We have a battle between plant-based milks – and they’re both heavy hitters!
Quinoa milk is as delicious as it is hard to pronounce, and boasts some wonderful nutritional qualities! It’s very unique, and not really easy to find – we’ll talk more about how to get a hold of this delicious milk later!
Coconut milk, on the other hand, is available far and wide…and it’s popular for good reason! The rich and tropical flavor boosts many different dishes, and is a joy to drink on its own. Plus, coconut milk is super versatile in many different diets.
Now, we’ll compare the two and really dig in, doing some detective work to figure out which one of these is the better choice for you!
Let’s jump in!
Comparing quinoa milk vs coconut milk
Quinoa milk and coconut milk are both plant-based. Their allergens are where things start to differ, as quinoa milk is free from the most common allergens while coconut milk has tree nuts as one – although many people with that allergy can still safely consume it, so talk to your physician!
Coconut milk is super versatile, fitting into vegan, paleo, and keto diets! Quinoa milk is also really versatile, working in vegan diets and potentially paleo diets – quinoa is a pseudocereal, so some people say it’s fine for paleo while others say it’s not…
| Quinoa milk | Coconut milk | |
| Type | Plant-based | Plant-based (nut milk) |
| Allergens | None | Tree nuts* |
| Vegan? | Yes | Yes |
| Paleo? | ? | Yes |
| Keto? | No | Yes |
*Most people with tree nut allergies can consume coconut products, so talk to your physician!
Differences between quinoa milk and coconut milk
The main differences between quinoa milk and coconut milk are their flavor and texture.
Quinoa milk has a mild flavor profile that’s nutty and earthy. Its texture is light, thin, and smooth, making it a delight to drink! It’s quite easy to make at home, and the quinoa is often joined by sweeteners such as maple syrup, honey, dates, cinnamon, etc. These can switch up the flavor, giving you a wider range of things to pick from!
Coconut milk has a rich coconut flavor with nutty undertones. Carton coconut milk is creamy, and can range from thinner to thicker. It’s made by blending thick coconut milk or coconut cream with water, and is great for drinking!
Canned coconut milk is the stuff you’ll usually get for making the many delicious coconut dishes out there, as it’s mostly solid at room temperature and not really suitable for drinking – unless you blend it with water!
How to use quinoa milk vs coconut milk
Use your quinoa milk and coconut milk in these tasty ways:
Quinoa milk:
- Use as a dairy alternative.
- Mix into your coffee or tea.
- Blend into smoothies.
- Add it to your oatmeal or use it for your cereal.
- Make hot chocolate with it.
- Enjoy it for its delicious flavor and healthy characteristics.
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 quinoa milk for coconut milk?
In most cases, you absolutely can. Both are plant-based and used in generally the same ways, so go nuts with experimenting! Just keep in mind that they do have very different flavors and different textures, so whatever you pair them with will taste differently – coconut milk is great for adding a tropical vibe to things, while quinoa milk is great as a milder flavor!
Nutrition: Quinoa milk vs coconut milk
Quinoa milk and coconut milk are both lower in calories, but coconut milk has more fat than quinoa milk. Coconut milk is also very low in carbs with just 2 grams per serving, while quinoa milk has a high 13 grams per serving.
Both milks are very low in sugar, but also low in protein – coconut milk has none while quinoa milk at least has 3 grams per serving. Coconut milk is a great choice for its calcium and vitamin D, but we don’t have set numbers on what quinoa milk is like in those. That said, we do know that it’s high in magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium as compared to other plant-based milks – plus, quinoa is considered a complete protein!
| Per 1 cup (237 ml/8 oz.) | Quinoa milk | Coconut milk |
| Calories | 72 | 40 |
| Total fat (saturated) | 1 g (0 g) | 4 g (3.5 g) |
| Total carbs | 13 g | 2 g |
| Total sugars (incl. added) | 1 g (0 g) | <1 g (0 g) |
| Protein | 3 g | 0 g |
| Calcium | ? | 45% DV |
| Vit D | ? | 20% DV |
How to store quinoa milk and coconut milk
Finding quinoa milk in the store is going to prove to be a challenge, and you’ll probably be making your own at home. The homemade stuff should be stored in the fridge, and be consumed within 3-4 days or so.
Carton coconut milk should be stored in the fridge where it’ll last 5-7 days after opening. Make sure to check the labels for best before dates, and follow any specific storage instructions – full-fat coconut milks tend to last longer than low-fat versions, so adjust accordingly.
Canned coconut milk belongs in the fridge as well, but transfer it into an airtight container after you open it. It lasts a little longer than carton coconut milk, being fresh for up to 7 days.
Quinoa milk vs coconut milk: Which is better?
And this nail-biter of a showdown comes to an end!
Both are obviously great choices, with different pros and cons. Quinoa milk is delicious, nutritious, and great for people with allergies – but it’s hard to find in stores! Coconut milk, on the other hand, has a great flavor and versatility, and is especially good for adding the coconut flavor into different dishes – but its stronger taste isn’t for everyone!
Quinoa milk is something I recommend you definitely try, even if you have to make it at home. But coconut milk takes the win for being much more accessible, as well as having a wonderful versatility that makes it easy to use even while following special diets!
FAQs
Quinoa milk has some great nutritional qualities including low calories, low fat, and lots of vitamins and minerals. It’s also a complete protein, which means that it has all nine essential amino acids!
Quinoa milk is made from quinoa, which is a pseudocereal that has some great nutritional qualities! The quinoa is soaked with water and strained, and sometimes has extra sweeteners added!
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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