How to Make Coconut Milk (Best Method + No-Strain Option)
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Homemade coconut milk is a fantastic recipe for dairy-free milk that tastes great and saves a lot of money over store-bought options.
You can make it with or without straining, and the no-strain version is naturally creamy and foamy right after blending. It’s made with just dried coconut and water, and both options are simple, affordable, and easy to customize. Using hot water is the best method for a smooth, traditional coconut milk, but you can also skip straining for a faster option.
I'm all about DIY versions of kitchen staples like almond milk, homemade rice milk, powdered sugar substitute, and dairy-free condensed milk.
Basically, if it's possible to DIY it, especially when it comes to food items, you better believe I'm going to try it.
And making homemade coconut milk is one of the easiest things you can make at home.
All you need is dried coconut and water. That's it.
Why Make Homemade Coconut Milk
Homemade coconut milk is so much less expensive than store-bought, and it has no additives. No sweeteners (unless you want them) and no emulsifiers or preservatives.
What You'll Need
How to Make Coconut Milk (Best Method + No-Strain Option)
The best way to make homemade coconut milk is to use hot water to soften the dried coconut. This yields a smoother result that's closer to store-bought.
- Add shredded coconut and hot (not boiling) water to blender
- Let sit 1-2 minutes (optional)
- Blend until smooth and fully combined (30–60 seconds)
- Use as-is (no need to strain), or strain using a nut milk bag or cheesecloth for smoother texture
- Adjust thickness with more water if needed.
Strained vs. No-Strain Coconut Milk
Most recipes for homemade coconut milk require straining. No-strain coconut milk is another option and is by far the easiest method. It’s also what we use most often in our home.
It's super fast and amazingly creamy right after blending, which makes it perfect for busy mornings when you don't have time for straining or heating water.
Simply use room temperature filtered water, blend with coconut shreds, and use. After cooling, it does get grainy, but you can either stir and just make it work or make smaller batches as needed.
No-Strain Coconut Milk
- fastest method
- slightly more texture
- still smooth and rich, especially when fresh
- no extra tools needed
Strained Coconut Milk
- smoother, more like store-bought
- better for coffee or certain recipes
- requires nut milk bag or cheesecloth
- takes a little more time
Best Way to Strain Coconut Milk (Without the Mess)
Straining coconut milk gives a smoother texture, but it’s also helpful to think about cleanup and how you handle the leftover pulp. Fat and fiber can build up in pipes over time and lead to clogs.
Nut Milk Bag
A nut milk bag is a good reusable option for straining coconut milk. After straining, you remove the pulp and then rinse the bag.
Cheesecloth (Easiest Cleanup)
Cheesecloth is the easiest cleanup option. You simply use it and toss it in the garbage after use, so no scraping or rinsing needed. If you buy it in bulk, it's quite inexpensive to use.
Simply cut the cheesecloth into 8-12 inch squares and use a double layer if desired for better straining. While it's a single-use item, it is cotton, so it's a natural material that can even be composted.
Fine-Mesh Strainer
A fine-mesh strainer is another option but it's possibly the most difficult to use. Like the nut milk bag, clean off as much of the pulp as possible and then rinse.
What Happens When You Refrigerate Homemade Coconut Milk
With any homemade coconut milk, it will separate some after chilling due to it not having additives like store-bought milk. Simply shake or stir before serving.
How to Use Homemade Coconut Milk
- In recipes as a dairy-free alternative if you are dairy allergic, vegan, or just plain out of milk
- In smoothies
- Plain: our son LOVES coconut milk with some stevia extract or this Liquid Vanilla Stevia
- Over hot or cold cereal, or even on Baked Oatmeal
- Frozen into coconut milk ice cubes to keep drinks from being diluted with water
- In hot drinks like coffee, tea, coffee substitute or as a base in this Caffeine-free Chai Latte or Protein Hot Chocolate (the creamy no-strain version is especially delicious in these)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have to strain coconut milk?
No — it depends on your preference. Straining gives a smoother texture, but skipping it is faster and works well, especially in hot beverages.
Can you make coconut milk from shredded coconut?
Yes — dried unsweetened shredded coconut works great.
How long does homemade coconut milk last?
Typically 3–4 days in the fridge.
Should you use hot water for making coconut milk?
Yes, using hot water is much better for making homemade coconut milk, but you can use cold water and still get good results.
Homemade Coconut Milk
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried unsweetened shredded coconut
- 3-4 cups hot water (not boiling. Adjust for thickness.)
Instructions
- Place the shredded coconut in a high-speed blender.
- Pour hot (not boiling) water over the coconut. Let sit for 1–2 minutes to soften (optional but recommended).
- Blend on high for 1–2 minutes until smooth.
- Strain through a nut milk bag or cheesecloth if desired.
- Use immediately or store in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Faster no-strain option: For a quicker method, blend coconut with room temperature water and skip straining. This version is slightly more textured but still works well for many uses.
