So Delicious coconut milk is a popular plant-based milk alternative made from coconut cream. It contains only a few simple ingredients, making it an appealing option for those avoiding dairy or looking for a low calorie, gluten free choice. Here’s a quick look at what’s inside a carton of So Delicious coconut milk.
Water
The main ingredient in So Delicious coconut milk is water. This provides the liquid base and helps thin out the coconut cream. The amount of water affects the thickness and consistency of the milk.
Coconut Cream
Coconut cream gives So Delicious milk its rich texture and signature coconut flavor. Coconut cream is made by grating fresh coconut meat, soaking it in hot water, then straining out the liquid. This concentrated coconut liquid is then blended with water to make coconut milk.
Guar Gum
Guar gum is a natural vegetable-based thickener derived from guar beans. It helps stabilize So Delicious coconut milk and prevent separation. Guar gum also gives the milk a creamy, smooth mouthfeel.
Carrageenan
Carrageenan is another thickening agent used in So Delicious milk. It is extracted from red seaweed and helps achieve the ideal texture. Carrageenan also helps suspend the coconut cream so it doesn’t separate.
Vitamin and Mineral Blend
So Delicious coconut milk is fortified with an array of vitamins and minerals to help it nutritionally compete with dairy milk. These include vitamins D, A, and B12, as well as calcium, zinc, selenium, and many others. Fortification makes it a more nutritious beverage.
Natural Flavors
Small amounts of natural flavors are added to some varieties of So Delicious coconut milk. These flavors complement the coconut and provide varieties like chocolate, vanilla, and unsweetened. The flavors are derived from natural sources.
Sea Salt
A pinch of sea salt brings out the natural sweetness in So Delicious original coconut milk. Salt enhances flavor and balances the sweetness. Just a sprinkle is needed to allow the coconut flavor to shine.
Organic Cane Sugar
For sweetened varieties, organic cane sugar adds a touch of sweetness. Much less sugar is used compared to sweetened dairy milk. Amounts vary between flavors, ranging from 7-14 grams of sugar per cup.
Mono- and Diglycerides
Mono- and diglycerides are emulsifiers that help evenly distribute the coconut fat globules throughout the milk. This prevents separation and keeps the cream suspended uniformly throughout the product.
Gellan Gum
Gellan gum is used in small amounts in So Delicious coconut milk yogurt alternatives. This stabilizer gives the yogurt a thick, gelled texture similar to traditional dairy yogurt.
Lactic Acid Cultures
The yogurt alternatives also contain live cultures including Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and bifidobacteria. These cultures ferment the coconut milk and create the tangy flavor of yogurt.
Locust Bean Gum
Locust bean gum functions as a thickener, stabilizer, and emulsifier in So Delicious products including yogurt and creamer. It contributes to a smooth, creamy texture.
Sunflower Lecithin
Sunflower lecithin is an emulsifying agent derived from sunflowers. It helps evenly disperse fat droplets and prevents separation in products like creamer.
Natural Coconut Flavor
To further enhance the coconut taste, natural coconut flavor is added to some So Delicious items. This amplifies the fresh, tropical coconut notes.
Nutrition Facts
So Delicious coconut milk is free of dairy, lactose, gluten, soy, carrageenan, and artificial flavors. It’s an accommodating choice for many diets and food sensitivities. Here is the nutrition information for one cup of original So Delicious coconut milk:
| Nutrition Facts | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 80 |
| Total Fat | 7g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Sodium | 140mg |
| Potassium | 115mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 2g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g |
| Sugars | 1g |
| Protein | 0g |
| Calcium | 10% DV |
| Vitamin D | 25% DV |
| Iron | 0% DV |
Benefits of So Delicious Coconut Milk
Dairy-Free
Coconut milk contains no dairy ingredients whatsoever, making it suitable for vegans and those with dairy allergies or sensitivities. People who must avoid lactose can enjoy it with confidence.
Low in Calories and Fat
With just 80 calories and 7 grams of fat per cup, So Delicious coconut milk is much lower in calories and fat compared to 2% dairy milk’s 122 calories and 5 grams of fat. It’s a lighter option.
Heart Healthy Fats
The saturated fat in So Delicious coconut milk contains medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) that may benefit heart health and promote weight management, unlike long chain triglycerides that are stored as body fat.
Naturally Lactose-Free
Coconut milk contains no lactose at all, the milk sugar in dairy milk that many people have difficulty digesting. Lactose intolerance is not a concern with plant-based coconut milk.
No Cholesterol
There is zero cholesterol in non-dairy coconut milk. For heart health, avoiding dietary cholesterol is preferred.
Vitamin and Mineral Fortified
So Delicious coconut milk is fortified with vitamins and minerals including vitamins D, B12 and A, as well as calcium, zinc, and selenium. This helps it be nutritionally comparable to cow’s milk.
