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Home ยป Homemade Coconut Milk Recipe

Homemade Coconut Milk Recipe

by Adrienne 179 Comments Published February 19, 2011 Updated: Jul 05, 2020

This post may contain affiliate links from which I will earn a commission. Learn more in our disclosure.
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Easiest Homemade Coconut Milk{UPDATE, 10/9/12:  This recipe has been updated to be better, but still super easy.  See Easiest Coconut Milk - Improved!}

Why make homemade coconut milk, you ask?  When it's easy to just pick up a can at the grocery or health food store?

Well, you see, we love coconut milk.

We also love dried coconut, fresh coconut, coconut oil, coconut butter (check out my post on how to make your own coconut butter)-well, coconut in any of its forms.

We love coconut milk because it tastes great, but also because it is a great dairy-free, lactose-free milk alternative (my son has a life-threatening dairy allergy and my husband is severely lactose intolerant).

However, there are two things that I do not like about coconut milk.

  • One is its price. One of the biggest obstacles in transitioning to a more whole foods based diet can be cost.  As such, we need to try to trim those costs in any reasonable way possible.
  • And the second is that, if you aren't careful, you might end up with a coconut milk that contains sodium metabisulfite, one of those icky preservatives. Who needs 'em?  Better to have your own coconut milk fresh made right in your own kitchen!

Now, coconut milk, even at a good price, costs approximately $1.50 per 14 ounce can, while the organic version typically costs around $2.00 per can.  So being the kind of cost-conscious and environmentally conscious person that I am, I sought out to try to make homemade coconut milk myself.

The EASIEST Homemade Coconut Milk

More On this Homemade Coconut Milk

I found that I could quickly

  • save a lot of money
  • control the ingredients, and, in the process,
  • help the environment by reducing excessive packaging.

One thing necessary for me to make something myself on an ongoing basis is that the process must save me money and not be too time-intensive.  For example, a one-time trial of making coconut milk from fresh coconut and then straining out the extra flesh might be a fun family activity or homeschool experiment, but I don't have time to do it on an ongoing basis.

I will preface this recipe by saying that there is a more purist way of making homemade coconut milk from dried coconut.  I might just show you that in a future post, in addition to a way to make coconut flour, should you so desire.  But for now, this is an easy quick way to get the job done and save you lots of money.  And that is the kind of recipe that I like :-).

Update: A reader just asked if you can use this homemade coconut milk in my dairy-free ice creams.  The answer - "Yes!"  That's what I used.  More recipes will come, but for now, enjoy

  • Mint Chocolate Coconut Milk Ice Cream and
  • Chocolate Almond Chip Coconut Milk Ice Cream.This post may contain affiliate links from which I will earn a commission.
Easiest Homemade Coconut Milk

Homemade Coconut Milk Recipe

This is the Easiest Homemade Coconut Milk Recipe around. No bags, no waste, and super frugal. For drinking, baking, and all your dairy-free needs.
4.67 from 3 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Beverage
Cuisine: AIP, Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, Keto, Low-Carb, Paleo, Vegan, whole30

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 4 cups water

Instructions

  • Blend on high speed for at least 2 3 minutes. (Note: I adjusted this time from 2 minutes due to a reader's comment that the previous 2 minutes left some flakes of coconut. This is much better. 3 minutes is sufficient for a high-powered blender like Vitamix. You will need additional time if using a regular blender. Simply blend until the contents are well mixed and frothy on top.)
Tried this recipe?Mention @wholenewmom or tag #wholenewmom!
3.4.3177

I really love this milk when it is freshly made.  The froth on top is wonderfully creamy and I use it to top a warm mug of coffee substitute in the morning.  If you make more than you will use at once, just stir it prior to using to make it more uniform in consistency.  Canned coconut milk tends to separate as well, there are just a bit more coconut solids in this version.

It really is that simple.

How can you use coconut milk?

I keep mine in a large pitcher in the refrigerator and use it for:

  • smoothies,
  • baking, and
  • just drinking plain.
  • freeze it in ice cube trays and plop into warm coffee or tea when you need some "creamer."
  • If you happen to be one of those lucky Vitamix owners, you can even put the coconut milk cubes into the Vitamix with some sweetener and fruit and make an amazing smoothie!

