No one will argue with the fact that cow's milk is a tasty and healthy product, containing a large amount of substances beneficial to the body. Unfortunately, this product is not equally useful for all people. This is due, to a greater extent, to the fact that many people have congenital or acquired intolerance to cow's milk protein, which causes various types of allergies, digestive problems, and other unpleasant sensations.
For many years, such people have not had the opportunity to consume many dishes that are prepared from this drink. Fortunately, you can find a large number of natural substitutes for "milk" on sale, which are practically not inferior to her in quality. One of the most popular representatives of such substitutes is coconut milk.
In this article, we will study what are the popular brands of coconut substitute, we will find out what to look for when buying so as not to make mistakes when choosing, we will determine the selection criteria and make a rating of the best producers of coconut milk.
Content
It is made from the pulp of coconut. Most people think of milk as the liquid inside the coconut. This is a misconception, as the liquid that circulates freely in the middle of the nut is called coconut water.
To make a dairy product, you need to perform a number of sequential steps. First of all, you need to grind the pulp of the nut. To do this, use a grater or other device with similar functionality. After the pulp is grated, it is squeezed out, thus squeezing out the juice. In order to get more liquid, several extractions are made. The thickest and healthiest milk is obtained from the first pressing, it also contains the greatest amount of vitamins and minerals. Each subsequent spin dilutes the previous one, making it more diluted. The end result will contain much less nutrients.
According to buyers, milk is very useful for humans. For a long time, mankind has observed how coconut dishes affect the human body, and have noticed that regular consumption of the drink has a beneficial effect on human health.
Thanks to the nutrients included in the composition, such as fiber, vitamins (B, C, and others), minerals (sodium, potassium, zinc, iron), coconut milk contributes to:
A favorable ratio of nutritional values (100 grams of the drink contains about 2 g of protein, 15 g of fat and 3 g of carbohydrates), contributes to the quick and easy absorption of the drink, improving digestion and overall metabolism. One glass of white liquid will provide up to 10 percent of the daily requirement for vitamin C, up to 20 percent of the norm for calcium and iron, potassium and selenium.
Coconut milk has a positive effect on both the female and male body.
For women, it is of great importance that the beneficial substances contained in milk contribute to the regeneration and restoration of skin elasticity, slowing down the aging process. According to the recommendations of doctors, milk can be consumed during pregnancy, which helps to stabilize hormonal levels and prevents complications such as anemia. For women during menopause, milk helps to stabilize hormonal levels, prevent hot flashes, and helps to normalize general health and mood.
It is a popular element of a healthy diet because it is low in fat and nutritious.
According to doctors, milk has a beneficial effect when used during an exacerbation of gastritis, reduces the discomfort with heartburn.
Women will also be interested in other advantages of this drink - with constant use, the nail plates are strengthened, damaged hair is restored, the skin of the hands and feet is moisturized and becomes elastic.
Milk is no less useful for men. One of the main advantages is the restoration and maintenance of "male function".
Both men and women are advised to consume milk if problems arise in the urological field - the antibacterial properties of coconut help to quickly eliminate inflammation.
Another important property of coconut milk is to improve the functioning of the cardiovascular system. Since it contains potassium, it helps to tone and strengthen the walls of blood vessels.
Like any other herbal product, coconut milk has a number of contraindications for consumption. These contraindications include:
Pediatricians warn that children at a young age (under two years old) are not recommended to offer this drink due to the possibility of acute allergic reactions, which is due to the fact that the baby's body is not ready for such exotic food. Children from southern countries can consume the drink without restrictions, since this nut has been eaten historically in these territories and the organism of southerners is used to it. For the same reasons, it is not recommended to drink milk for women in the last stages of pregnancy.
In case a person has a large list of chronic diseases, before choosing coconut milk in a store, it is recommended to ask a therapist's opinion on this matter.
Despite the usefulness of plant milk, doctors agree that milk should be consumed in limited quantities. So, an adult is not recommended to exceed the rate of 1 glass of drink per week, while it can be drunk in several doses, or at a time. Children, starting from 3 years of age, can drink no more than 70 ml per week, while you need to start, like complementary foods, with a small amount, gradually increasing the portion.
