How to Substitute Creamed Coconut for Coconut Milk (And save money!)

Looking to substitute Creamed Coconut for Coconut Milk? Learn how to save money by using creamed coconut instead of tins or cartons—perfect for a Candida Diet or dairy-free lifestyle.

If you follow the Candida Diet, dairy-free, or gluten-free lifestyle, you'll know just how useful coconut milk can be. It's anti-fungal, nutrient-dense, and incredibly versatile - from smoothies to curries and even desserts.

But there’s just one problem: coconut milk can get expensive. Especially if you’re buying clean, additive-free options. In this post, I’ll share how I drastically cut my coconut milk costs - without sacrificing quality - by using creamed coconut instead. Let’s dive in.

P.S. I have another post on how to make coconut milk using desiccated coconut! Check it out next!

Jump to:

• ? Types of Coconut Milk: Carton vs Tin
• ? Why I Switched to Creamed Coconut
• ? How Much Money Can You Save?
• ? How to Make Coconut Milk from Creamed Coconut
• ? How to Substitute Creamed Coconut in Everyday Recipes
• ❓ FAQ
• ? Final Thoughts: Should You Switch to Creamed Coconut?
• Homemade Coconut Milk from Creamed Coconut

? Types of Coconut Milk: Carton vs Tin

Coconut milk is typically sold in two formats:

• Carton coconut milk – usually found in the chilled or shelf-stable drinks section.
• Tinned coconut milk – common in the international foods aisle.

When I first realised coconut milk would become a pantry staple on the Candida Diet, I started comparing prices and ingredients. Here’s what I found:

• Most carton coconut milks are expensive and contain additives like emulsifiers, gums, and sweeteners.
• Some tinned coconut milks are cleaner (just coconut and water), but still cost £2 or more per can, especially the high-quality brands.

Worse still, tinned milk spoils quickly after opening and isn’t always convenient for small portions unless frozen.

? Why I Switched to Creamed Coconut

The answer? Substitute creamed coconut - a game changer for my grocery budget.

Creamed coconut comes in solid blocks made from dried, ground coconut meat. When mixed with hot water, it transforms into rich, creamy coconut milk.

✅ No additives
✅ Long shelf life
✅ Fraction of the cost
✅ More versatile than tinned or carton milk

? Candida Diet Bonus: Creamed coconut is 100% pure coconut with no added sugars or preservatives, making it ideal for low-sugar and anti-fungal diets.

I love adding creamed coconut directly into my morning porridge to make it thick and creamy, you can find the recipe: Coconut Milk and Chia Seed Oatmeal.

? How Much Money Can You Save?

Let’s break down the maths:

• A 200g block of Blue Dragon Creamed Coconut costs £1.70 at Sainsbury’s and as little as £1.50 on special offer at Waitrose (as of 2025). Feel free to bulk buy for further savings as sealed creamed coconut can last over a year in the pantry.
• Mix 100g with 400ml of water to create one can of full-fat coconut milk.
• One block = two cans of coconut milk → just 75p per can!

Compare that to £2+ for many pre-packaged tins, and the savings speak for themselves.

By the way, I still use and love tinned coconut milk as well for certain recipes - my favourite clean brand to use is Biona Coconut Milk, which you can find at most health food shops.

? How to Make Coconut Milk from Creamed Coconut

Here’s the easy method I use weekly:

Ingredients:

• 100g creamed coconut (or 3.5 oz)
• 400ml hot (boiled) water (around 1⅔ cups)

Instructions:

1. Chop 100g of creamed coconut into small pieces.
2. Add to a heat-safe jug or blender.
3. Pour over 400ml of just-boiled water.
4. Stir or blend until fully dissolved and smooth.
5. Let cool and store in a glass jar in the fridge.

Storage tip: Keeps well in the fridge for 4–5 days. Shake before use.

? How to Substitute Creamed Coconut in Everyday Recipes

One of the best parts about using creamed coconut is that you don’t need to make a full batch of milk every time. Just slice off a portion as needed!

Here’s how I use it:

Portion Size	Water to Add	Equivalent To
20g (0.7 oz)	80ml (⅓ cup)	¼ can coconut milk*
40g (1.4 oz)	160ml (⅔ cups)	½ can coconut milk
100g (3.5 oz)	400ml (1 ⅔ cups)	full can

*Where one can contains 400ml or 13.5 fl oz.

Hint: Add markings on the block to help with portioning. For example, if you plan on using your creamed coconut for making batches of milk instead of cooking, you could split the block into eight equal parts of 20g.

That way, when each slice is mixed with 80ml of water, this creates the equivalent to one quarter of a tin of coconut milk in a recipe.

❗️Things to Watch Out For

While most creamed coconut is pure and clean, it’s still important to check the label. I once found a brand that advertised “100% coconut” on the front, but listed sulphur dioxide as a preservative in the ingredients.

Also, keep in mind:

• Texture – Homemade coconut milk may have small bits floating. For smooth drinks like hot chocolate, strain it first.
• Not Ideal For Everything – Creamed coconut isn’t suitable for:
  • Coconut ice cream
  • Milkshakes
  • Baked custards (These need the smooth, emulsified texture of tinned milk.)

? When to Use Each Type of Coconut Milk

Each type of coconut milk has its pros and cons—and depending on what you're making, one may work better than the others.

Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:

Recipe or Use Case	Best Option	Why
Porridge / Oatmeal	Creamed Coconut	Thickens beautifully and adds richness directly into hot oats. Convenient for busy mornings.
Curries / Soups	Creamed or Tinned	Both work well to add richness; creamed coconut stores longer and you can adjust fat content more easily.
Pasta Sauce	Creamed or Tinned	Tinned provides an ultra-smooth texture; ideal for creamy sauces. Creamed coconut is a great sauce thickener.
Hot Chocolate / Coffee / Tea	Tinned or Carton	Smooth texture dissolves best in drinks.
Smoothies	Carton Coconut Milk	Easy to pour and blend cold.
Baking (e.g. custards)	Tinned Coconut Milk	Delivers a smooth, stable consistency.
Ice Cream	Tinned Coconut Milk	Fat content and emulsification crucial for creaminess.
Budget Everyday Cooking	Creamed Coconut	Most economical and shelf-stable option
Cold Drinks / Chia Pudding	Carton or Homemade	Lighter texture; good for soaking and sipping. Be sure to strain first if using homemade.

❓ FAQ

? Final Thoughts: Should You Switch to Creamed Coconut?

If you’re looking to save money, reduce waste, and avoid additives, then yes—creamed coconut is 100% worth adding to your shopping list.

It's not only Candida Diet-friendly, it’s also:

• Budget-friendly
• Shelf-stable
• Easy to use in many recipes

No creamed coconut? Try making your own milk from desiccated coconut! Check out my guide:
? How to Make Coconut Milk with Desiccated Coconut