Homemade coconut milk will only keep for 4-5 days in the fridge, so could make only 1 3/4 cups at a time, which is the amount in a typical 14-ounce can.  Just use 1/4 cup of dried coconut and fill your blender container with water to the 1 3/4 cup mark.  Blend as directed above.

Clearly, this recipe meets the "simple and reproducible" requirement.  Well, how about the money-saving part?

Assuming you spend $4.50 per pound for your organic unsweetened coconut (a typical price), you would be able to make 14 ounces of organic coconut milk for only 22 cents, plus the cost of your water.  Now, that's worth it for this bargain-hunting mom.  Let me know how it works for you!

Check out my post on how to make Coconut Butter for another super-frugal coconut treat.

Into Making Your Own Everything?  Check out my

  • Recipes page
  • Homemade Coconut Butter
  • Homemade Egg Replacer Recipe for more ideas.

What is your favorite way to use coconut milk?

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About Adrienne

Adrienne Urban is the Founder and Owner of Whole New Mom. She has a background in research, journalism, insurance, employee benefits, financial markets, frugal living, and nutrition. Seeking a better life for herself and her family, she uses research and consults with many physicians and other practitioners to find solutions to the variety of issues they have dealt with including life-threatening food allergies and thyroid and adrenal concerns. WholeNewMom.com is the result of her experiences and knowledge gained throughout the process. Posts are reviewed and verified by the Whole New Mom team.

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    Recipe Rating




     

  1. Charlotte Travis

    April 26, 2020 at 6:43 pm

    Hi Adrienne,
    I'm not a new mom. In fact, I'm an older mom at 76 years old. I'm always searching the web for keto, paleo, dairy free recipes and came across your website while searching for a better chia pudding recipe. When I saw that you soak your nuts and dehydrate them I knew I liked you because I've been doing that for many years.
    I'm going to try your chocolate chia pudding tomorrow and I can't wait.
    Thanks.

    Reply
    • Adrienne

      May 07, 2020 at 11:44 am

      Hi there and welcome! So glad you are here. How did the chia go?

      Reply
  2. susan m

    September 03, 2019 at 1:09 pm

    Hi Adrienne. I have a question. Have you ever made a non-dairy yogurt?

    Reply
    • Adrienne

      September 03, 2019 at 1:39 pm

      Hi there. I did try it twice with varying results. I would like to give it another go. I am thinking coconut milk---would that be what you are interested in?

      Reply
      • susan m

        September 03, 2019 at 2:22 pm

        Yes I would love to try a recipe using Coconut milk. I bought some yogurt today made with Coconut milk and would really like to make my own. Please let me know if you try it again!
        Thank you!

        Reply
        • Adrienne

          September 12, 2019 at 10:08 pm

          Hi there. Stay tuned! I'm sure I will be working on it. Are you subscribed? You can go here to sign up for updates: https://wholenewmom.com/10-things-you-need-to-know-about-essential-oils-before-you-buy/

          I will be revisiting oils too, but you can use that link to sign up if you are so inclined.

          Reply
      • susan m

        September 09, 2019 at 4:18 pm

        Yes that would be great! How will I know when you try it?

        Reply
        • Adrienne

          September 09, 2019 at 4:24 pm

          Hopefully very soon! You can subscribe to updates and you will find out! I'm looking at doing some other DF products too - one post I'm working on updating right now, in fact. You can go here to subscribe if you like: https://wholenewmom.com/10-things-you-need-to-know-about-essential-oils-before-you-buy/

          Reply
  3. Nikolina

    February 15, 2019 at 8:18 am

    Hi! Do you have any idea what could I do with the remaining coconut pulp?
    Thanks ! ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
    • Adrienne

      February 15, 2019 at 2:34 pm

      I've seen people make facial scrubs and "bread crumbs"--neat ideas!

      Reply
      • Nikolina Klarin

        February 15, 2019 at 2:48 pm

        Thanks for your response! ?

        Reply
        • Adrienne

          February 15, 2019 at 2:56 pm

          Of course!

          Reply
          • Nikolina Klarin

            February 15, 2019 at 3:17 pm

            Sorry; I meant:"Thanks for your response!" ?

            Reply
            • Adrienne

              February 15, 2019 at 3:26 pm

              No problem. I understood!

