Beverages · Drink
Coconut Milk Beverage
Cocos nucifera (carton beverage) · also called Coconut milk drink, coconut drink, carton coconut milk
A coconut milk beverage is the thin carton drink from the milk aisle, not canned cooking coconut milk. A cup of the USDA sweetened, fortified drink has about 5 g saturated fat, 6 g sugars and only 0.5 g protein, plus added calcium and vitamin B12. We found no study of the drink and health outcomes. The main cautions are coconut allergy and giving it to babies or as the main milk for young children.
General information, not medical advice. Last substantive update · Not medically reviewed. A named clinician has not signed off on this page. How this page is made
About Coconut Milk Beverage
A coconut milk beverage is the thin drink sold in cartons in the milk aisle. It is mostly water with a little coconut fat and is very different from canned coconut milk. It is a food, not a remedy: the facts we have are what is in it, and the cholesterol findings come from coconut oil trials, not from the drink.
What it is
A coconut milk beverage is a carton drink made from coconut (Cocos nucifera) and water. The NHS lists coconut drinks among the supermarket dairy alternatives. This page covers the carton drink only, not canned coconut milk, coconut water or coconut oil.
USDA data for a sweetened drink fortified with calcium and vitamins A, B12 and D2, per 1 cup (240 g): about 74 kcal, 4.99 g fat (5 g saturated), 0.5 g protein, 7.01 g carbohydrate, 6 g total sugars, no fibre, 451 mg calcium, 0.72 mg iron and 3 mcg vitamin B12. USDA lists vitamin D as 0 although the name says D2 was added, and does not say how much sugar was added.
Compared with cow's milk, and why labels matter
A cup of whole cow's milk has about 4.55 g saturated fat, so the coconut drink is not lower in saturated fat per cup, although it has far less protein. A label survey in New Zealand found 13 coconut drinks averaged 0.7 g protein and 3.3 g fat per 100 mL, with fat ranging from 1.4 to 7.9 g and sugars from 0.2 to 5.9 g. Apart from calcium-fortified soy, none of the plant drinks was broadly comparable to milk. That survey was paid for by a dairy company, which is worth knowing.
The NHS says unsweetened, calcium-fortified plant drinks count toward the dairy group. Calcium in the surveyed coconut drinks ranged from 16 to 120 mg per 100 mL, so check the label. The same survey found nutrients can settle, so shake the carton.
What the research shows
We found no study of coconut milk drinks and a health outcome. The nearest evidence is about coconut oil, a concentrated fat. In 16 trials, coconut oil raised LDL by 10.47 mg/dL compared with non-tropical vegetable oils. In 14 trials of virgin coconut oil, triglycerides fell and HDL rose, and the other lipid markers did not change significantly. The American Heart Association advisory says swapping saturated fat for unsaturated fat lowers LDL.
For young children, a 2026 review found that partly replacing cow's milk with plant drinks went with slightly lower height and BMI at age 5. This is observational and not coconut-specific.
At a glance
Traditional uses history, not proof
- A modern packaged dairy-free drink
- Long use of coconut as food is not proof that the drink treats any condition
Studied for research
- Nutrient content compared with cow's milk, high certainty for the facts, which differ by brand
- Calcium and vitamin B12 from fortification, high certainty that they are added, absorption not tested
- LDL and HDL cholesterol, low certainty for the drink (trials used coconut oil, not the drink)
- Early-life growth when plant drinks replace cow's milk, low certainty (observational, not coconut-specific)
- Weight and blood sugar, insufficient evidence (no study of the drink)
Main compounds
- Saturated fat (coconut fat)
- Added calcium
- Added vitamin B12
- Added vitamin A
Common forms
- Sweetened, calcium-fortified carton drink (the USDA record read)
- Unsweetened and flavoured versions (not looked up)
- Canned coconut milk, coconut water and coconut oil are different products and are not covered
Research links: 2020 review: coconut oil and cholesterol (16 trials) · 2022 study: nutrients in plant-based drinks compared with milk · 2026 review: plant drinks in early life · Research Library · Genes & Biomarkers Library
What it is and its history
- Accepted scientific name
- Cocos nucifera L.
- Naming authority
- L. (GBIF accepted; the palm whose fruit is used in coconut milk drinks)
- Common names
- Coconut milk beverage (English); Coconut milk drink (English); Coconut drink (English); Carton coconut milk (English)
- Family or group
- Arecaceae (the palm family), as given by GBIF. The carton drink is a processed food made from coconut and water.
- Classification
- Plantae > Tracheophyta > Liliopsida > Arecales > Arecaceae > Cocos > Cocos nucifera
- Native range
- Not verified from a source read.
- Habitat
- Not verified from a source read.
- What it looks like
- Roots: Not verified.; Stems: Not verified.; Leaves: Not verified.; Flowers: Not verified.; Fruit: Not verified. The drink is made from coconut and water, per the existing page; how it is made was not read from a source.
- Cultivation
- Not verified from a source read.
- Harvest and processing
- How carton coconut drinks are made was not read from a source. Products on the market are often fortified with calcium and vitamins and may have added sugar (USDA record and label survey).
- Look-alikes and adulterants
- Name: Canned coconut milk; Note: A thick cooking ingredient with much more fat; a different product, not covered here.; Name: Coconut water; Note: The clear liquid from inside young coconuts; a different drink with its own page.; Name: Coconut oil; Note: A pure fat; the cholesterol trials on this page used oil.
- Sustainability and conservation
- Not assessed.
Photographs
What is inside, and how it may work
What it contains and how those compounds act in cells and animals. Laboratory and animal mechanisms are not proven effects in people.
