Today I’m bringing together two plant-based, tropical milks – rice milk, with its delicate charm, and coconut milk, with its thick, creamy texture. With such distinct textures, flavors, nutritional profiles, and uses, we’re set to uncover the ultimate verdict of these types of milk in this article.
Comparing rice milk vs coconut milk
| Rice milk | Coconut milk | |
| Type | Plant-based | Plant-based (nuts) |
| Allergens | None | Tree nuts (though most people with tree nut allergies can consume coconut products) |
| Vegan? | Yes | Yes |
| Paleo? | No | Yes |
| Keto? | No | Yes |
Rice milk is considered the most allergen-friendly milk out there, while coconut milk contains tree nuts, although most people with tree nut allergies can consume coconut products. Being a plant-based milk, rice milk is suitable for vegans, but it isn’t paleo- or keto-friendly, given its carb content. Coconut milk, on the other hand, fits vegan and keto diets and is considered the most popular paleo-friendly milk.
Differences between rice milk and coconut milk
Just looking at both milks, you’ll see that their textures are on different ends of the spectrum – and so are their flavors. Rice milk is light and gentle, with a naturally sweet flavor. It has quite a watery consistency, which is extremely contrasting to coconut milk. Coconut milk is thick and indulgent, and 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, typically fortified with calcium and vitamin D. For the purposes of this article, we’ll be focusing on the carton variety.
How to use rice milk vs coconut milk
Rice milk:
- Pour over your morning cereal.
- Blend into your smoothies for a mellow base in replacement of water.
- Use in baking recipes to infuse a gentle moisture.
- Cook oatmeal with rice milk.
- Make light puddings and custards.
- Substitute in casseroles and gravies.
Coconut milk:
- Create rich, aromatic curries and sauces.
- Transform your morning coffee into a velvety coconut latte.
- Create creamy puddings, yogurt, custards, and vegan cheesecakes.
- Whip into a dairy-free topping for desserts.
- Add to enhance the body of soups and stews – try out this butternut squash soup recipe!
- Make vegan coconut milk eggnog.
Can you substitute rice milk for coconut milk?
Rice milk and coconut milk can be used for some of the same purposes, including in smoothies and warm drinks, desserts, and some savory recipes. However, don’t forget that their textures and flavors are worlds apart. Rice milk will provide a much thinner consistency and mild flavor, while coconut milk will be very rich and more suitable for full-bodied curries, indulgent desserts, and creamy beverages.
Nutrition: Rice milk vs coconut milk
Both milks are considered nutritious in their own way but also can have less favorable qualities too. One benefit is that they’re low in calories, at 70 calories per cup of rice milk and 40 calories per cup of coconut milk. Another is that they essentially have no sugar content, which means you can control the amount of sugar in your recipes. Coconut milk is a calcium powerhouse, giving you 45% of your DV, while rice milk provides 20% of your DV. Both milks provide 25% of your DV for vitamin D as well.
On the other hand, coconut milk and rice milk are the lowest in protein among all milks, with 0 grams per cup. Coconut milk also has the highest saturated fat content out of all plant-based milks, with 3.5g per cup. Rice milk has a high glycemic index, as it is higher in carbs (13g) than many plant-based milks.
| Per 1 cup (237 ml/8 oz.) | Calories | Total fat (sat. fat) | Total carbs | Total sugars (incl. added) | Protein | Calcium | Vit D |
| Rice milk | 70 | 2.5 g (0 g) | 13 g | <1 g (0 g) | 0 g | 20% DV | 25% DV |
| Coconut milk | 40 | 4 g (3.5 g) | 2 g | <1 g (0 g) | 0 g | 45% DV | 25% DV |
How to store rice milk and coconut milk
Most cans and cartons of coconut milk and rice milk cartons are shelf/pantry stable if unopened but need to be refrigerated immediately after opening. If you’ve made homemade rice milk or homemade coconut milk, it will need to be refrigerated straight away. A good tip is to store these milks in the middle of your fridge rather than at the fridge door, as the temperature will be cooler that way.
In terms of length of time, coconut milk tends to last just as long as most non-dairy milks, within 7 to 10 days of opening. In some cases, it can last longer – just make sure to keep an eye on the expiry date. Rice milk tends to last longer, potentially from 3 to 6 weeks.
Rice milk vs coconut milk: What’s the verdict?
The verdict is that rice milk’s delicate sweetness is perfectly suited for pouring over grains and lighter recipes, while coconut milk is ideal for indulgent recipes and creating a beautiful blend of powerful flavors. They’re a bit like the yin and yang of non-dairy milks, so using them where they shine brightest is likely the best move.
FAQs
Coconut milk brings forth some enticing health benefits, such as heart-friendly fats and a load of calcium. But for those looking for a higher protein content or a lower saturated fat content, it might not be the best choice.
If you’re looking for a lower-fat coconut milk sub with a little bit of a different nutritional profile, soy milk or cashew milk may fit the bill. Soy milk still maintains a good fat content to provide the same sort of texture while giving you a protein boost. Cashew milk also boasts that creamy texture that works wonders in sauces and soups and mimics the consistency of cow’s milk.
Rice milk and almond milk are among the plant-based milks with slightly thinner consistencies. They both have a light, refreshing quality to them but come with different perks too. Rice milk is a great alternative if you have any nut allergies, while almond milk is one of the lowest-carb milks out there.
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