              Reply
  4. Barbara

    February 10, 2018 at 11:16 am

    I am too poor to afford water filters. My water where I live is FULL OF MINERAL SEDIMENT from the hot water heater. Lots of bad stuff in cold water. So the bath and shower is out for detox. What's the least, cheapest way to detox. I cook all my own foods, do your recipes that are within my budget, have a stick emersion blender. That's it. I do have a lot of determination because my doctor just put me on a bad laxative and is planning to get me to gasterologist. Can't even afford that copay so won't be able to go. So I need VERY LOW COST INFORMATION. I do take three medications per day that must be taken that I know affect my liver. I refuse any other meds. Blood pressure and cholesterol are a problem so your info and recipes will help me. Sorry this is so long but it so IMPORTANT. PLEASE ANSWER. I really don't know if this is the place for this comment. Too old and dumb.

    Reply
    • Adrienne

      February 10, 2018 at 10:40 pm

      Hi there. I'm so sorry for all you are dealing with. I am not a detox expert but I have heard of people using just lots of fresh produce or diatomaceous earth, which is mentioned in the comments of this post: https://wholenewmom.com/health-concerns/how-i-recovered-from-mercury-poisoning/

      Reply
  5. Debbie

    March 02, 2017 at 3:25 pm

    If you have a Vitamix (or other high powered blender), is the consistency smooth even without straining or are there any bits? I have two highly sensitive kiddos and if the milk is bitty, they won't like it. I have made coconut milk many times this way (with my old school blender) and I've always strained it. I'd love to skip this step, but I'd like to know more about the consistency first. Thanks!!

    Reply
    • Adrienne

      March 02, 2017 at 6:42 pm

      HI there. I think it's pretty smooth but if your kids are very sensitive then they will find it to be a little gritty. Perhaps if you make this and them make milk from it that would work. https://wholenewmom.com/whole-new-budget/make-your-own-coconut-butter/

      Reply
  6. Queen Yemayah

    December 14, 2016 at 2:02 am

    5 stars
    I think this is a great alternative to those,who want a fresher coconut milk but dont have a lot of time :). I'm African n Hispanic and an Artisan, and the way i make my coconut milk if i dont buy organic is straight from the coconut. Just toss the meat in any good blender and it separates. Keep that full fat milk, combine with the coconut water, and an organic thickener of your choice, along with a little citric acid ( vitamin c powder), and boom you have coconut milk better than Silk or the So Delicious brands with a decent shelf life of around 14 days! Be well ??

    Reply
  7. Victoria

    October 10, 2016 at 6:51 pm

    Hi! I was wondering where you get dried coconut for cheap, I just stumbled on this site and is planning to use this recipe for my milk tea store.

    Reply
    • Adrienne

      October 11, 2016 at 3:36 pm

      I have been buying from Country Life Natural Foods and am moving to Azure this time b/c they have Organic at a pretty reasonable price.

      Reply
      • tosin

        February 21, 2017 at 10:14 am

        5 stars
        that is nice. I LOVE BUYING JUICE BUT NOW READY TO DO MINE.

        Reply
  8. Jaye

    January 22, 2016 at 7:15 am

    I made this coconut milk as per recipe put it in the fridge in a glass milk bottle. Went to drink in the morning and a thick hard butter formed on the top no matter how hard I shook the bottle it just wouldn't move so I ended up having to throw it away. What am I doing wrong?

    Reply
    • Adrienne

      January 22, 2016 at 5:05 pm

      Hi there. We typically stir that back into the milk - it didn't work for you?

      Reply
    • Wanda Torruella

      January 04, 2017 at 4:05 pm

      4 stars
      Hi..just passing through and read your question..unless coconut was or tastes rancid do not throw away milk. What you're speaking of is fat from coconut. Just place it in blender or microwave amount you will consume for a minute or so . Coconut fat will disolve...it's normal for this to happen.

      Reply
  9. Mariam

    December 04, 2015 at 2:38 pm

    I'm in Canada, but was brought up in India. Coconut is a daily part of life there.

    I just want to mention that using dried shredded coconut means that all the nutrients and oils have been squeezed out of it before it does for drying. This extract is the good part of the coconut. It contains all the healthy nutrients.

    The authentic Indian way to make coconut milk is to use fresh shredded coconut and blend it well. Squeeze out the milk with your hand. You can use a potato ricer if you want. This is the actual coconut milk that contains Omega 3 oils and other healthy nutrients.

