We all know and love coconut milk – it’s a classic plant-based milk that’s absolutely perfect for enjoying that tropical and rich coconut flavor! Plus, it’s super versatile in many different diets, but we’ll talk more about that in just a bit.
On the other hand, we have a less-known type of milk in pistachio milk, which boasts its own great characteristics that are absolutely worth checking out! Plus, it has a unique color…
We’ll dive deeper into both of these here, checking out what’s great and what’s not-so-great about each of them. This will let us compare them directly in things like flavor profiles, culinary uses, allergens, and much more!

Let’s find out whether pistachio milk or coconut milk is better!
Comparing pistachio milk vs coconut milk
Both milks are plant-based, with both containing tree nuts as allergens. However, many people with tree nut allergies can actually eat coconut products, so talk to your physician to double check!
Pistachio milk and coconut milk are also super versatile, fitting right into vegan, paleo, and keto diets. That said, pistachio milk is only suitable for keto diets if it’s made with sweeteners that are keto-friendly, so be sure to check the label.
Pistachio milk | Coconut milk | |
Type | Plant-based (nut/seed) | Plant-based (nut milk) |
Allergens | Tree nuts | Tree nuts* |
Vegan? | Yes | Yes |
Paleo? | Yes | Yes |
Keto? | Could be if made with keto-friendly sweetener (the sole commercial brand we found nutrition info for is sweetened) | Yes |
*Most people with tree nut allergies can consume coconut products, so talk to your physician!
Differences between pistachio milk and coconut milk
The main differences between pistachio milk and coconut milk is their flavor.
Pistachio milk boasts a nutty and slightly earthy flavor profile. It’s also fairly sweet, as many brands add extra sweeteners – you can make pistachio milk at home if you want control over what sweeteners are added or if you want an unsweetened version.
The texture is creamy, but the most unique thing about pistachio milk is its color – it’s light green!
Coconut milk has a rich coconut flavor with nutty undertones. Like pistachio milk, coconut milk is creamy, but it comes in two different versions that really affects its texture: carton coconut milk and canned coconut milk…
Carton coconut milk is creamy but generally a bit thinner overall. It’s the kind that you drink, and is made by blending thicker coconut milk or coconut cream with water. Canned coconut milk is mostly solid at room temperature, as it’s made by heating high-fat coconut pulp up in hot water before extracting the liquid from the solid pulp. You’ll usually use this version to make dishes that are coconut-based!
How to use pistachio milk vs coconut milk
Use your pistachio milk and coconut milk in these delicious ways:
Pistachio milk:
- Add it to your smoothies and oatmeal.
- Drink it straight.
- Put it in your coffee or tea.
- Bake things like pancakes and waffles.
- Pour it over your cereal.
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 pistachio milk for coconut milk?
In most cases, using pistachio milk and coconut milk interchangeably should be completely fine. They’re both plant-based milks with similar allergens and dietary compatibilities, as well as boasting creamy textures. That said, they have very different flavor profiles, so expect to get very different outcomes in whatever dishes you substitute them in.
The differing flavors might make certain dishes unsuitable for using them interchangeably, however. For example, a coconut-based dish needs the coconut flavor, so using pistachio milk instead wouldn’t be appropriate in that case.
Nutrition: Pistachio milk vs coconut milk
Pistachio milk is twice as high in calories as coconut milk, but both are similar in total fat content – note that coconut milk has 3.5 grams of saturated fat per serving, while pistachio milk has none. Pistachio milk has more carbs and sugar than coconut milk, but only 2 grams more protein per serving (which is better than the 0 grams in coconut milk).
Coconut milk has a great calcium content and a solid vitamin D content, while pistachio milk isn’t the best in either of those…
Per 1 cup (237 ml/8 oz.) | Pistachio milk | Coconut milk |
Calories | 80 | 40 |
Total fat (saturated) | 3.5 g (0 g) | 4 g (3.5 g) |
Total carbs | 9 g | 2 g |
Total sugars (incl. added) | 7 g (6 g) | <1 g (0 g) |
Protein | 2 g | 0 g |
Calcium | 2% DV | 45% DV |
Vit D | 0% DV | 20% DV |
How to store pistachio milk and coconut milk
Pistachio milk should be stored in a sealed container inside the fridge. This will prevent it from taking on any flavors or odors in your fridge. Try to finish it within 7-10 days, but double-check the best before dates on the label!
Carton coconut milk should be stored in the fridge as well, and be finished within 5-7 days after opening. Full-fat coconut milks have a better shelf-life than low-fat versions, so check the best before dates and any specific storage instructions for the one you buy on the label. You can also freeze your coconut milk and keep it for up to a month.
Canned coconut milk should also be kept in the fridge – but in an airtight container after it’s been opened. Use it up within 7 days for the best results!
Pistachio milk vs coconut milk: Which is better?
As you can see, there are great things about each of these – that doesn’t make the final decision very easy!
You can definitely make the argument that the better one comes down to what kind of flavor you want, as they’re both similar in terms of allergens and dietary compatibility. However, they do have some bigger differences in their nutritional profiles, so make sure you get what fits your needs!
Overall, coconut milk takes the win for providing a unique and great flavor, along with being low in carbs and calories, high in calcium and vitamin D, and for being super accessible!
FAQs
Pistachio milk has some great fats, a bit of protein, magnesium, and some other solid nutrients. That said, it’s poor in vitamin D and often has added sugar and sweeteners.
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.
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