Glossary

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Coconut milk

Commonly used in

Thai cuisine

and

Japanese cuisine

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Coconut milk is a creamy liquid that is produced by combining the flesh of mature coconuts with water. It has a sweet and mild flavor and is commonly used as a dairy-free alternative in cooking as well as for beverages. Coconut milk is also popular for its many health benefits including its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as its ability to help reduce cholesterol levels.

Ingredients

Coconut milk is made by combining the flesh of mature coconuts with water. It typically contains coconut oil, sugar, and natural preservatives and sweeteners such as xanthan gum, guar gum, and citric acid. The amount and type of ingredients can vary depending on the brand. Generally speaking, many brands contain less than 5 percent of these additional ingredients.

Nutritional Facts

Coconut milk is a great source of healthy fats, proteins and carbohydrates. One cup (240 ml) of canned coconut milk provides 473 calories and 48 grams of fat, including 41 grams of saturated fat. It also contains 5.2 grams of carbohydrates, 5.5 grams of dietary fiber, 5 grams of sugar and 7.3 grams of protein. Coconut milk is a good source of manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, selenium, iron and zinc.