    Reply
    • Adrienne

      December 04, 2015 at 5:51 pm

      Oh really? I thought just all the water came out. I have a post coming up that you will be interested in.........

      Let me know :).

      Reply
      • Mariam

        December 04, 2015 at 6:42 pm

        Please do let me know when you write that post ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
        • Adrienne

          December 05, 2015 at 9:32 am

          Hi again. Please subscribe to post updates or newsletter so you will be sure to get it :). I think it will be Monday or Tuesday.

          Reply
    • dawn

      May 08, 2017 at 11:40 pm

      when you say the oil has been squeezed out, are you sure you're not thinking about coconut powder or flour?

      Reply
  10. Andi

    October 21, 2015 at 10:32 am

    Hi, could someone please tell me how to mix up the coconut milk that has been stored in the fridge?
    My Coconunt milk turns out beautiful, I use the VitaMix and the nut bag to strain, however I have not figured out how to mix up what's been stored in the fridge.... I tried reblending it but it ruins it. Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated.

    Reply
    • Adrienne

      October 21, 2015 at 9:58 pm

      What happens when you blend it? We have basically stirred ours w/ a spatula and just deal with it. I'm surprised you are having issues after using a nut milk bag.

      Reply
      • Andi

        October 22, 2015 at 10:06 am

        The nut bag results in a beautiful coconut milk. I tried to blend the levtovers that had been refrigerated and it basically did the same thing that whipping cream would do if you over blended it.
        When you use the coconut milk that has been refrigerated do you mix in the hard layer formed on top?
        If so do you just stir it in and deal with the consistency?
        Just seems that the hard layer contains all the good stuff....
        Thanks for replying ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
        • Adrienne

          October 22, 2015 at 10:24 am

          Hi there. I do just mix it in. It isn't perfect but so much cheaper and I like that we aren't "addicted" to the store bought texture that is often achieved by things like carrageenan and the like. Hope that helps!

          Reply
          • Andi

            October 22, 2015 at 10:47 pm

            It does help, thank you for taking the time to reply. It sure makes you realize just how unhealthy the store bought products must be when they last for so long in the fridge compared to the homemade....

            Reply
            • Adrienne

              October 23, 2015 at 11:51 am

              I agree.

              Reply
  11. mattias

    September 11, 2015 at 9:47 pm

    i have never tryed to make coconut milk jett but dosent it seems that when using o fresch coconut u know frech whit the wather inside, that it contan like vitamins and all wouldent it be better to use frech insted of dryed?

    Reply
    • Adrienne

      September 12, 2015 at 7:52 am

      I would think it doesn't matter as drying doesn't remove the nutrients -- just the water. Of course, if you are talking about the coconut water and not being able to drink it -- sure. But I think the convenience much outweighs any nutritional benefit.

      Reply
  12. Arlene

    May 21, 2015 at 10:58 pm

    Can I make coconut milk out of the oil? If so is the ratio the same ?

    Reply
    • Adrienne

      May 22, 2015 at 10:05 am

      No, you can't. Just out of the coconut.

      Reply
  13. Bev

    May 08, 2015 at 1:28 pm

    Hi Adrienne! I just wanted to thank you for your website!! It is absolutely the best I have ever come across.

    Reply
    • Adrienne

      May 08, 2015 at 1:43 pm

      You are just too kind - thank you :)!

      Reply
  14. Bill

    February 16, 2015 at 5:47 pm

    Could this be made with raw coconut taken from a whole coconut you buy at the store? at a considerable cost of buying shredded coconut.
    I was able to remove 12 ounces of raw coconut today at the cost of $1.29 for the Coconut.
    I seen a video of someone using what looks like the entire contents of a coconut with 4 or 5 cups of water in their Vitamix.
    You recommend 1 cup of shredded coconut which weighs about 3 ounces with 4 cups of water. Are you stretching the coconut water ratio because a whole coconut seems excessive with only 4 cups of water.
    Just wondering as I have a VItamix 7500 and am looking for recipes.
    Thanks Bill

    Reply
    • Adrienne

      February 16, 2015 at 6:48 pm

      Yes, you could but keep in mind that the dried coconut has the water removed so you can't compare the cost of dried to fresh coconut since the water is removed from the dried coconut. I have seen other recipes that call for 2 cups of dried coconut per 4 cups of water and am thinking about revising my recipe. Does that help?

