UHT milk has been causing quite the buzz ever since it came out – I mean, seeing milk outside the fridge is a little off-putting!
But, this milk type actually doesn’t need any refrigeration until it’s opened – that makes it pretty handy if you’re on-the-go or just want to stock up on milk without it going bad right aways!
Now, we’ll talk about why it does so great outside the fridge, and we’ll also compare it to a very popular plant-based milk: coconut milk!
Coconut milk is a great dairy-alternative that has made itself popular for providing a great flavor, texture, and nutritional qualities! We’ll do a deep dive on both this and UHT milk, comparing the two along the way to see which one is the better one!
Let’s check them out!
Comparing UHT milk vs coconut milk
UHT milk, or ultra high temperature milk, can come in both dairy and non-dairy versions – you have the choice of going plant-based or animal-based! That makes it difficult to know what the allergens are and whether or not it’s vegan, paleo, and keto friendly, but looking at what milk it’s originally sourced from will answer that question!
Coconut milk, on the other hand, is plant-based and has tree nuts as an allergen – coconut is technically considered a tree nut, but a lot of people with tree nut allergies can safely consume coconut products, so talk to your physician! It’s also vegan, paleo, and keto friendly!
| UHT milk (ultra-high temperature) | Coconut milk | |
| Type | Animal or plant-based | Plant-based (nut milk) |
| Allergens | Varies | Tree nuts* |
| Vegan? | Varies | Yes |
| Paleo? | Varies | Yes |
| Keto? | Varies | Yes |
*Most people with tree nut allergies can consume coconut products, so talk to your physician!
Differences between UHT milk and coconut milk
The main difference between UHT milk and coconut milk is how they’re made.
UHT milk (remember, UHT stands for ultra high temperature) refers to any milk – plant-based or animal-based – that has been treated with a higher temperature. This is a bit different from regular pasteurization, as UHT milk is intensely heated for a couple of seconds, resulting in a milk that can last outside of the fridge unopened for up to several months!
It also usually comes in aseptic packaging, which further protects it from contamination and spoilage. UHT milk has a similar flavor to the milk it comes from, but with a bit of a cooked taste to it.
Coconut milk, on the other hand, comes in two different versions: carton coconut milk and canned coconut milk. You’ll probably know carton coconut milk a bit better, as that’s the stuff you drink while canned coconut milk is the stuff you usually bake and cook with.
Carton coconut milk is made by blending thick coconut milk or coconut cream with water, which creates a creamy milk with a wonderful coconut flavor. Coconut cream is fattier than canned coconut milk, so using that when making coconut milk at home can make a fattier coconut milk.
Now, canned coconut milk is much fattier than the carton stuff, and is basically solid at room temperature. It’s made by heating up high-fat coconut pulp in hot water, and then extracting the liquid from the solid pulp.
How to use UHT milk vs coconut milk
There are many great ways to use UHT milk and coconut milk, including:
UHT milk:
- Use it like regular milk but on-the-go.
- Add it to your coffee and tea.
- Pour it over your cereal and granola.
- Stock up on it in your pantry.
- Keep it in case of emergency or loss of fridge power.
- Take it camping.
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.
- Make coconut yogurt.
Can you substitute UHT milk for coconut milk?
Generally speaking, you can use these interchangeably – however, they have really different flavor profiles, and UHT milk can add an interesting taste to baked and cooked things. Plus, it comes in different flavors and textures depending on what it’s made from, so it’s hard to properly use it as a substitute for coconut milk.
Nutrition: UHT milk vs coconut milk
UHT milk generally takes on similar nutrition profiles from the milk it was originally sourced from. However, the high heat treatment usually means that it’ll lose some vitamins and nutrients.
Coconut milk, on the other hand, is low in calories, contains some healthy fats (and some bad saturated fats), is very low in carbs, has almost no sugar, and is very poor in protein. It does have a great calcium and vitamin D content, giving you 45% and 20% of your daily values, respectively.
| Per 1 cup (237 ml/8 oz.) | UHT milk (ultra-high temperature) | Coconut milk |
| Calories | Varies; UHT can be any type of milk. | 40 |
| Total fat (saturated) | 4 g (3.5 g) | |
| Total carbs | 2 g | |
| Total sugars (incl. added) | <1 g (0 g) | |
| Protein | 0 g | |
| Calcium | 45% DV | |
| Vit D | 20% DV |
How to store UHT milk and coconut milk
Because UHT milk has been treated with an intense heat, it’s shelf-stable for a very long time and doesn’t have to be kept in the fridge until you open it. Plus, if you get one in aseptic packaging, it lasts even longer and can be stored for months! Try to consume it within a few days once you open it, however, just like regular milk!
Canned coconut milk needs to be put in an airtight container and then kept in the fridge after you open it. Finish it within 7 days after opening it for best results!
Carton coconut milk should be stored in the fridge, where it’ll last 5-7 days once opened. This can vary a bit depending on the type you buy, as full-fat coconut milk lasts longer than low-fat coconut milk, for example – follow any specific storage instructions on the carton.
You can also freeze your coconut milk if you want to keep it even longer – this will make it last up to a month!
UHT milk vs coconut milk: The ultimate verdict
Both of these milks offer some unique advantages over one another, so it comes down to preferences! UHT milk is great if you don’t have a lot of fridge space or want to stock up on it and keep it in the pantry, while coconut milk is a delicious and creamy choice that adds some great flavors to many dishes…
I recommend you use UHT milk when it’s required, otherwise coconut milk is the better one for providing a delicious flavor profile, having a solid nutritional profile, and being very versatile.
FAQs
That really comes down to your preferences, as UHT milk is better for long-term storage, but coconut milk has an amazing flavor.
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.
UHT milk is great for having a long shelf-life, but the high-temperature treatment can affect its taste and nutritional value, causing less nutrients to be in it than other milks.
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