Coconut milk is becoming ever more popular with consumers, due to its health benefits and advantages as a dairy-free substitute for cow’s milk. We are also becoming more focused on whether food/drink is acidic or alkaline, due to the potential benefits these can have on our health. So the question is: is coconut milk alkaline, or acidic?
So, is coconut milk alkaline?
The answer ultimately depends on how the coconut milk is made. Fresh coconut is alkaline-forming, whereas dried coconut is acid-forming – therefore coconut milk could be alkaline or acidic depending on which type of coconut is used to make it.
So what else is there to know about whether coconut milk is alkaline or acidic? Continue reading to find out more!
Difference Between Alkaline & Acidity
Let’s discuss the main differences between alkaline and acidity. Items are determined as alkaline or acidic depending on where they rank on a pH scale. In scientific terms, pH measures the potential of hydrogen (pH) in food/drink and determines how alkaline or acidic the item is.
The pH scale ranks from 0 – 14, with a value of less than 7 making something more acidic and a value of more than 7 making it more alkaline. A value of exactly 7 makes the item neutral on the pH scale. Therefore the main difference between alkaline and acidity is that alkaline food items rank highly in pH whereas acidic items rank lower.
Some other key differences include taste and texture. Acids tend to be more sour in taste whereas alkalines are more bitter, and acids will be sticky while alkalines are wetter/slippery.
In terms of health benefits, we’ll leave the specifics to the professionals, but ultimately too much acidic food can give you acid reflux or heartburn, while alkaline foods are generally considered to be better for your health. However, too much alkaline food can cause irritability and even muscle cramps.
pH of Coconut Milk
The pH of coconut milk can vary depending on whether fresh or dried coconut was used in the manufacturing process. With this in mind, it usually sits between 6.1 and 7 on the pH scale (Arrow Scientific).
If dried coconut milk is used to produce the coconut milk, it is more likely to be acidic and therefore nearer 6.1 on the pH scale. Alternatively, if fresh coconut was used to make it there will be more alkaline forming properties, making it more likely to be nearer 7 on the pH scale. Manufacturing techniques could affect the pH, such as whether the coconut milk is canned or carton. More on this over on our blog!
It’s important to check the ingredients of coconut milk if you have a sensitivity to acidic/alkaline foods, as the pH may vary from brand to brand due to the different types of coconut that can be used in coconut milk. For the best coconut milks on the market, take a look at this helpful guide.
Nutritional Information
Looking at the nutritional information of coconut milk is key when it comes to determining its health benefits and alkaline properties.
We have put together a comprehensive table below displaying the nutritional information of coconut milk, including its value on the pH scale:
| Per ½ Cup Serving | Coconut Milk |
| Calories | 200 |
| Fat | 18g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 19mg |
| Carbs | 7g |
| Protein | 2g |
| pH | 6.1-7 |
| Vegan? | Yes |
| Keto Friendly? | Most types |
| Allergens | Coconut |
| Gluten-free? | Yes |
Sources: Amazon, Peta, Health Line, Registrar Corp, Beyond Celiac
FAQs
Most fruits and vegetables are alkaline, as they are higher in hydrogen ions and therefore less acidic. More acidic foods include dairy products, eggs, meat, and processed foods.
Here are a few top alkaline foods:
– Spinach
– Parsley
– Jalapeno peppers
– Lettuce
– Kale
– Cauliflower
– Broccoli
– Citrus fruits
– Root vegetables
– Nuts (specifically cashews, chestnuts, and almonds)
– Onion
– Garlic
– Ginger
Coconut milk is said to have several health benefits. One of these is that it has anti-inflammatory properties, due to it containing lauric acid. This also gives it antimicrobial and anti-fungal benefits, which can provide protection against infection.
It is also lactose-free, making it a great alternative to cow’s milk if you have an allergy to lactose. Coconut milk is popular with vegans or those on a plant-based diet, as it is not produced by animals.
As coconut milk has anti-inflammatory properties, it’s a great choice if you suffer from acid reflux. Coconut milk can soothe your esophagus reducing the effects of acid reflux and can help to protect your stomach lining too.
Where coconut milk is alkaline-forming, it can promote pH balance and ultimately help to control acid reflux.
Food/drink becomes alkaline when it reaches above 7 on the pH scale. If a food item is above 7 on this scale this determines that it contains a higher potential of hydrogen and is therefore defined as alkaline rather than acidic.
Foods themselves cannot be changed to become more alkaline/acidic, however, you can make changes to your diet to change the pH levels in your body and ultimately change how alkaline/acidic your pH is.
You can drink coconut milk every day, but not to excess. It’s recommended that you limit yourself to a maximum of 2 cups of coconut milk a day, as coconut milk can be high in saturated fat. Saturated fat should make up less than 10% of your calories per day, in which case 2 cups of coconut milk should be your daily limit.
While drinking coconut milk regularly can encourage health benefits including anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties, too much can lead to weight gain due to the high numbers of calories and fat.
Coconut milk is not generally considered to be inflammatory. In fact, it has been shown to have anti-inflammatory benefits when used as an alternative to sweeter drinks with high levels of sugar. Soy milk is also anti-inflammatory, check out the differences between coconut milk and soy milk here!
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