This Coconut Milk Mistake Could Ruin Your Coffee

Swirling a spoon of creamy coconut milk into your cup of joe, the aroma hits instantly. Slightly nutty. Definitely sweet. It's a tropical twist on your morning ritual, and a much-welcome shake-up given the dreary weather outside. Hold on, though: Did you check the label? Accidentally using light coconut milk instead of full-fat is the rookie mistake that could be ruining your coffee.

Full-fat is the secret to delicious frothiness, while light dilutes your cup. Since coconut milk doesn't contain casein (the dairy protein that helps to stabilize air bubbles), having enough fat to maintain that foam is vital. Nobody wants a flat-textured cappuccino or latte; put simply, ignoring labels is one of the biggest mistakes to avoid when using canned coconut milk. 

It's also handy to learn how to tell if coconut milk has gone bad. Start simple: Check the expiration date and give the container a glance-over. Any suspicious bulges, tears, or dents? Keep it away from your cup.

You might think that grabbing full-fat coconut milk is all it takes. Not quite. Selecting the perfect milk involves more than checking types: Can you spot quality? There are always product variations, so skim over the popular canned coconut milk brands, ranked worst to best, before attempting to shop — Sprouts, Thai Kitchen, and SO Delicious consistently earn high praise. Look for ethically-sourced products with minimal ingredients; a basic combo of water, coconut extract, and a stabilizer is all you need. 

If you're consciously reaching for low-fat options, it's probably well-intentioned. Moderation is key, and the American Heart Association recommends saturated fats forming less than 6% of your daily calories. That said, coconut milk contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs); these shorter fats are easily absorbed, and experts have begun linking them to health benefits like boosted cognitive function. The jury is still out. Still, it's worth monitoring research developments — and enjoying creamy coffees as part of a balanced diet in the meantime.