Coconut Milk vs Almond Milk: Who Wins the 2025 Milk War
As the demand for plant-based products continues to reshape the food and beverage industry, two dairy alternatives have taken center stage: coconut milk and almond milk. Both are riding high on consumer interest, but each carries distinct nutritional profiles, flavor characteristics, and cultural cachet.
In 2025, it’s no longer enough to stock any non-dairy option on your menu or in your product line. To stay competitive, food professionals need a sharper lens—one that focuses on how these milks are actually used, what audiences they serve, and where their trends are headed next.
What is Coconut Milk?
Coconut milk is a creamy, white liquid extracted from the grated flesh of mature coconuts. It’s a staple ingredient in many Southeast Asian, South American, and Caribbean cuisines—used in everything from curries to desserts.
In Western markets, it started as a specialty ingredient for international dishes, but it’s now a plant-based go-to for those seeking a rich, dairy-free alternative. Coconut milk’s texture is unmistakable—velvety, indulgent, and perfect for dishes that call for a deeper, fuller body.
It also aligns well with keto and paleo diets thanks to its higher fat content, particularly saturated fats. For brands exploring premium product positioning, coconut milk brings a natural sense of indulgence and global flair.
What is Almond Milk?
Almond milk is made by blending almonds with water and then straining out the solids. The result is a light, subtly nutty milk alternative that has skyrocketed in popularity over the past decade.
Its appeal lies in its neutrality. It plays well with nearly any recipe—from smoothies and cereals to baking and barista drinks—without overpowering other flavors. That versatility, combined with its low calorie count and heart-friendly unsaturated fats, makes it a natural fit for health-focused consumers.
Almond milk’s rise is also tightly linked to the wellness movement. It’s perceived as a cleaner, lighter choice that supports goals like weight management, lower sugar intake, and dairy-free living.
Coconut Milk vs Almond Milk: Key Differences Explained
| Nutrient | Coconut Milk | Almond Milk |
|---|---|---|
| Calories (unsweetened) | ~76 kcal | 30–60 kcal |
| Fat (g) | 5g (mainly saturated) | 2.5g (mostly unsaturated) |
| Protein (g) | <1g | ~1g |
| Carbs (g) | ~1.2g | ~1.3g |
| Sodium (mg) | 46 | ~150 (varies by brand) |
While both coconut milk and almond milk are plant-based and dairy-free, they’re used quite differently—and for good reason.
From a nutritional standpoint, almond milk is typically lower in calories and fat. Unsweetened versions can come in as low as 30 calories per cup, making them a favorite for consumers trying to cut back on fat and sugar. Coconut milk, on the other hand, comes in closer to 76 calories per cup and contains higher saturated fat—about 5g per serving.
When it comes to taste, the contrast is stark. Coconut milk has a rich, tropical flavor that adds character to every dish it touches. Almond milk is more subdued, with a mild nuttiness that’s easy to layer into almost anything.
There’s also a difference in their roles in the kitchen. Coconut milk is your go-to for creaminess—ideal for curries, vegan desserts, soups, or whipped toppings. Almond milk works better in everyday applications like coffee, smoothies, and baked goods.
Both can be fortified with nutrients like calcium and vitamin D, but coconut milk’s fat content also makes it appealing to keto audiences, while almond milk better serves low-fat and high-fiber diets.
From a production standpoint, almond milk is made from tree nuts, which introduces allergen considerations. Coconut, despite the name, is not technically a tree nut and tends to trigger fewer allergies.
Almond Milk Trends in 2025
According to the latest Tastewise data, almond milk trends are holding strong across foodservice and home cooking alike.
In particular, almond milk has carved out a dominant position in coffee culture. It’s now a fixture on menus in coffee shops across the U.S., often the default non-dairy option. Tastewise reports a significant volume of almond milk mentions tied to beverages—especially specialty lattes and smoothies.
