Coconut milk can be found pretty much anywhere you look – it’s a popular milk type for a reason! The delicious coconut flavor with the creamy texture is mouth-watering, and it’s super versatile in many different diets!
Then there’s sesame milk, which is another plant-based milk that’s made from sesame seeds! It’s very unique, and just as versatile as coconut milk!
We’ll take a closer look at both of these, diving into the things that make them great and the things that could be better. Then, you’ll know which one is the better dairy-alternative for you!

Let’s jump in!
Comparing sesame milk vs coconut milk
Both milks are plant-based, but sesame milk has sesame as an allergen while coconut milk has tree nuts as an allergen – many people with a tree nut allergy can still eat coconut products, so talk to your physician!
The great thing about both of these is that they’re super versatile, working in vegan, paleo, and keto diets!
Sesame milk | Coconut milk | |
Type | Plant-based (seeds) | Plant-based (nut milk) |
Allergens | Sesame | Tree nuts* |
Vegan? | Yes | Yes |
Paleo? | Yes | Yes |
Keto? | Yes | Yes |
*Most people with tree nut allergies can consume coconut products, so talk to your physician!
Differences between sesame milk and coconut milk
The main difference between sesame milk and coconut milk is their flavor.
Sesame milk has a nutty flavor with earthy undertones. It’s made by soaking sesame seeds and then blending them with water, which is then strained to give us this thin and smooth milk! It’s also really easy to make sesame milk at home – just be mindful that using black sesame seeds will give a richer and more intense flavor than regular white sesame seeds, as well as color the milk a dark gray.
Coconut milk has a coconut flavor with nutty undertones. There are two different versions that you can get: carton coconut milk and canned coconut milk.
Carton coconut milk is the thin and creamy version that you drink, and is made by blending thicker coconut milk or coconut cream with water. Canned coconut milk is the stuff you usually bake or cook coconut-based dishes with, and it’s mostly solid at room temperature. Unlike carton coconut milk, canned coconut milk is made by heating high-fat coconut pulp in hot water and then extracting the liquid from the solid pulp.
How to use sesame milk vs coconut milk
Use your sesame milk and coconut milk in these great ways:
Sesame milk:
- Bake with it.
- Drink it on its own.
- Pour it over your cereal.
- Mix into your smoothies and oatmeal.
- Add it to your coffee or tea.
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 sesame milk for coconut milk?
You definitely can, as both are thinner milks – but coconut milk is a bit creamier! Also, keep the differing allergens in mind, and their very different flavors will really affect things differently, so using them interchangeably may not be suitable in all conditions.
Nutrition: Sesame milk vs coconut milk
Sesame milk is a little higher in calories than coconut milk, but both are similar in fat – although coconut milk has more saturated fat. They each have 2 grams of carbs per serving, and no sugar (although coconut milk has just a touch, less than 1 gram per serving).
Coconut milk has no protein, but sesame milk has a great protein content of 8 grams per serving. They’re also both solid sources of calcium and vitamin D.
Per 1 cup (237 ml/8 oz.) | Sesame milk | Coconut milk |
Calories | 90 | 40 |
Total fat (saturated) | 5 g (0.5 g) | 4 g (3.5 g) |
Total carbs | 2 g | 2 g |
Total sugars (incl. added) | 0 g | <1 g (0 g) |
Protein | 8 g | 0 g |
Calcium | 30% DV | 45% DV |
Vit D | 25% DV | 20% DV |
How to store sesame milk and coconut milk
Sesame milk is generally shelf-stable at room temperature, so you can store it in your pantry for a few months. However, store it in the fridge after opening it and finish it within 10 days for the best results – homemade sesame milk should be stored in the fridge and consumed within 3 days.
Carton coconut milk should be stored in the fridge and be finished within 5-7 days after opening, while canned coconut milk should be stored in an airtight container inside the fridge after it’s been opened and be used up within 7 days. You can always freeze your coconut milk if you need to store it for longer, which will make it last for up to a month.
Note that full-fat coconut milks last longer than low-fat versions, so always make sure to check the best-before dates and any specific storage instructions on the label!
Sesame milk vs coconut milk: The ultimate verdict
As you can see, both milks offer some great benefits!
Sesame milk boasts a great flavor and some awesome nutritional benefits such as high protein, while coconut milk offers a tropical taste with a great nutritional profile as well!
I recommend you use coconut milk whenever you want that specific flavor, but sesame milk takes the win for being just as versatile, boasting a great protein content and healthy fats, and having a great flavor!
FAQs
Sesame seeds are often considered a superfood because they have a lot of healthy fats, calcium, iron, magnesium, and protein! They also have a solid amount of antioxidants and fiber – but, like anything, consume them in moderation!
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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