The Quick Answer
A standard can of coconut milk typically contains 13.5 to 15 fluid ounces of coconut milk. However, coconut milk can sizes can vary from brand to brand. The most common coconut milk can sizes are:
– 5.4 fluid ounces (157 ml)
– 8 fluid ounces (237 ml)
– 13.5 fluid ounces (400 ml)
– 15 fluid ounces (444 ml)
– 16 fluid ounces (473 ml)
So in summary, a standard 13.5-15 fluid ounce can of coconut milk contains approximately 13.5-15 fluid ounces of coconut milk. Check the product label for the exact fluid ounce amount in each specific brand and variety.
What is Coconut Milk?
Coconut milk is a creamy, nutty-flavored liquid extracted from the meat of mature coconuts. It is a popular ingredient used in many South Asian, Southeast Asian, and Caribbean cuisine dishes.
Coconut milk contains a high oil content, which gives it a rich, creamy texture. It also provides healthy fats and important nutrients like manganese, copper, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus.
Unlike other plant-based milks like almond or soy milk, coconut milk is made by grating the flesh of brown coconuts and soaking the grated coconut meat in hot water to extract the flavorful coconut milk.
The grated coconut flesh is soaked and pressed to extract a sweet, white liquid which is then collected and used as coconut milk. The milk has a high fat content, ranging from 17-24% fat.
Coconut milk adds a unique richness, creaminess, and signature coconut flavor to curries, stews, soups, desserts, and more. It’s particularly essential in many Thai, Indian, and Caribbean dishes.
Types of Coconut Milk
There are a few main types of coconut milk available:
– **Full-fat coconut milk** – This is thick, creamy coconut milk that contains the full coconut fat and oil content. It has a 15-22% fat content.
– **Lite coconut milk** – A lighter version of coconut milk that is diluted with water. It’s lower in fat and calories than full-fat coconut milk. The fat content is 5-12%.
– **Coconut milk beverage** – This very thin, watery version is a combination of coconut milk and water. It only has a 2-4% fat content.
– **Canned coconut milk** – This is coconut milk that has been processed and canned for longer shelf life. Canned coconut milk often has thickeners and stabilizers added.
– **Cartoned coconut milk** – Coconut milk that is sold refrigerated in cartons. This type tends to be more natural with fewer additives.
– **Coconut milk powder** – Dehydrated and powdered coconut milk that can be reconstituted with water. Often used for convenience.
For recipes like curries that need rich, creamy coconut milk, full-fat canned coconut milk is typically used. The lighter versions work well for those limiting fat intake or calories.
Standard Can Sizes of Coconut Milk
Coconut milk can be purchased canned or in cartons. Canned coconut milk is more widely available and has a longer shelf life than cartoned milk.
Coconut milk cans are commonly available in these sizes:
– 5.4 fluid ounces – The smallest cans, usually used for adding coconut milk to coffee or cereal
– 8 fluid ounces – A small single-serving size can
– 13.5 fluid ounces – The most standard can size, equivalent to one coconut
– 15 fluid ounces – Another commonly found average can size
– 16 fluid ounces – A large can, around 1 and 1/3 coconuts worth
However, coconut milk brands can vary in their can sizes and may range anywhere from 4 ounces to 20 ounces. Common sizes include:
| Can Size | Amount of Coconut Milk |
|---|---|
| 4 oz | 4 fl oz |
| 5.4 oz | 5.4 fl oz |
| 8 oz | 8 fl oz |
| 13.5 oz | 13.5 fl oz |
| 15 oz | 15 fl oz |
| 16 oz | 16 fl oz |
The 13.5 ounce and 15 ounce cans are the most standard sizes and contain around 1 can’s worth of coconut milk.
When looking for coconut milk canned, be sure to check the label for the total fluid ounces in the can. The size and amount can vary slightly by brand. For example, some full-fat 15 ounce cans may have 13.5 ounces of coconut milk, while others have 14 ounces.
