coconut milk v. coconut water

**bunnys** · 02-04-2012, 06:16 PM

Does anyone know the difference between the two--besides price?

I make this Luscious Coconut Bread with macadamias and a ton of coconut. I add 1 c. of coconut milk to make it more luscious but a can of coconut milk is expensive--like 3 bucks.

Recently I was in Big Lots and also the salvage grocery and they were both selling cans of coconut "water" in with the Hispanic soft drinks for less than $1 per can.

I'm wondering if these are the same things.

Anybody know the difference?

Thanks in advance.

**Libby** · 02-04-2012, 06:24 PM

Coconut water is the clear liquid that is there when you cut open a green coconut - people usually drink this in lieu of water b/c of its rehydration properties. Not sure if it has electrolytes etc.

Coconut milk - is the liquid extracted from the grated coconut flesh. This is the one that has all the fat in it etc but it tastes so good b/c its creamy etc. Usually you cook with this one.

[ame="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coconut_milk"]Coconut milk - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia[/ame]

[ame="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coconut_water"]Coconut water - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia[/ame]

Hope that helps.

**starsapphire** · 02-04-2012, 06:25 PM

Coconut water is a beverage, it's very watery with a slight coconut flavor. Coconut milk is what you want for your bread.

**Contrary Housewife** · 02-04-2012, 06:41 PM

Try an asian grocery for the coconut milk, it is usually cheaper there.

**madhen** · 02-04-2012, 08:18 PM

The coconut water sold in the ethnic aisles also has added sugar.

**bunnys** · 02-04-2012, 09:09 PM

Thanks guys for all the great answers and suggestions. I will continue to use the coconut milk.

**Libby** · 02-05-2012, 01:55 PM

I agree with CH - check for your coconut milk at local ethnic stores/asian grocery stores.

This is how its priced around where I live:
$1.50 - asian brand sold at asian/ethnic grocery store
$2-$3 - same asian brand sold at big box/chain grocery stores
$3-$5 - commercially branded 'asian' name brand - sold at big box grocery stores (VH brand)

What I do is read the label and compare not only the ingredients but the actual nutritional label and compare the carbs, sugar and fats and try to pick the one with what I deem the most acceptable.

**lisaflex** · 02-05-2012, 06:57 PM

interesting thread...coconut water is HUGE at all the yoga studios aroud here that i attend. i just drink plain ole water!

**Trishagirl** · 02-05-2012, 07:11 PM

They both are good for you! Yummy!

**bunnys** · 02-05-2012, 07:17 PM

Well if you don't want to pay top buck at the yoga studio, you can get it for about 78 cents @ Big Lots.

**Luckybustert** · 02-05-2012, 10:10 PM

I love coconut water - very tasty and great for rehydrating!

**leshop** · 02-10-2012, 03:31 PM

coconut water has many health benefits. it is low in sugars.

**bent** · 02-10-2012, 04:17 PM

I make my own CM by putting a cup of coconut flakes in a blender then adding water. blend then strain through a nut milk bag (nylon material I sewed up or grab a paint strainer next time at the hardware store) let it drain will keep in fridge a day (here at my house) up to a week. its hard to find young thai coconuts in my town so I've given up on the coconut water- very energizing drink.