- Straining tip: For easiest cleanup, use cheesecloth and discard after use, or remove pulp before rinsing to avoid buildup in your sink.
- Storage: Coconut milk will naturally separate in the fridge. Shake or stir before using.
- Optional sweetener: If desired, you can add a small amount of sweetener such as stevia, maple syrup, or honey to taste after blending. Start low and adjust to taste.
- Salt: If using sweetener, add a dash of salt.
- Yield amount: This will vary slightly depending on how much water you use and whether or not you strain the milk.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is merely an approximation. Optional ingredients are not included and when there is an alternative, the primary ingredient is typically used. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site. Erythritol carbs are not included in carb counts since they have been shown not to impact blood sugar. Net carbs are the total carbs minus fiber.
More Super Fast Whole Food Pantry Staples
- Powdered Egg Replacer – Great for all your baking needs. Comparable to store-bought egg replacers.
- Powdered Sugar Substitute – Works just like the real thing.
- Easiest Almond Milk Ever – Similar to this recipe, and ready in minutes.
- Homemade Rice Milk – So simple and budget-friendly.
- Homemade Coconut Butter – So simple and so frugal!
- Homemade Taco Seasoning – Tastes better than store-bought packets.
- Keto Cinnamon Sugar – A delicious low-carb option. See which blend we liked best.
Have you ever made Homemade Coconut Milk?
I put it in the fridge to let cool and the top is all hard. Is that normal? Do I just scoop that out and throw it away or what are your thoughts?
Hi there – that happens b/c the solids aren’t strained out. You can do that if you like but we just stir them back in b/c it’s easier that way, plus there are uses for them–some dry them and use them in recipes :).
I have a quick question: how long does it last in the fridge? I have a spouse with auto immune issues and can’t do a lot of fresh juices unless it is same day. Thanks!
The typical thinking on this is 4 days max. You could always make a smaller batch as well — hope it works well for you!
Hi. You’re recommending grinding the coconut flakes before blending them. I found this 4 lb bag of organic coconut flour on Amazon for under $11. It seems to be 100% ground up coconut. I’m interested in your thoughts on possibly using this instead of buying flakes and grinding them up.
https://www.amazon.com/Organic-Coconut-Anthonys-Verified-Gluten-Free/dp/B00BSZBEAG/ref=pd_rhf_dp_s_all_spx_wp_0_2/143-2471752-6930750
Thank you
Steve
Hi there. Coconut flour is not just ground up coconut. It’s what remains after making coconut milk and sifting it. Hope that is helpful!
Hi Adrienne. I didn’t know that coconut flour is the remains of coconut milk. That’s not what I want! Thank you for educating me.
Sure! What do you mean that it’s not what you want? Thanks!
I mean I don’t want the remnants of making coconut milk to make coconut milk, I want coconut flakes or similar grated forms of coconut. What you suggested in your posts.
Thank you!
You are so welcome!
There’s a big problem with throwing away the coconut solids. Those solids can be used to make coconut flour! Recipes all over the internet. I will be doing this to make dog treats, and to try with recipes.
Hi Tere. Actually I really don’t advocate tossing the solids, but actually coconut flour is from the coconut meat and not from the fat that is separated out like that. I don’t know why people think that but it isn’t the case. You can use the solids but it won’t work like coconut flour in regular applications.
I love how simple this is to make and budget friendly! It is great to be able to make this and control the ingredients and sweetness myself!
Thanks, Stacey!! That’s what we love about it too. I am pretty happy every time I make it that I saved $$!
I have lots of fresh coconuts and I will toast my own coconuts. Can I use my fresh coconut flakes to make this recipe?
Yes, you can. You would use a bit less water since there is some liquid in there but it wouldn’t offset it too much. Enjoy!
Hi!
What kind of coffee grinder do you recommend? I’m unable to click on it to open.
Thanks!
Sorry about that. For whatever reason there was no link there. I have since put one in.
I make coconut milk using Coconut Creme Concentrate from Tropical Traditions (other brands call it Coconut Manna, Coconut Butter, etc.). It’s basically 70% coconut oil and 30% coconut meat. Add water and blend well. You can filter it too if it feels gritty from the coconut meat.
Sounds yummy! How much water to how much Coconut Butter? Thx!
I just do it till it’s like milk. Start with half water, half coconut butter and go from there.
Hi,
Thanks so much for this recipe. Now all I need is a container to put it in. 🙂
It does sound easy. I have an older blender that I bought at a yard sale and it
works great with recipes that I have made in it. It’s fast. I love it.
Again, thanks for the recipe. I have signed up for more good stuff that you send out.
Rose Brennan
You are so welcome! I just put it in any kitchen food storage container. Good for you on the blender and thanks for the kind words!
hi I’m really excited to try this recipe but it says add enough water for 5 cups coconut milk. Does this mean 5 cups water? Or is it less?
Add water so that the total amount in your blender is 5 cups. Hope it works well for you!