | 40 |
| Total fat (saturated) | 5 g (3.5 g) | 4 g (3.5 g) |
| Total carbs | 33 g | 2 g |
| Total sugars (incl. added) | 31 g (16 g) | <1 g (0 g) |
| Protein | 11 g | 0 g |
| Calcium | 30% DV | 45% DV |
| Vit D | 15% DV | 20% DV |
How to store chocolate milk and coconut milk
Chocolate milk should be stored in the fridge with the lid sealed shut. This will help keep its freshness for longer, and prevent any flavors and odors in your fridge from affecting it! Try to finish it within 7 days for the best results.
Carton coconut milk should be stored in the fridge as well, and it has a similar shelf-life of 5-7 days after opening. Full-fat coconut milks will likely be on the higher end of that range than non-fat or low-fat coconut milks, but you can freeze either if you want to keep them for longer. Canned coconut milk should be kept in an airtight container after opening, and be finished within 7 days or so.
Chocolate milk vs coconut milk: The ultimate verdict
These two couldn’t be more opposite from one another, with the only common ground basically being their fat contents, creaminess, and culinary uses…
That makes this decision quite difficult. I personally recommend that you use both of them as needed, as they do things so differently. You might be craving a chocolate flavor one day, and then want to add a coconut twist to your coffee the next day – it really does come down to personal preferences here!
If you could only pick one, I’d recommend coconut milk because it has way less sugar, calories, and carbs, and is very versatile in many different diets while also providing a strong and unique flavor like chocolate milk does!
FAQs
The main difference is the chocolate flavoring in chocolate milk, which is usually cocoa – it also contains a whole lot more sugar than regular white milk!
Chocolate milk has a lot of calories and sugar, but it has the essential nutrients found in regular milk. Keep it in moderation, as the nutritional values for some “negative” things are quite high.
You’ll find health benefits and drawbacks in many different types of milk, so check them out to find one that fits your needs – or talk to a health professional!
Coconut milk can be a poor choice if you’re allergic to coconuts, or don’t like its distinct flavor. Otherwise, it’s a wonderful milk!
Leave a Comment