Today we’ll be diving into a very interesting comparison: spelt milk versus coconut milk!
Spelt milk isn’t a very well-known type of milk, yet it boasts some great characteristics that’ll surely make it a popular choice one day! We’ll check those characteristics out in more detail here, and also see how they compare to coconut milk…
Coconut milk is loved by many – and for good reason! It’s creamy, tasty, and really versatile! Plus, who doesn’t love visiting the tropical beaches of Hawaii with their taste buds?
We’ll compare these two plant-based milks head-to-head, piecing together which one is the better choice by checking out their flavor profiles, textures, culinary uses, allergens, and more!
Let’s jump in!
Comparing spelt milk vs coconut milk
Both spelt milk and coconut milk are plant-based. Spelt milk has wheat as an allergen – spelt is known for having less gluten than many modern wheats. It also works in vegan diets, but isn’t a suitable choice for paleo and keto.
Coconut milk is much more versatile than spelt milk, working great in vegan, paleo, and keto diets! However, it has tree nuts as an allergen – yet, many people with tree nut allergies can eat coconut products with no problem, so I recommend seeing your physician to ask!
| Spelt milk | Coconut milk | |
| Type | Plant-based (grains) | Plant-based (nut milk) |
| Allergens | Wheat | Tree nuts* |
| Vegan? | Yes | Yes |
| Paleo? | No | Yes |
| Keto? | Likely not | Yes |
*Most people with tree nut allergies can consume coconut products, so talk to your physician!
Differences between spelt milk and coconut milk
The main differences between spelt milk and coconut milk are their flavor and texture.
Spelt milk is made from spelt, and boasts a nutty and sweet flavor that’s often described as a blend of toasted oats and almonds, which is complemented by its creamy texture – in fact, it’s quite similar to regular cow’s milk in texture!
Coconut milk, on the other hand, comes in carton coconut milk and canned coconut milk versions. Both versions have a rich coconut flavor with nutty undertones, but their textures are quite different from one another.
Carton coconut milk is creamy, but tends to be a bit thinner (although there are thicker varieties). It’s made by blending thicker coconut milk or coconut cream with water, and is the type you buy at the store to drink!
Canned coconut milk is mostly solid at room temperature, and is usually used to make many delicious coconut-based dishes! This version is made by heating high-fat coconut pulp in hot water and then extracting the liquid from the solid pulp.
How to use spelt milk vs coconut milk
Use your spelt milk and coconut milk in these delicious ways:
Spelt milk:
- Use in dairy-free baking recipes and as a regular milk alternative.
- Add it as a dairy-free creamer to your coffees and soups.
- Pour over cereals or granola.
- Make non-dairy yogurt with spelt milk as a base.
- Blend with herbs and spices to create salad dressings.
- Enjoy as a stand alone beverage.
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 spelt milk for coconut milk?
There’s nothing stopping you from using these two interchangeably, creating new flavor twists in great dishes such as pancakes, smoothies, cookies, and even your coffee!
That said, they’re quite different, especially in flavor, so expect whatever you pair them with to change quite dramatically when using them interchangeably!
Nutrition: Spelt milk vs coconut milk
Spelt milk is quite a bit higher in calories than coconut milk – 3 times as high! However, they’re quite similar in fat contents, although coconut milk has more saturated fat (spelt milk has none). Carb content is where we see a massive difference – spelt milk has 24 grams per serving, while coconut milk only has 2 grams. Coconut milk also has less than 1 gram of sugar, while spelt milk has 10 grams per serving.
Both are poor in protein, but coconut milk has great calcium and vitamin D contents – we’re not exactly sure how spelt milk stacks up here, but we do know that it’s great in magnesium, iron, potassium, zinc, and thiamin contents!
| Per 1 cup (237 ml/8 oz.) | Spelt milk | Coconut milk |
| Calories | 132 | 40 |
| Total fat (saturated) | 3.5 g (0 g) | 4 g (3.5 g) |
| Total carbs | 24 g | 2 g |
| Total sugars (incl. added) | 10 g (0 g) | <1 g (0 g) |
| Protein | 2 g | 0 g |
| Calcium | ? DV | 45% DV |
| Vit D | ? DV | 20% DV |
How to store spelt milk and coconut milk
You’ll likely have trouble finding spelt milk in the store, but follow the instructions on the label if you do find it – they can often last up to 12 months unopened! Otherwise, homemade spelt milk is best kept in the fridge and finished within 5 days for the best results!
Carton coconut milk should be stored in the fridge and be finished within 5-7 days after opening, and 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!
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. Also, full-fat coconut milks have a better shelf-life than low-fat versions, so make sure to check the best-before dates and any specific storage instructions!
Spelt milk vs coconut milk: The ultimate verdict
Spelt milk is a great milk made from an ancient grain, and boasts an awesome flavor, texture, and nutritional profile! Plus, it has less gluten than many modern grains, which is an attractive characteristic.
Coconut milk is also wonderful, providing a delicious and unique flavor that’ll add a tropical vibe to anything you want! Plus, it’s super versatile in many different special diets.
I recommend you try out spelt milk, as it’s a great plant-based choice and has some unique qualities – it’s just hard to find in stores! Therefore, coconut milk takes the win here, as it’s way more accessible at the moment and is also really flexible in many different diets!
FAQs
Spelt milk has a slightly nutty and earthy flavor that’s similar to almonds and toasted oats. It also has a nice hint of sweetness.
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.
Leave a Comment