In the beautiful and large world of milk, condensed milk and coconut milk are two wonderful options that are really unique – and quite different from one another!
Condensed milk, on the one hand, is a dense, sweet, and rich choice that’s extremely popular for adding thickness and sweetness in many desserts and bakes. Coconut milk, on the other hand, is a great way to add a tropical twist into many different dishes, and works great as a standalone drink!
So, which one is better?
Well, we’ll figure that out by comparing the two, putting them head-to-head in a showdown that will reveal the true winner!
Let’s check it out!
Comparing condensed milk vs coconut milk
Condensed milk is an animal-based milk that has (unsurprisingly) milk as an allergen. It’s not suitable for vegan, keto, or paleo diets, so keep an eye on that!
Coconut milk is plant-based, and has tree nuts as an allergen. That said, there are many people who can safely eat coconut products while having a tree nut allergy, so talk to your physician to be safe! It also fits right into vegan, paleo, and keto diets!
| Condensed milk | 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 condensed milk and coconut milk
The main difference between condensed milk and coconut milk is their source, with further differences in their taste and texture.
Condensed milk comes from regular milk, which goes through a process that removes water and adds sugar – you can easily make it at home! This process results in a sweet, thick, and tasty product that has a rich and caramelized taste that’s perfect for desserts and treats!
Coconut milk comes from, well, coconuts! It boasts a rich coconut flavor with nutty undertones, and can come in two variations: carton coconut milk and canned coconut milk.
Carton coconut milk boasts a thin and creamy texture, and is made by blending thicker coconut milk or coconut cream with water. Canned coconut milk is made by heating high-fat coconut pulp in hot water and then extracting the liquid from the solid pulp, and is usually used for baking and cooking different coconut dishes. It’s mostly solid at room temperature, unlike the thin carton coconut milk.
How to use condensed milk vs coconut milk
Try out your condensed milk and coconut milk in these delicious ways:
Condensed milk:
- Put it into your coffee or tea.
- Make desserts with it.
- Bake with it.
- Add it to your smoothies and ice cream.
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 condensed milk for coconut milk?
Generally, it’s not a great idea substituting these two. You see, condensed milk is usually specifically called for in a recipe for its sweetness and thickness, and coconut milk doesn’t really match up to it in those regards. This is also true vice versa, as coconut milk provides a very different flavor with a much thinner texture.
That said, you can try them out interchangeably in things like smoothies, coffee, tea, yogurt, oatmeal, etc.!
Nutrition: Condensed milk vs coconut milk
Condensed milk is extremely high in calories, and has a ton of carbs in it! It’s also WAY higher in sugar than the nearly non-existent sugar content in coconut milk, and it’s also higher in protein (coconut milk is very poor in protein, with none at all). Condensed milk also has more fat and calcium, but is much lower in vitamin D than coconut milk.
Make sure you note the different serving sizes in the chart below – condensed milk is compared as 2 tablespoons versus coconut’s 8 fluid ounces, which is equal to 16 tablespoons.
| Per 1 cup (237 ml/8 oz.) | Condensed milk (2 tbsp) | Coconut milk |
| Calories | 130 | 40 |
| Total fat (saturated) | 3 g (1.5 g) | 4 g (3.5 g) |
| Total carbs | 22 g | 2 g |
| Total sugars (incl. added) | 21 g (18 g) | <1 g (0 g) |
| Protein | 3 g | 0 g |
| Calcium | 8% DV | 45% DV |
| Vit D | 0% DV | 20% DV |
How to store condensed milk and coconut milk
Condensed milk can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to 1 year if it’s unopened. After opening it, put it in an airtight container and place it in the fridge – use it up within 2 weeks for the best results!
Carton coconut milk should be stored in the fridge and be consumed within 5-7 days after opening for the best results, while canned coconut milk should be stored in the fridge in an airtight container after it’s opened, and be finished within 7 days. If you need to keep your coconut milk for longer, freeze it to keep it good for up to a month.
Condensed milk vs coconut milk: Which is better?
So, which one of these milks is better?
Well, it comes down to how you want to use them. Condensed milk is often called for in baking and cooking, or for sweetening beverages. The thick, sweet, and rich milk is great for those types of things, but isn’t nearly as versatile as coconut milk…
Therefore, coconut milk takes the win here, as it has a better nutritional profile with less sugar and calories, along with a much greater versatility in the kitchen and in special diets!
FAQs
Condensed milk has a ton of sugar and calories, so while you can drink it, try to enjoy it in moderation! It’s also very syrupy, so the texture might prove a bit difficult to drink straight.
Coconut milk can be a poor choice if you’re allergic to coconuts, or don’t like its distinct flavor.
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!
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