How Many Ounces in Common Coconut Milk Brands
Here is an overview of the can sizes and coconut milk ounces found in some popular brands:
Thai Kitchen Coconut Milk
– 13.66 fl oz (400ml) – Standard can
– 20 fl oz (591ml) – Larger can
Native Forest Organic Coconut Milk
– 13.5 fl oz – Average can size
Trader Joe’s Coconut Milk
– 12 fl oz – Slightly smaller can
– 13.5 fl oz – Standard can size
365 Everyday Value Organic Coconut Milk (Whole Foods)
– 13.5 fl oz – Regular can
– 16 fl oz – Large can
Aroy-D Coconut Milk
– 13.5 fl oz – Average sized can
– 16 fl oz – Large can
Chaokoh Coconut Milk
– 13.66 fl oz (400 ml) – Common can size
So across most brands, the standard coconut milk can sizes contain between 12-13.66 fluid ounces of coconut milk. The most common sizes are the 13.5 and 15 ounce cans.
Again, be sure to check the label carefully for the exact fluid ounces in that specific brand, variety, and can size. For precise ounce measurements, look at the nutrition facts panel or product details.
Converting Coconut Milk Ounces to Cups and Milliliters
It can also be helpful to know how coconut milk can sizes convert to cups and milliliters:
– 5.4 fl oz can = approx. 2/3 cup (160 ml)
– 8 fl oz can = 1 cup (237 ml)
– 13.5 fl oz can = approx. 1 and 3/4 cups (410 ml)
– 15 fl oz can = approx. 2 cups (473 ml)
– 16 fl oz can = approx. 2 and 1/3 cups (512 ml)
So on average, a 13.5 ounce can of coconut milk equals around 1 3/4 cups or 410 ml. While a 15 ounce can equals 2 cups or 473 ml.
Again, sizes may vary slightly between brands. Check the label for exact fluid ounce, cup, and milliliter amounts.
Tips for Using Canned Coconut Milk
When cooking with canned coconut milk, keep these tips in mind:
– **Shake or stir** – Canned coconut milk separates, so shake the can well before opening to re-blend the solids and creamy liquid.
– **Scoop out cream** – For a thicker consistency, refrigerate the can briefly then open and scoop out the solidified cream on top.
– **Reduce splitting** – To prevent curries or sauces from splitting, stir in 1-2 tsp of starch like cornstarch.
– **Simmer gently** – Once added to dishes, simmer coconut milk gently to prevent curdling and oil separating out.
– **Substitute** – For a dairy-free substitute, use the same amount of canned coconut milk in place of heavy cream.
– **Store properly** – Keep unopened cans in a cool, dry place. Refrigerate opened coconut milk up to 5 days. Freeze extras in ice cube trays.
With these tips, you can get the most out of canned coconut milk and its unique creamy flavor.
Nutrition Info for Canned Coconut Milk
One cup (240ml) of canned, full-fat coconut milk nutrition contains:
– **Calories** – 445 calories
– **Fat** – 48g total fat
– **Saturated Fat** – 43g saturated fat
– **Carbohydrates** – 13g
– **Protein** – 5g
– **Calcium** – 22% DV
– **Iron** – 11% DV
– **Potassium** – 18% DV
– **Magnesium** – 22% DV
– **Phosphorus** – 18% DV
As you can see, canned coconut milk is very high in saturated fat and calories since it contains the full coconut cream. However, it has no cholesterol and provides a good amount vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, iron, selenium, and copper.
The nutrition profile can vary slightly between brands based on factors like whether thickeners are added or if calcium and vitamins are included. Always check labels for the nutritional values per serving.
Uses for Coconut Milk in Cooking
Coconut milk is a versatile ingredient used globally in both sweet and savory dishes. Some of the most popular uses for coconut milk in cooking include:
– **Curries** – Coconut milk is a key ingredient and base for many Thai, Indian, Caribbean, and Malaysian curries. It provides richness and mitigates spice.
– **Soups** – Thick, creamy coconut milk makes an excellent non-dairy base for soups like Thai tom kha gai.
– **Sauces** – Sweet and savory coconut milk sauces pair beautifully with poultry, seafood, vegetables, and rice dishes.
– **Stews** – The creaminess of coconut milk enhances vegetable and meat stews.
