How healthy is coconut milk drink?
Is coconut milk drink healthy? Yes, in sensible portions. Coconut milk drink scores 41/100 on the HowHealthyIs Score: 100 g provides 31 kcal, 188 mg calcium and 63 µg vitamin A. Coconut milk drink in a carton is a thin, sweetened, fortified beverage, not the thick canned coconut milk used in cooking. It is low in calories but has almost no protein. Source: USDA FoodData Central.
Score explained
The score compares nutrient density per 100 kcal across every food we cover (NRF9.3 method). Coconut milk drink ranks higher than 41% of them.
Counts in favor (% daily value per 100 kcal)
- Calcium47%
- Vitamin A23%
- Iron5%
- Protein1%
- Potassium1%
- Fiber0%
- Vitamin C0%
- Vitamin E0%
- Magnesium0%
Counts against
- Saturated fat34%
- Added sugars16%
- Sodium3%
Raw NRF9.3: 77 minus 52 = 25. The score is not a verdict on whether to eat a food; portion, the whole meal and your own health matter more. Full methodology
How many calories are in coconut milk drink?
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per portion | %DV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy and macronutrients | |||
| Calories | 31 kcal | 74 kcal | |
| Protein | 0.2 g | 0.5 g | 1% |
| Carbohydrates | 2.9 g | 7 g | 3% |
| Fiber | 0 g | 0 g | 0% |
| Sugars | 2.5 g | 6 g | |
| Added sugars | 2.5 g | 6 g | 12% |
| Fat | 2.1 g | 5 g | 6% |
| Saturated fat | 2.1 g | 5 g | 25% |
| Omega-3 fats | 0 g | 0 g | |
| Vitamins | |||
| Vitamin A | 63 µg | 151 µg | 17% |
| Vitamin C | 0 mg | 0 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin D | 1 µg | 2.4 µg | 12% |
| Vitamin E | 0 mg | 0 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin K | 0 µg | 0 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin B12 | 1.3 µg | 3 µg | 125% |
| Folate | 0 µg | 0 µg | 0% |
| Minerals | |||
| Calcium | 188 mg | 451 mg | 35% |
| Iron | 0.3 mg | 0.7 mg | 4% |
| Potassium | 19 mg | 46 mg | 1% |
| Magnesium | 0 mg | 0 mg | 0% |
| Zinc | 0 mg | 0 mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 19 mg | 46 mg | 2% |
Source: USDA FoodData Central, "Beverages, coconut milk, sweetened, fortified with calcium, vitamins A, B12, D2" (FDC 174116). Values rounded.
Why is coconut milk drink good for you?
- 3 µg vitamin B12 in 1 cup (240 ml), 125% of the daily value. Vitamin B12 contributes to the normal formation of red blood cells.
- 451 mg calcium in 1 cup (240 ml), 35% of the daily value. Calcium is needed for the maintenance of normal bones.
- 151 µg vitamin A in 1 cup (240 ml), 17% of the daily value. Vitamin A contributes to the maintenance of normal vision.
Good ways to use it
- A dairy-free milk for cereal or coffee
- Smoothies with a mild coconut taste
What should you watch out for?
- Very low in protein compared with dairy or soy milk, and the fat is mostly saturated. This entry is sweetened and fortified; check labels.
Which drinks score higher?
Other drinks with more nutrition per calorie. Variety matters more than picking one winner.