If you suffer from specific food sensitivities, you may try to keep your diet lectin-free. So is coconut milk lectin-free?
Ultimately yes, coconut milk is a lectin-free food product and is therefore suitable for those following a lectin-free diet. Coconut milk makes a great alternative to dairy products such as cow’s milk which typically contain lectins, and can be used in many different recipes such as soups, curries, and sweet treats.
In this article, I’ll talk you through everything you need to know about coconut milk being lectin-free, including a refresher on what lectin-free means, why coconut milk is lectin-free, cooking and baking with coconut milk on a lectin-free diet, as well as diets that are best suited to coconut milk.

What does lectin-free mean?
Lectin-free quite literally means excluding foods that include lectin from a person’s diet.
Lectins are proteins that bind to carbohydrates and are typically found in foods such as beans, chickpeas, lentils, peas, grains, fruit, and dairy products such as cow’s milk.
Some people have an intolerance to lectins due to problems arising from breaking down lectins in the digestive system. Negative symptoms can include inflammation, weight gain, poor digestion, and even brain fog.
If you suffer from a sensitivity to lectin, it may be beneficial for you to adhere to a lectin-free diet. However, I always recommend consulting with a medical physician or nutritionist before embarking on a lectin-free diet, to help minimize the chances of a negative reaction.
So is coconut milk lectin-free?
Coconut milk does not contain any lectins and is therefore a lectin-free product. It’s often used as a substitute for cow’s milk, which is typically very high in lectins.
You can purchase coconut milk from most large retailers – take a look at my favorite coconut milk brands for some inspiration when it comes to purchasing coconut milk.
Cooking and baking with coconut milk on a lectin-free diet
Coconut milk is highly popular with chefs and bakers, particularly those that are creating lectin-free recipes, plant-based recipes, or recipes that include alternatives to cow’s milk.
Due to its high-fat content, coconut milk is perfect for adding creaminess to dishes that may be lacking in this if not using cow’s milk/dairy products.
Popular recipes including coconut milk include savory dishes such as soups, pies, curries, and rice, as well as sweeter puddings such as cakes, desserts, and pancakes.
You can even make your own coconut milk at home – check out this homemade coconut milk recipe to start making your own stash of coconut milk!
Per 1 Cup Serving | Coconut Milk | Cow’s Milk |
Calories | 552 | 103 |
Lectin-Free? | Yes | No |
Keto-Friendly? | Yes | No |
Carbs | 13g | 12g |
Gluten-Free? | Yes | Yes |
Best for cooking/baking | Soups, pies, curries, rice, puddings/sweet treats, pancakes | Yogurt, butter, cheese, sauces, cakes, pies, ice cream, quiches, pancakes |
Best diets for coconut milk
Coconut milk is suitable for a wide range of diets, as it’s very versatile and is both plant-based and high in fat content.
Here are some of the most popular diets when it comes to coconut milk:
- Lectin-free
- Vegan/plant-based
- Keto
- Paleo
FAQs
I’ve put together a list of frequently asked questions to give you some more tips on using coconut milk as a lectin-free food item. Read these below for some more information!
There are a few different kinds of nut milk that do not contain lectins. I’ve listed these below – as previously mentioned, I strongly recommend consulting with your medical physician or nutritionist before trying any of these products if you suffer from a lectin intolerance:
– Almond milk
– Coconut milk
Coconut milk is generally okay for the gut if consumed in appropriate quantities. In fact, if has been shown to have a positive effect on the gut as it’s known for its soothing, anti-inflammatory properties, which help to keep the gut healthy.
You may experience negative effects on your gut if consuming coconut milk in large amounts, as coconut milk is high in fat and may cause cramping or diarrhea if over-consumed.
Coconut milk is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce joint pain and inflammation. Coconut contains high levels of antioxidants, which further promote its anti-inflammatory benefits and help to fight inflammation in the stomach and the rest of the body.
Coconuts do not typically contain lectins, making them suitable for those following a lectin-free diet.
Other coconut products that are lectin-free include the following:
– Coconut milk
– Coconut cream
– Coconut Flour
Here’s some useful information on the similarities and differences between coconut milk and coconut cream!
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