Coconut, and dishes made from it, are widely used in many areas of life, such as medicine, cooking, and the production of household chemicals.
In the medical field, coconut extracts are used in a large list of folk recipes for the treatment of various ailments.This herbal ingredient is also found in various creams, ointments, and cosmetics. Coconut has performed well in the beauty industry. It helps to strengthen the hair follicle, as a result of which it is used in many shampoos, balms, masks, conditioners and other hair products. Due to its antiseptic effect, as well as substances that can improve the elasticity of the skin, few skin care products do without it. It is one of the main ingredients of various creams, lotions, scrubs, patches.
Coconut milk is also widely used in the culinary arts. A large number of recipes are not complete without this ingredient. Most often, various pastries, sauces, gravies, soups, cocktails are prepared on its basis.
For those who do not have the opportunity to buy coconut milk at an often overpriced store, we will tell you how to make a delicious drink yourself at home. To do this, you need to buy dry coconut flakes in the store, and steam it with boiling water, pouring it with liquid in a ratio of 1 to two. The steamed mass is left under the lid for about half an hour. After waiting for the required time, grind the mass with a blender. The resulting gruel must be squeezed out with gauze, as a result of which we get the required drink. It can be consumed both in pure form and used to prepare various dishes.
Household chemical manufacturers also appreciate coconut as a pleasant aroma and preservation agent for fabrics. In addition to these properties, coconut has antibacterial and disinfecting properties, which allows you to remove disease-causing organisms from tissues.
One of the best Belgian producers has created a special drink for lovers of tea and coffee with milk. Basic ingredients (3.5% fat coconut milk made from vegetable cream and water, soybeans), sugar and fructose, acidity regulators, flavor and sea salt give it its unique taste and aroma. Milk can be whipped in a coffee machine just like its natural counterpart. This possibility is also hinted at by the picture on the front side of the package, on which a cup of cappuccino is drawn.
Despite the fact that the milk is made from coconut, soybeans are also added to it. This is done in order to increase the percentage of protein, as without it it is impossible to get whipped foam. Also, the manufacturer does not recommend heating the product over 65 ᵒС, since at elevated temperatures protein breakdown occurs, and the liquid does not whip.
The consistency of the drink is white, not thick, in appearance it resembles a natural product of animal origin, there is a pronounced coconut taste and aroma.
The composition of milk includes phytoestrogens - hormones of plant origin in small quantities. They have a beneficial effect on women's health, help maintain the body in good shape. Since soy is a significant part of the drink, the vitamins and minerals it contains have a direct effect on the body. Due to the content of substances such as calcium, magnesium and phosphorus, zinc, milk helps to strengthen the musculoskeletal skeleton, is easily absorbed due to the content of substances such as fiber, lecithin, amino acids, glucose and vitamin E. Due to the fact that soy contains a small percentage of calcium, it is additionally enriched with vitamin B12.
Soy also contains phytic acid as an ingredient. It makes it difficult for the body to absorb magnesium, calcium and iron from fruits and vegetables. With this in mind, you should avoid consuming coconut milk with others at the same time. It is recommended to shake up the milk before use. Opened packaging should be stored in the refrigerator for no more than 5 days. The average price is 285 rubles per package.
This drink stands out from the rest with the presence of cocoa, which resembles chocolate milk. The composition of the drink includes a large number of ingredients: water, coconut, sugar, cocoa powder, maltodextrin, stabilizers and flavorings, sea salt, vitamins and minerals.
The product is sold in a tetra-pack with a screw cap on top. Due to the addition of cocoa, the drink looks more like a chocolate-flavored cocktail rather than plant-based milk. The taste of coconut is practically not felt, the aroma is closer to cocoa than to chocolate. Customers note a delicate chocolate flavor with moderate sweetness. The cocktail is liquid in consistency. In terms of calories, it is slightly superior to coconut products due to the content of cocoa beans. The manufacturer claims that its product does not contain gluten, so that it can be consumed by people with intolerance to this component.
