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Coconut milk substitute

Dairy, cream and fats · Checked against 2 sources · Updated November 4, 2026

Quick answer

Extension charts say 1 cup of whole or 2 percent milk replaces 1 cup of coconut milk. You lose the coconut flavor and a good amount of richness. For curries, add a little butter or cream to make up the body. The swap works in baking more reliably than in a coconut curry.

How much do you need?

Fractions work: 1 1/2, ¾, 0.5. The amounts below update as you type.

Show only options that are

What to use

  1. Whole milk

    • Gluten-free
    • Nut-free
    • Egg-free
    • 1 cup 245 g whole milk
    Best for
    Baking, smoothies, soups.
    What changes
    Thinner and no coconut taste. Add coconut extract if you need the flavor.
    Skip it when
    Thai-style curries, where coconut is the point.

  2. Whole milk and heavy cream

    • Gluten-free
    • Nut-free
    • Egg-free
    • ¾ cup 185 g whole milk
    • ¼ cup 60 g heavy cream
    Best for
    Curries and rice dishes that need body.
    What changes
    Richer than milk. Still no coconut flavor.

Diet labels describe the ingredients as normally made. Check packages for gluten and allergens. Some refined sugar is filtered with bone char, which matters if you eat vegan.

Which swap for which job

UsePickWhy
CurriesWhole milk and creamCloser in body.
BakingWhole milkExtension charts list this as the standard swap.

Do not substitute here

  • Dairy-free diets. Both options. Use another plant milk.

Questions

Can I use coconut cream?

Yes, thinned with water. See the coconut cream page for dairy swaps.

Sources

Ratios come from these sources, in our words. Where they disagree, we say so or pick the amount that matches tested results. Ratios are a starting point. Taste and adjust.