Coconut Milk Substitute: 2 Best Replacements

Canned coconut milk adds rich, dairy-free creaminess to curries, soups, and desserts. Whether you ran out mid-recipe or need a dietary swap, here are the best substitutes for coconut milk, with exact amounts.

1

Coconut cream + water

Use: 3/4 cup coconut cream + 1/4 cup water for 1 cup coconut milk

Whisk until smooth.

Richer; thin to taste.

vegandairy-freegluten-free
2

Heavy cream

Use: 1:1 for 1 cup coconut milk

Swap directly.

Not vegan, but similar richness.

vegetariangluten-free

Frequently asked questions

What is the best substitute for coconut milk?

The best all-round substitute is Coconut cream + water: use 3/4 cup coconut cream + 1/4 cup water for 1 cup coconut milk. Whisk until smooth. Richer; thin to taste.

Can I use heavy cream instead of coconut milk?

Yes. Use 1:1 for 1 cup coconut milk. Swap directly. Not vegan, but similar richness.

What is a vegan substitute for coconut milk?

Vegan options: Coconut cream + water.

More ingredient substitutes

Missing something else? Search all 48 ingredients in the substitute finder.