      Reply
      • Bill

        February 18, 2015 at 9:45 am

        Hi thanks for the followup I really appreciate it. I was wondering though since you use a measurement of volume rather then weight, would a 1/4 of fresh coconut still measure out the same in volume compared to dried? What I mean is if I shredded my fresh coconut wouldn't a 1/4 cup have the same volume as the dry coconut but weigh considerably more from the water? I don't know, I am am just opening up dialogue in hopes of getting a better grip on all this as, don't mean to ask stupid questions if they are to you. I appreciate you call for dried coconut in your recipes, and maybe coconut shrinks when it dries, guess that is my ultimate question which I do not know and would make sense and alter the outcome of a recipe considerably. Have you ever tried making coconut milk using solid fresh coconut and if so do you have ratios of coconut and water?
        I am excited about introducing new foods in our diet. We just got our Vitamix last week and have been indulging in kale and spinach in ways I never thought possible and dropped over 5 lbs in the process. I always seek out those with more knowledge then I do when confronted with subjects I know little about and am learning about and appreciate any input.
        I am looking forward to making almond milk and coconut milk and not paying the high prices for processed store stuff loaded with ingredients I cannot pronounce.
        Thanks again for your insight.
        Bill

        Reply
        • Adrienne

          May 09, 2015 at 12:03 pm

          Hi there and sorry for the delay in responding. I've been swamped and am trying to catch up. I don't know if that would work but I would think it would be close. I guess try it and see :). Hope you were able to make the milks in the meantime :)!

          Reply
  15. Rose Martin

    May 10, 2014 at 1:35 pm

    Is this coconut milk recipe alright to give to a one year old?

    Reply
    • Adrienne

      May 10, 2014 at 4:05 pm

      I would ask your doctor of course. If it's OK to give canned coconut milk then this is for sure OK. I personally recommend breastmilk for as long as possible though and can't make medical recommendations :).

      Reply
      • Emily

        May 28, 2016 at 11:18 pm

        Do you have a Vitamix recipe for breastmilk? Thanks!

        Reply
        • Adrienne

          May 29, 2016 at 10:46 am

          I assume you mean formula?

          Reply
  16. alyssa

    March 05, 2014 at 1:32 pm

    Best coconut milk recipe ever! All the recipes call for way more coconut- usually in a 1:2 ratio, and besides the cost, I couldn't bare to waste so much coconut. I used another recipe in which you ran a 1/2 cup through 1 cup of water 3-4 times, letting it steep for 5 minutes each time. This was extremely time consuming and it was more like coconut water than it was milk. Am so stoked to have found this!!! Hope others out there looking for an easier and more efficient way to make coconut milk find this!!

    Reply
  17. SHARON

    February 04, 2014 at 2:17 pm

    I started making coconut milk because of the cost and the added ingredients. I love it even more now that I have a Vitamix. I do strain mine and then use the pulp to make coconut flour.

    Reply
  18. randi

    January 15, 2014 at 12:10 pm

    wondering if you ever attempted making the coconut whip cream as i saw mention you were going to try in an above comment? would love to know ๐Ÿ™‚ Thanks!

    Reply
  19. Diana

    December 10, 2013 at 6:32 pm

    I tried this recipe to do exactly as you said: save money on buying the milk. For what I can buy in unsweetened coconut, it makes way more than store bought to be sure! I have a Cuisinart blender and when I make this, it kind of makes coconut butter on the top. I can't put more than 2.5 - 3 cups in at a time per cup of shredded coconut because otherwise it makes a mess (even with the lid on). How can I get it to incorporate the actual coconut more?

    Reply
    • Adrienne

      December 11, 2013 at 10:18 am

      Did you see the revised recipe? It's a little better. Thanks!

      Reply
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adrienne author of whole new mom blog

Welcome! I'm Adrienne, and I'm here to show you that Healthy Living Doesn't Have to Be Hard! Here, you'll findย basically everything you need to make healthy living doable--healthy & easyย flexible recipes, tips forย clean beautyย and aย natural home,ย essential oils,ย beginner gardening tips, and more. Learn moreย about me here.

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