It’s also associated with health-forward consumer needs. Data from 2025 links almond milk usage to motivations like “low sugar,” “gut health,” and “immune system support”. That alignment has helped almond milk maintain relevance in the rapidly evolving wellness category.
Interestingly, almond milk spikes in popularity during spring and summer months. This matches consumer behavior patterns—light meals, fresh smoothies, and more frequent focus on body-conscious eating.
Coconut Milk Trends in 2025
Coconut milk, while once considered niche, is experiencing a major resurgence.
Its usage is becoming more widespread, especially in global and plant-based cuisine. In 2025, Tastewise found that coconut milk is being featured across a broader set of dishes than ever before—from Thai-inspired soups and curries to dairy-free ice creams and premium vegan desserts.
Consumers are increasingly reaching for coconut milk when they’re looking for a treat, a creamy texture, or a bit of culinary indulgence. It also performs well with audiences seeking anti-inflammatory ingredients and natural dairy replacements.
What’s notable is the seasonal nature of coconut milk’s growth. Engagement spikes during winter months, a time when consumers crave warm, rich, and comforting dishes. Its thick texture makes it ideal for that demand.
Sales and Consumption Patterns
While both coconut and almond milk are trending, they serve slightly different functions in consumers’ lives.
Almond milk sees higher frequency across daily consumption moments—especially breakfast and beverage categories. It’s the default for many smoothie bars, cafés, and health-oriented fast casuals.
Coconut milk, by contrast, is more likely to appear in recipes that are intentional or occasion-based—such as a flavorful main course or an indulgent dessert. This distinction is key for product developers and menu planners looking to match the right milk to the right moment.
Who’s Drinking What? Audience Insights
Almond milk continues to lead among Western audiences, particularly millennials and Gen Z consumers who prioritize wellness and low-calorie eating. These users are looking for convenience, neutrality in taste, and versatility in their plant-based products.
Coconut milk resonates more with adventurous, flavor-seeking consumers. It has a strong following among plant-based eaters and people who enjoy globally inspired dishes. It’s also favored by those following more specialized diets like keto, paleo, or whole food plant-based.
Which One Is Better?
If you’re asking which is better—almond milk or coconut milk—it depends entirely on the context.
If you’re aiming for calorie-conscious, everyday usability, almond milk is likely the smarter choice. It’s low in fat, mild in taste, and works well in almost everything.
If your goal is to create bold, rich, flavorful dishes—or to bring a sense of indulgence to your menu—coconut milk delivers. It adds body and texture where almond milk would fall flat.
For product teams and chefs, it’s worth considering hybrid options as well. Blends of almond and coconut milk are showing strong momentum, offering a balance of taste, health, and texture that appeals to a wide range of users.
FAQs
Which is healthier: almond milk or coconut milk?
Almond milk is typically considered healthier for general consumption, thanks to its lower calories and fat content. Coconut milk has more saturated fat, which suits some high-fat diets but might not be ideal for heart health.
Which is better for cooking and baking: coconut milk or almond milk?
Coconut milk is the winner for creamy textures and bold dishes—great in curries and desserts. Almond milk is better in baked goods or smoothies, where a more neutral profile is needed.
Which is more environmentally sustainable?
Coconut milk uses less water than almond milk, which is heavily reliant on water-intensive almond crops, mostly grown in drought-prone California. That said, coconut production raises concerns about deforestation and labor practices. Look for certifications like Rainforest Alliance or Bee-Friendly to support sustainable choices.
The battle of coconut milk vs almond milk isn’t really a battle at all—it’s a question of fit.
Almond milk is the everyday hero: light, low-calorie, and endlessly adaptable. Coconut milk is the specialist: rich, bold, and perfect for standout dishes and indulgent moments.
As both continue to grow in usage and audience appeal, keeping your product development and menu planning aligned with these insights is key. The most agile brands in 2025 aren’t just following trends—they’re anticipating what consumers will want next.
With data from Tastewise’s real-time food intelligence, these choices become a lot clearer—and a lot faster.