This product can be consumed in various ways: as an independent drink in cold or warm form, as a base ingredient for making hot chocolate and other cocktails. You can also add it to muesli or cereals, baked goods. The average price is 250 rubles. Volume - 1 liter.
Unlike the previous candidate, the composition of the drink from the manufacturer Foco is completely natural. Among the main ingredients are water, coconut milk, sugar, calcium lactate, vitamins (B12, A and D). Buyers note that this milk has the best composition of the analogues on sale. Thanks to its natural ingredients, this product can be consumed without fear. However, according to the advice of nutritionists, it is not recommended to drink large amounts of it due to the fact that this exotic drink can cause allergic reactions.
Milk white in consistency resembles a product of animal origin. There is a slight coconut aroma. Its high fat content (3.4%) allows it to be used as a light snack. The energy value of 100 grams of milk is 42 kcal, the content of BJU (proteins, fats, carbohydrates) is 0.07; 3.4; 2.9. The product is sold in a small package (only 330 ml), which makes it possible to use one can at a time and does not limit the shelf life of the product. This is also facilitated by the packaging material - tetra-pack, which retains the properties of the contents for a long time.
The manufacturer claims that its milk helps to reduce the level of bad cholesterol in the blood, enhances immunity, and promotes the regeneration of skin cells. The vitamins included in the drink provide improved vision and metabolism. The average price is 98 rubles.
Unlike the previous representatives, here the milk has a thick creamy consistency. Thai milk has no added sugar. Inside the jar, instead of liquid, there is coconut pulp with a small amount of water, an emulsifier and stabilizers. Due to its thick consistency, the energy value of milk is several times higher than that of the previous competitor (160 kcal). An unopened can can be stored for two years, after opening it is recommended to store it in the refrigerator for no more than 3 days.
Buyers claim that the mass has a subtle nutty aroma, it tastes like margarine or coconut oil. Due to its oily and dense consistency, the cream quickly satisfies the feeling of hunger, envelops the walls of the stomach, facilitating digestion. The product can be added to porridge or coffee for a creamy coconut flavor. You can also fry various products on the cream, including meat, and you get an unusual aromatic dish.
The cream can also be used as a cosmetic, applying it for a short time as a hair mask. As a result, hair becomes shiny and smooth with a pleasant nutty scent. The average price is 225 rubles.
The manufacturer in question resembles the previous competitor, differing from it in a lower price (165 rubles) and a completely natural composition (coconut pulp and water, and nothing else). The fat content of the product is about 20%, which brings it closer to cream. The contents of the package taste like fresh coconut, it has a subtle aroma. Since there is no emulsifier in the composition, the product can separate into two components - cream and water, this is a natural process.
The consistency allows you to add cream to cereals, soups, side dishes and meat dishes, coffee or chicory, to prepare smoothies, cocktails, baked goods, jellies, etc. Milk can be used as food for vegetarians, as well as for those who observe the fast. After opening the can, the manufacturer recommends transferring the contents into a resealable container and keeping the product in the refrigerator for no more than 3 days.
Another representative of natural products. The drink contains 60% processed walnut pulp and 40% water. Like the previous product, it is manufactured in Thailand and meets all international standards. The fat content of milk is 17-19%, which is closer in characteristics to cream. The energy value of 100 ml ranges from 185 kcal. Tetra-pack packaging allows you to store goods at temperatures from 2 to 30 ° C, after opening the box must be placed in the refrigerator for no more than 2 days.
The product must be shaken before use. Sometimes, during storage, the composition stratifies into several levels. In order to recreate the original consistency with your own hands, the jar has a description with step-by-step instructions on how to do this. The manufacturer recommends placing the jar in a container with hot water for 15 minutes, then stir the mass thoroughly.