– **Puddings** – With sugar and eggs, coconut milk makes decadent custards and puddings.
– **Ice cream** – For dairy-free ice creams, coconut milk blended with fruit is the perfect base.
– **Smoothies** – For a tropical twist, canned coconut milk can be subbed for dairy milk in fruit smoothies.
– **Coffee creamer** – As a non-dairy option, coconut milk makes coffee creamy and delicious.
From Asian cuisines to vegan baking, the options are endless for cooking and baking with canned coconut milk. Keep several cans on hand to elevate both sweet and savory recipes.
Substituting Coconut Milk in Recipes
Here are some suitable substitutions if you run out of canned coconut milk:
– **Coconut cream** – Thick, concentrated coconut cream can be thinned down to substitute 1:1 for coconut milk.
– **Full-fat coconut milk beverage** – Use an equal amount of refrigerated coconut milk beverage. Shake well before using.
– **Light coconut milk** – Combine equal parts lite coconut milk and water.
– **Plain yogurt** – For savory recipes, use an equal amount of full-fat plain yogurt.
– **Cashew cream** – Blend soaked raw cashews with water for a nutty, non-dairy cream.
– **Heavy cream** – In baked goods or sweets, substitute heavy cream or half and half for equal amounts.
– **Evaporated milk** – The thick texture makes it suitable for dishes like curries requiring coconut milk.
In most recipes, you can substitute an equal amount of the coconut milk alternatives. However, the texture and flavor may differ slightly. Canned full-fat coconut milk provides the richest taste and creamiest texture.
Homemade Coconut Milk vs. Canned
Besides canned and cartoned coconut milk, you can also make fresh homemade coconut milk. Here is how it compares to canned:
– **Texture** – Homemade is lighter, while canned is thicker and creamier.
– **Flavor** – Homemade has a subtler, fresher coconut taste. Canned is more intense.
– **Fat content** – Canned is richer and higher in fat, around 22% vs. 18% for homemade.
– **Additives** – Homemade has no stabilizers or preservatives like some canned versions.
– **Storage** – Canned lasts 12-18 months. Homemade only keeps 2-3 days refrigerated.
– **Cost** – Canned is cheaper and easier. Homemade requires fresh coconuts and more effort.
While the homemade version is more natural and nuanced in flavor, canned coconut milk works best for cooking and baking dishes requiring thicker, creamier coconut milk.
How to Make Your Own Coconut Milk
To make fresh coconut milk at home:
**Ingredients**
– 2 cups shredded coconut (preferably unsweetened)
– 2 cups hot water
**Directions**
1. In a high speed blender, combine coconut and hot water. Blend on high for 2-3 minutes until very smooth and creamy.
2. Let sit for 5 minutes then strain through a cheesecloth or fine mesh sieve, squeezing out as much liquid as possible.
3. Refrigerate coconut milk up to 2-3 days. Cream will separate – shake before use.
Makes around 3.5 cups coconut milk.
Adjust coconut to water ratios to achieve desired consistency. Add less water for thicker milk or more for a thinner milk.
Bottom Line
So in summary, a standard 13.5-15 ounce can of coconut milk contains approximately 13.5-15 fluid ounces of coconut milk. However, be sure to check the specific product details, as coconut milk can sizes can range from 4oz to 20oz depending on brand.
Knowing the number of ounces in coconut milk cans makes it easy to compare products and use the right amount for recipes. Substitute other ingredients like heavy cream or yogurt in a pinch. But for true rich coconut flavor, canned coconut milk can’t be beat!
Conclusion
Coconut milk is a versatile ingredient that provides a unique creaminess and tropical flavor to both sweet and savory recipes. The standard can sizes range from 13.5-15 ounces and contain approximately the same amount of coconut milk in fluid ounces. Always read labels carefully for exact fluid ounce amounts, which can vary slightly depending on the brand.
Substitute heavy cream, cashew cream, or canned coconut milk beverage in a pinch. But for an optimal rich and creamy texture with genuine coconut taste, canned full-fat coconut milk is a top choice. Knowing the number of ounces in each can size helps ensure you are using the proper amount for recipes.
