Homemade coconut milk is a delightful option for a morning breakfast smoothie. How to avoid unhealthy additives? Make your own in just a few seconds with canned coconut milk. It’s nice in oatmeal and for many others uses.
Quick Homemade Coconut Milk
Answering emails from readers about milk options for smoothies I recommended they try coconut milk. Unfortunately both boxed milks and refrigerated milks contain unhealthy additives and preservatives. One common but unhealthy natural ingredient is carrageenan.
About Carrageenan
Extracted from red seaweed, carrageenan is considered a natural ingredient. Manufacturers use carrageenan as a stabilizer, a thickener, and to add texture to products. This gives the product a better mouth-feel.
The problem is it causes many people digestive upset. Carrageenan has been hotly debated because animal studies suggested it caused intestinal discomfort. Two other studies suggested that it triggered inflammation and could be harmful to human health. Carrageenan has no nutritional value and we don't need it in our diet, so why not avoid it. Choose what is best for you and your family.
Homemade Coconut Milk in Seconds
For a quick coconut milk without soaking, blending or straining, use organic, canned coconut milk. Whisk or stir and use for your smoothie. So simple, and organic canned coconut milk is one of those staples easily kept in your pantry.
Guar Gum or No Gums
You will find another natural additive in canned coconut milk called guar gum. Guar gum is made from the guar bean. It is used for the same reason as carrageenan, as a thickener and binder. If you have a sensitive digestive tract guar gum may cause you digestive upset. Only you will know. It is considered safe in small amounts and is one natural additive I have no problem with consuming in small amounts. For no gums, buy Native Forest Simple.
Quick Homemade Coconut Milk
Ingredients
- 13.5 ounce can organic coconut milk
- 27 ounces filtered water 3 â…“ cups
Instructions
- Shake the canned coconut milk well and pour canned milk into a tall container or large mixing cup, add filtered water and stir well. Taste for your preference and add more water if desired.
LT says
not always, but sometimes, i put my can of coc milk in my vitamix and add a couple of cups of water and it mixes creamy and beautifully. sometimes, it separates into bits and isn't smooth AT ALL. anyone know what is happening?
Sally Cameron says
Hi Lynne. It's probably due to the high fat content in coconut milk, the fat solidifies at cold temps but it then smooths out again when it warms up. Just like if you have a jar of coconut oil on the counter to cook with its liquified in summer weather and solidified in winter. After I read your comment this morning, I made smoothies and looked at my milk (almond milk/coconut milk combo) and it had little lumps, but smooths out in the blender.
AmC says
How do you determine the calorie content if doing 50/50 (coconut milk/water)?
Sally Cameron says
It's easy to figure out. Read the canned label and when you add water,for example 2:1, its double the volume for the fat, calories, etc. There are also nutrition calculators on the internet you can use for many recipes, as an extra note.
Hari Chandana says
What a beautiful capture!!
Cindy says
This is great! Thank you for a simple way to have this awesome drink on hand! Is there a similar alternative to almond milk as well? Ps, your roasted cauliflower recipe was awesome!
Sally says
Hi Cindy. Homemade almond milk is also really easy but does take an overnight soak. Recipe under beverages or breakfast. And read the post, about buying truly raw almonds. I order mine off the web or buy at the farmers market.
Shut Up & Cook says
So simple, but must admit I've never thought to do this. Thanks for the tip!!
Sally says
No kidding, me either until just this week! That's why I wanted to share!