The milk tastes fresh, has only a subtle aroma of coconut.It can be used to soften coffee, add to porridge, baked goods, stew chicken or meat. According to customer reviews, due to the high fat content, drinking a large amount of milk at one time will not work. As in any other nut products, it contains many useful vitamins and minerals: vitamins A, B, C, E, K and PP, trace elements magnesium, manganese. In terms of the amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids Omega - 3, 6, 9, the product can only be compared with seafood.
The review continues with a novelty of Russian production - Fit Parad milk powder. The composition surprises with its laconism - only dry coconut pulp. Not many buyers know where to buy this form of release. Most often found in healthy food departments, a small bag (35 grams) may not be noticeable among large bright packages. This type of drink is popular due to the fact that the mixture can be stored for a long time without losing quality and taste.
Inside the bag there is a white powder with a pronounced nutty aroma. The package contains information about the composition, as well as information on how to use the mixture - pour it into a cup and pour 200 ml of warm water. According to buyers, the powder does not dissolve completely, leaving a small suspension. The drink turns out to be thick, with small lumps. When added to coffee, suspension may form on the surface. The product has a high fat content, has shown itself well in the preparation of various baked goods, as well as second and first courses. Since there is no added sugar in the composition, the resulting drink seems bland to many customers.
The use of the product will improve the quality of nutrition, will bring useful vitamins and minerals (iron, magnesium, potassium) to the diet. Nutritional value (BZHU) - 2.2; 19.7; 5.3. The average price of a bag is 92 rubles.
The brand belongs to the world-famous company Ampol Food Processing, which produces and sells products for healthy eating. The composition of milk is quite extensive, in addition to the pulp of a nut and water, it also includes microcrystalline cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, an emulsifier, a preservative and citric acid. This only applies to milk packaged in a can. For tetra-pack, the composition was slightly changed - coconut pulp, water and an emulsifier. The liquid is free of cholesterol and trans fats. Energy value per 100 g - 75 kcal. The manufacturer has reduced the fat content in milk to 60%, reducing the percentage of pulp in relation to water.
The product is sold in cans with a quick opening function, or in tetra-packs. The contents inside are white, liquid consistency, with a slight coconut aroma. A closed package can be stored for more than a year, after opening - no more than 3 days in the refrigerator. According to buyers, this milk is one of the tastiest of those that are on sale in Russia. The product can be used both in pure form and added to cocktails, smoothies, ice cream, baked goods, soups, cereals, and other dishes. The average price of a 400 ml jar is 145 rubles.
This manufacturer has focused on the production of condensed milk from coconut - a specific and rare product.It is made in Thailand, sold in a tube weighing 180, like those in which the cream is. The tube is equipped with a plastic cap with a dispenser that allows you to squeeze out the required amount with one click. The composition of condensed milk is close to natural - nut milk, sugar, natural thickener - maltodextrin, coconut oil, stabilizer - carrageenan.
Closed condensed milk can be stored for 18 months, after opening it must be placed in the refrigerator and consumed within 6 months (within the shelf life). The consistency is thick and viscous, with a light pleasant aroma. Sugar content is moderate, there is no sugary feeling. Condensed milk becomes very dense when stored in the refrigerator, this is normal and is associated with a high oil content. If the cooled condensed milk does not pass through the dispensing hole, it must be heated in warm water. Due to the high sugar content of the product, the calorie value is high - 456 kcal.
Many people, buying goods in the store, are not even aware of the existence of such a healthy drink as vegetable milk. Since it is not so easy to find it (most often, packages with it are located in specialized food departments), many deprive themselves of the opportunity not only to taste a new taste for themselves, but also to discover healthy drinks for themselves.
Despite the fact that coconuts do not grow in our country, thanks to the widespread development of trade, this product has practically ceased to be perceived as exotic. For those who cannot afford to buy a finished product, on the Internet you can find a large number of recipes and ways to cook it yourself, both from fresh nuts and using dry shavings. The only drawback of vegetable milk is its high cost and relatively short shelf life, which, however, is solved by purchasing dry concentrates that are no less useful than the whole product.
We hope that thanks to our article, you will discover this healthy and tasty drink, and get acquainted with the products of popular manufacturers sold in supermarkets.