The more I’ve got into my Paleo lifestyle, the more coconut milk I’ve been consuming. I’ve been able to find a few different brands, which all vary in ingredients & cost.
This post will show you the main brands available, where to get them, and which are the most paleo friendly. If you find any other brands, please send me the details so I can include them.
Avoid the “light” and “reduced fat” versions and go for the brand with the simplest ingredients. Make sure there are no added sweeteners. I always try to go for the Ayam brand as the label shows it contains just coconut and water!
You can also use Coconut cream in much the same way. It is essentially the same as coconut milk – just without as much water, making it a lot thicker. You could always water it down yourself.
Prices seem to vary a lot, so I tend to stock up when there’s an offer on.
Ayam Coconut Milk (Available in Coles & Woolworths & smaller grocers)
Ingredients: Coconut Kernel Extract (82%), water 
Ayam Coconut Cream (Available in Coles & Woolworths & smaller grocers)
Ingredients: Coconut Kernel Extract (100%)
Coles Smart Buy Coconut Cream (Available in Coles)
Ingredients: Coconut Milk (60%), Water, Thickener (466), Vegetable Gum (412)
Pandaroo Coconut Milk (Available in Woolworths)
Ingredients: Coconut Extract (45%), Water, Emulsifier, E412, E435
TCC Coconut Milk (Available in Coles & Woolworths & smaller grocers)
Ingredients: Coconut Extract (53%), Water, Antioxidant (Citric Acid)
Woolworths Select Coconut Milk (Available in Woolworths)
Ingredients: To be confirmed (it doesn’t seem to be in stock at the moment)
Trident Coconut Milk (Available in Woolworths and Coles)
Ingredients: Coconut Milk (52%), Water, Stabiliser (466)
Trident Coconut Cream (Available in Woolworths and Coles)
Ingredients: Coconut Cream (52%), Water, Stabiliser (466)
Kara Coconut Milk (Available in Asian Grocers)
Ingredients: Fresh coconut extract (55%), Water, Stabilizer E466, Thickener E415, Emulsifier E435
What am I missing? Have you got some other brands in your part of Australia or NZ?
Check back tomorrow to find out more about those added ingredients and whether we should be eating them…
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{ 21 comments… read them below or add one }
What is your favourite? I’ve settled on the Ayam Coconut Cream as the best all rounder!
Agreed, I go with the Ayam too, but the coconut milk. I hope they always keep the ingredients as simple as they are now.
Must try making my own one day!
An interesting read for me because I was in Coles the other day comparing products. I couldn’t believe the differences…..ughhhh, once upon a time I would just pick any, I agree Ayam is the only way to go. If you ever go past an Indian grocer that may be worthwhile taking a peek inside.
Exactly – shocking how different they are, I bet so many don’t check the ingredients. Indian grocer is a great idea, will have to keep an eye out.
Have you tried the Woolworth’s Macro organic one? If you have, what do you think? I usually go either for Ayam too or the organic one…
I’ll have to check that one out! The Woolies near me doesn’t have a very big range unfortunately…
More coconut milk – TCC Chaokoh coconut milk products. The website for this brand that I get in my Woolies confirm that it contains 33% coconut extract, water, citric acid (antioxidant). Watch the Chaokoh brand for other additives. TCC and Ayam are my favourites for GAPS/SCD diet which is closely Paleo. They contain minimal and safe ingredients for tummies.
Thanks Maree, good information! Definitely essential to check the ingredients, isn’t it!
I’ve read that some of the tins might not be BPA free though… if that is of concern to you. It’s hard to look out for everything!
This brand supposedly uses tins that are BPA free but does contain guar gum
http://www.organicsonabudget.com.au/spiral-foods-organic-lite-coconut-milk-400ml-bpa-free/
It’s more effort to acquire but I’m basically addicted to So Delicious coconut milk! Usually in health stores. It’s about $5 per litre (it’s mostly for coffee) I prefer plain but it also comes in vanilla and strawberry, my sister let’s her kids drink the vanilla as it’s an easier taste. I never actually even thought of using the canned coconut milk. I’m absolutely going to give it a try though. Could be less expensive and easier to obtain. Thanks!
Hi Shaleah,
I’ve been researching alternatives to coffee creamers like, Coffee Mate,and am looking for an Australian (hopefully Sydney) store that sells So Delicious.
can you recommend a place or an online shop?
Thanks
Sharif
My favorite is Simon JOhnson coconut cream
Hi there,
Thanks for the recommendation. I’m fairly new to paleo and I’m wondering how you use the coconut milk apart from in smoothies and deserts?
Thanks
Elle
Hi Elle, I use it as a base for dishes like a chicken curry. I also use it to make NoOatmeal as a change for breakfast! It’s also good in tea…
I buy Ayam coconut milk or cream, it’s best one available. A bit more pricy but you pay for what you get. If you look closely, the product solidfies so it’s not water down like some of the other nasties and no gum! And the product is greyish in colour not white like Select & others. They probably add whiteners which give it an artificial white appearence. Buyers beware!
Which brand of coconut milk is best for whipping?
I had a good read at this site. It was real eyeopener for me. It discusses the BPA content found in tins of coconut milk and the effects of this. I’m thinking I might start making my own or try to find organic cartons.
chriskresser.com/3-reasons-why-coconut-milk-may-not-be-your-friend
Hi folks,
when I lived in Arncliffe, I found a wee asian shop near Rockdale station which sold 600ml cartons of 95% pure coconut milk for only $2.99 !
I live in Mosman now and haven’t found it anywhere and have forgotten the brand.
Any ideas? Perhpas I need to go on a trip to Rockdale on my day off!
cheers, BW
I only buy the So Delicious Coconut milk in the cartons, especially after reading about nearly all the canned coconut milk having BPA lining. Until they get rid of that I will continue with the cartons.
Hi guys, I’ve read that BPA’s are only a problem with cans. Older canning facilities can still use BPA plastics in the liners. The tetrapak style cartons are a better option. I think the Ayam brand might also offer this style of pack.
Hamish
Is it possible to not buy it in cans?
I’ve read the plastic lining it’s bad for you.
http://chriskresser.com/3-reasons-why-coconut-milk-may-not-be-your-friend