Hazelnut Milk vs Coconut Milk: Which Is Better?

With their rich, toasty notes, hazelnuts have been cherished in confectionery and baking for as long as I can remember. Nowadays, we can enjoy hazelnut milk from the small yet mighty nut that is perfect for adding depth to many recipes. Meanwhile, coconut milk, extracted from coconuts, offers a tropical twist and exotic flavor that reminds us of palm trees and beaches on vacation! But while they’re both sourced from nuts, how come they’re so different all around, and what makes them so different? Let’s find out!

Comparing hazelnut milk vs coconut milk

	Hazelnut milk	Coconut milk
Type	Plant-based (nuts)	Plant-based (nuts)
Allergens	Tree nuts	Tree nuts (though most people with tree nut allergies can consume coconut products)
Vegan?	Yes	Yes
Paleo?	Yes	Yes
Keto?	Yes	Yes

Hazelnut milk and coconut milk work wonders for various diet types, including paleo, vegan, and keto diets, but they also have a common allergen – tree nuts. While hazelnuts are true tree nuts, coconuts belong to a different category, which means that most people with tree nut allergies can safely consume coconut products.

Differences between hazelnut milk and coconut milk

Just one sip of both, and the core difference between hazelnut milk and coconut milk are obvious – their flavors! Hazelnut milk tends to have a more robust, earthy taste, with rich, nutty notes that are often used to add depth to baked goods, smoothies, or grains. Coconut milk has those tropical notes that complement a wide range of dishes, particularly curries, stews, soups, desserts, and even cocktails.

It’s important to note that there are actually two types of coconut milk: canned and carton. Canned coconut milk is very high in fat and mostly solid at room temperature, whereas carton coconut milk is liquid and ready to drink. Canned coconut milk is typically used in cooking, made by heating high-fat coconut pulp in hot water and then extracting the liquid. Meanwhile, carton coconut milk is made by blending thick coconut milk or coconut cream with water – a diluted and milder version.

How to use hazelnut milk vs coconut milk

Hazelnut milk:

• Add to your smoothies and pair with fruits like bananas and strawberries and chocolate protein powder.
• Make creamy desserts like panna cotta, chocolate mousse, and rice pudding.
• Create creamy, non-dairy soups and sauces.
• Use when baking muffins, cakes, and sweet breads.
• Pour over oat-based cereals.

Coconut milk:

• Add to Thai, Indian, and other Asian curry recipes.
• Enhance the creaminess of soups like butternut squash or pumpkin.
• Create tropical-flavored smoothie bowls by blending with banana, mango, and pineapple.
• Make homemade dairy-free ice cream.
• Cook rice, quinoa, or other grains in coconut milk.

Can you substitute hazelnut milk for coconut milk?

Substituting hazelnut milk for coconut milk and vice versa might work well in coffee, baked goods, or smoothies, but it would only be comparable if the carton variety of coconut milk is used. When making curries or coconut-based desserts, where coconut milk’s creamy and coconutty taste is essential, hazelnut milk might not be the best choice, given its thinner texture and nutty flavor. 

Remember that canned coconut milk is much richer and thicker, while carton coconut milk is more diluted and similar to other plant-based milks. 

Nutrition: Hazelnut milk for coconut milk

Hazelnut and coconut milk, although so different, have some similarities in nutrition. They’re both low in carbs, low in calories, and low in sugars. When it comes to protein, coconut milk is actually one of the lowest in protein among all milks, with 0 grams per cup. And hazelnut milk isn’t much better either, with just 2g of protein per cup! Hazelnut milk is also not fortified with added vitamins and minerals like more popular nut milks, which puts it at a disadvantage. 

Both milks do come with plenty of unique potential health benefits, however. Coconut milk, as you can see, is a calcium powerhouse, providing 45% of your DV. It also offers 25% of your DV of vitamin D, which is the same as regular cow’s milk. It’s also known to be full of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are said to be good for lowering inflammation. Hazelnut milk is high in antioxidants and vitamin E that help increase protection from cellular damage and improve blood sugar levels.

Per 1 cup (237 ml/8 oz.)	Calories	Total fat (sat. fat)	Total carbs	Total sugars (incl. added)	Protein	Calcium	Vit D
Hazelnut milk	90	9 g (0.5 g)	1 g	1 g (0 g)	2 g	2% DV	0% DV
Coconut milk	40	4 g (3.5 g)	2 g	<1 g (0 g)	0 g	45% DV	25% DV

How to store hazelnut milk and coconut milk

All cans of coconut milk and most hazelnut and coconut milk cartons are shelf-stable when unopened but need to be refrigerated immediately after opening. If you’ve made homemade coconut milk or homemade hazelnut milk, it will need to be refrigerated straight away and typically last up to 5 days. Hazelnut milk will last around 6 months if unopened and around 5 – 7 days in the fridge once opened, while coconut milk will last 7 – 10 days in the same manner (sometimes up to 14 days, depending on the brand). And here’s some incredible news: unopened coconut milk will last up to 2 to 5 years if stored in a cool, dry place.

Hazelnut milk vs coconut milk: Which is better?

To me, the milk that’s better is the milk that suits the moment. Hazelnut milk is more similar to what we know in the non-dairy, alternative milk realm. When you want a cozy, nutty flavor that enhances more than transforms, hazelnut milk is your go-to. Coconut milk is more about a deeper transformation, perfect for curries, creamy soups, and dreamy desserts – and with the two varieties at your disposal, you can decide for yourself whether you want the rich thickness of the canned variety or the lighter, drinkable version from the carton!

Wondering what the best coconut milk to buy is? Check out this article.

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