Preservative-Free
No chemical preservatives are added to So Delicious coconut milk. It uses only natural preservatives to inhibit microbial growth and keep it fresh.
Kosher and Pareve Certified
So Delicious carries Orthodox Union Kosher and Pareve certification, meaning it adheres to Jewish dietary regulations and contains no meat or dairy.
No Artificial Colors or Flavors
Only natural colors and flavors derived from real food ingredients are used in So Delicious, no artificial or synthetic additives.
Possible Drawbacks
Allergies and Sensitivities
While rare, some people may have an allergy or sensitivity to coconut ingredients. So Delicious contains several coconut-derived components.
Added Sugars
The flavored and sweetened varieties contain added cane sugar, which increases calories. The original unsweetened has only 1 gram of sugar per cup.
Thickeners and Stabilizers
Some consumers wishing to avoid food additives may want to opt for unsweetened over flavored varieties, which have more thickeners and emulsifiers.
Lower Protein Than Dairy
Coconut milk is not a significant source of protein at just 1 gram per cup. Dairy milk has 8 grams of protein per cup in comparison.
Uses for So Delicious Coconut Milk
So Delicious coconut milk can be used in place of dairy milk in a wide variety of recipes and beverages. Here are some of the most popular ways to enjoy So Delicious milk:
Cereal and Oatmeal
Use So Delicious milk just like dairy milk to pour over cereal, oatmeal, and granola for breakfast.
Smoothies
The creamy texture makes So Delicious milk a perfect base for smoothies. Blend it with fruit, greens, and protein powder.
Coffee Creamer
Add a splash of So Delicious to your morning coffee for a dairy-free, vegan creamer option.
Baking
Use So Delicious milk in place of cow’s milk when baking treats like cakes, muffins, or quick breads.
Ice Cream and Frozen Treats
Make homemade popsicles, ice cream, and italian ices using So Delicious milk for a creamy, coconut base.
Curries and Soups
The rich consistency of coconut milk makes it ideal for simmering in curries, chowders, and creamy soups.
Whipped Cream
Chill a can of So Delicious milk then whip it for a delicious vegan whipped topping for desserts.
Hot Chocolate
For a warming treat, heat up cups of So Delicious milk with cocoa powder and your favorite mix-ins.
Mashed Potatoes
Using So Delicious in place of regular milk when making mashed potatoes results in ultra creamy, smooth spuds.
Chia Pudding
Combine So Delicious milk with chia seeds and refrigerate to create a easy vegan chia pudding full of protein.
How to Select and Store
When purchasing So Delicious coconut milk, shake the carton well as the solids and cream may separate a bit. Check the “use by” date and ensure it will last through the entirety of your intended use. Once opened, store So Delicious milk in the refrigerator for 7-10 days. The milk may solidify slightly when chilled – let it sit out to return to liquid state before using. Unopened cartons can be kept in the pantry for many months.
Varieties of So Delicious Coconut Milk
So Delicious makes a wide range of coconut milk products. Popular options include:
Unsweetened
This original variety has no added sugar and lets the natural coconut flavor shine. It contains just 1 gram of sugar per cup.
Vanilla
The sweetened vanilla flavor adds warmth of vanilla and a touch of sweetness at 7 grams of sugar per cup.
Chocolate
For chocolate lovers, this richer flavored milk contains 9 grams of sugar per cup.
Unsweetened Vanilla
With no added sugar and a light vanilla scent, this combines the best of both worlds.
Light Coconutmilk
A lower calorie option with just 45 calories and 4.5 grams of fat per cup.
Creamer
Specifically designed for adding rich body and flavor to coffee drinks.
Baking Milk
Formulated for cooking and baking with a texture similar to 2% dairy milk.
Yogurt Alternatives
Offered in numerous flavors, these provide the protein and gut health benefits of yogurt without dairy.
DIY Coconut Milk
It’s easy to make your own coconut milk at home too. Here is a simple recipe to try:
Ingredients
- 2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut
- 3 cups hot water
Instructions
- Process shredded coconut and hot water in a blender until smooth and creamy.
- Strain mixture through a cheesecloth or nut milk bag.
- Squeeze cloth to extract as much liquid as possible.
- Refrigerate and use within 3-4 days.
This will result in a tasty homemade coconut milk that can be used just like store-bought. Feel free to flavor it however you like!
Conclusion
So Delicious offers a simple, minimally processed coconut milk made using traditional techniques. It contains just coconut cream blended with water plus small amounts of stabilizers for texture. With no dairy, soy, gluten or artificial flavors or colors, So Delicious provides a versatile plant-based milk that can be enjoyed in smoothies, cooking, baking, coffee and more. Select unsweetened varieties to keep calories, fat, and sugar low. So Delicious makes it easy to incorporate coconut goodness into your favorite foods and drinks.