Coconut milk powder is a versatile and healthy dairy-free alternative to milk. With a long shelf life and available with different fat levels, it’s a kitchen store cupboard essential. Available as organic coconut milk or standard coconut milk, you are in control of your nutritional choices.

However, if you’ve spent a lifetime reaching for dairy milk or even canned coconut milk, you may be a little unsure of how to actually use coconut milk powder. We can assure you that there’s nothing complicated about it, but read on to discover how to use coconut milk powder wherever you want a milk product, such as drinks, curries, desserts, smoothies and more.

A word about our coconut milk powder

Unfortunately for the shopper, not all coconut milk powder is created equally. So you need to be a little savvy about the type you’re buying and where you source it from.

First up, take a quick look at the labelling to see what’s been added. You may find a small addition of a stabiliser, such as maltodextrin. As long as it’s a natural one, that’s fine - it stops the coconut milk powder from clumping together and being tricky to use. However, if it’s not a natural one, or there are other fillers in there then you aren’t buying high quality powder, as the manufacturer may be blending it with cheaper fillers.

Secondly, have a look at the packaging. One of the key benefits of buying coconut milk powder over coconut milk (either canned or fresh) is that it is long lasting. As such, the packaging should support being able to dip in and out over time, when needed. That’s why our coconut milk powder comes in a handy resealable pack.

Also take a look at the fat content and choose accordingly. For our bulk buyers, we offer three different fat levels: 65%, 40%, and 24%. This allows you to tailor it to your needs.

We’ll talk more about how to make coconut milk versus coconut cream from your coconut milk powder below.

Understanding the basics of using coconut milk powder

Before we come onto how to use coconut milk powder in different recipes, it’s useful to know how to make coconut milk and coconut cream from coconut milk powder. It’s a remarkably simple process.

Mix the powder with some warm water and stir well. The amount of water you use will determine the consistency. Use more for coconut milk and less for coconut cream. If you’re making up a larger amount, you may want to use a blender. Or pop your water and powder into a jam jar and shake.

This milk or cream can then be used in the same way as you’d use the canned stuff. Pour it in your latte, or dollop on your cake, whatever you want. It’ll even stay fresh in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

What about using coconut milk powder in recipes

You can either mix up the coconut milk powder into coconut milk or coconut cream as described above and then use as the recipe directs, or you can add it directly to your dish. Indeed, one of the best things about coconut milk powder is its versatility in a huge range of recipes and culinary processes.

·        Curries

The world is your oyster when it comes to using coconut milk powder to make curries. Lending itself to a range of South East Asian inspired curries, coconut milk forms the basis of many curry sauces. Delicately sweetening the curry and serving as a base to carry spices and herbs, it’s a staple of curry recipes. Want a recipe to get you started? Try our coconut, sweet potato, spinach and chickpea curry.

·        Sauces

Whatever your chosen dish, it can always be made better with a sauce. Naturally vegan, coconut milk powder can be used to make different sauces. Again, vary the quantity of added water to determine the thickness. If you want to thicken a sauce, simply add the powder directly to the recipe, without watering it down.

·        Soups

As we head into autumn and pumpkins and squashes are harvested, it’s time to warm up with some soup. Add depth of flavour and texture to your soups, with some lovely creamy coconut milk made using coconut milk powder. There are so many different soups in which you can use coconut milk powder, but why not test out our tasty miso baked tofu and coconut noodle broth.

·        Delicious rice

Who says rice has to be the boring accompaniment that just sits alongside the star of the show? Make some coconut jasmine rice and really elevate your dish. To make coconut jasmine rice, use 1 cup of rice and then bring it to the boil with 1.5 cups water and 2 tsp coconut milk powder. Delicious!

·        Baking

Coconut milk powder is excellent for dairy-free baking. You can use it to make frosting, pancakes and more. Coconut milk powder has long been used in The Philippines as a primary ingredient in Polvoron. This moreish shortbread-like treat is naturally sweet. It makes perfect gifts if you can let it get that far. We’ve got a recipe for Polvoron shared by our friends at The Adobros Filipino supper club.

·        Porridge

Porridge is excellent for fueling up and powering through cooler days. However, it can be a little bland. Make it with coconut milk powder and you’ll be less grumpy in the morning. Why not level it up and try our coconut, raspberry and walnut porridge? It’s the stuff that will get you out of bed even when it’s cold and dark outside.

·        Smoothies

Coconut milk powder really comes into its own in smoothies. Don’t worry about making it up into a milk or cream beforehand, just chuck it straight into the blender and get whizzing. It adds a creamy scrumptiousness without any dairy. Try our strawberry and coconut milkshake for inspiration. If hot drinks are calling you, then coconut milk powder can be used to create a heart-warming steaming mug of hot chocolate or turmeric latte.

We’re sure that we’ve left off even more ways of using coconut milk powder. Often our customers surprise us with new recipes and ideas. This just goes to show just how versatile and useful it is. If you are looking for a dairy-free alternative to milk and cream that you can use with ease, then coconut milk powder is the healthy and convenient option.