Main compounds
| Compound | Family | Where it is concentrated | Activity studied | Level of evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturated fat (coconut fat) | fat | Coconut kernel (drink) USDA: 2.083 g per 100 g, about 5 g per 1 cup (240 g). The fats in the drink were not broken down further in the record. | Saturated fat in the diet raises LDL cholesterol compared with unsaturated fat, according to the AHA advisory. Trials of coconut oil raised LDL in one meta-analysis and not significantly in another. 14 2 1 5 | Human data |
| Calcium (added) | mineral | Added in fortification USDA: 188 mg per 100 g, about 451 mg per cup. Label survey of coconut drinks: 93 mg per 100 mL on average (16 to 120). | A nutrient fact; absorption from the drink was not found. 14 4 | Lab |
| Vitamin B12 (added) | vitamin | Added in fortification USDA: 1.25 mcg per 100 g, about 3 mcg per cup. | A nutrient fact; coconut itself is not a B12 source. 14 | Lab |
| Vitamin A (added) | vitamin | Added in fortification USDA: 63 mcg RAE per 100 g, about 151 mcg per cup. | A nutrient fact. 14 | Lab |
Mechanisms, receptors and pathways
| Target or pathway | Gene or receptor | What was found | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| LDL cholesterol and saturated fat | Not specified in the sources read | The AHA advisory concludes that replacing saturated fat with unsaturated fat lowers LDL cholesterol, which it describes as a cause of atherosclerosis. Coconut fat is saturated fat, but the drink was not tested. 2 14 | Human data |
Absorption, metabolism and elimination
- Absorption
- Not found for the drink's nutrients in people.
- Distribution
- Not found.
- Metabolism
- Not found.
- Elimination
- Not found.
- Bioavailability
- Not established for the calcium or B12 added to coconut drinks.
Isolated compounds versus whole extracts
The cholesterol results are for coconut oil, a concentrated fat, not for the carton drink, which has about 5 g of fat a cup. The nutrient facts are for the drink as sold. Neither says what the drink does to health.
Nutritional composition
Nutrition from USDA FoodData Central, record 174116 (SR Legacy, April 2018 release; sweetened, fortified with calcium and vitamins A, B12 and D2), re-read 2026-10-26 from a saved copy. Per 1 cup (240 g, the USDA household portion; 100 g values multiplied by 2.4): about 74 kcal, 4.99 g fat, 5 g saturated fat, 0.5 g protein, 7.01 g carbohydrate, 6 g total sugars, 0 g fibre, 451 mg calcium, 0.72 mg iron, 45.6 mg potassium, 45.6 mg sodium, 151 mcg vitamin A RAE and 3 mcg vitamin B12. USDA lists vitamin D as 0 even though the name says D2 was added, and does not say how much sugar is added. For comparison, a cup of whole cow's milk (USDA 171265) has about 4.55 g saturated fat. Real products vary: a label survey of 13 coconut drinks found 1.4 to 7.9 g fat and 0.2 to 5.9 g sugars per 100 mL.
2 high certainty1 low certainty1 not enough evidence
What was looked at
The 4 benefits and uses checked for Coconut Milk Beverage, each with how strong the evidence is. Tap one to open it.
- Nutrients compared with cow's milkHigh certainty
- Calcium and vitamin B12 (from added nutrients)High certainty
- Replacing cow's milk with plant drinks in early lifeLow certainty
- Weight, blood sugar and other health claimsNot enough evidence
Lab markers tracked in the studies
LDL cholesterolHDL cholesterolHeight and BMI for age in children
What is Coconut Milk Beverage good for?
The main studied uses and how strong the evidence is for each. No study tested the carton drink on health. The cholesterol results are for coconut oil.
Benefits, one by one
Each card is a research question, not a promise. Tap a goal to filter. Open a card to see the studies, doses and limits.
Nutrients compared with cow's milk
High certaintyThe carton drink is mostly water with a little coconut fat. It has very little protein. In a USDA record for a sweetened, fortified drink, a cup has about 74 kcal, 0.5 g protein and 5 g saturated fat. Products differ a lot.
4 studiesSweetened, calcium-fortified carton drink (USDA FDC 174116). Unsweete…
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
No trial was found that tested coconut milk drinks on any health outcome. The evidence is composition data only.
Results
A coconut drink is a low-protein, low-calorie drink. It is not nutritionally equal to cow's milk, and the NHS says only unsweetened, calcium-fortified versions count toward the dairy group.
Effect sizes as reported
USDA (sweetened, fortified drink), per 1 cup (240 g): 74 kcal, 4.99 g fat, 5 g saturated fat, 0.5 g protein, 7.01 g carbohydrate, 6 g total sugars. Whole cow's milk has about 4.55 g saturated fat per cup. Label survey of 13 coconut products per 100 mL: protein 0.7 g, fat 3.3 g (range 1.4 to 7.9), sugars 2.3 g (0.2 to 5.9).
Why this rating
High that the drink contains these nutrients (USDA data and a label and lab survey). Not tested as a treatment for anything.
Form and dose studied
Sweetened, calcium-fortified carton drink (USDA FDC 174116). Unsweetened and flavoured versions, and canned coconut milk, were not covered.
Who was studied
General adult diet.
Limits
Nutrient facts, not trials. One USDA record cannot stand for every brand. The label survey is from New Zealand in 2022 and was funded by a dairy company.
Why researchers looked
People choose coconut drinks as a dairy-free alternative to cow's milk, so researchers compare what is in the cup.
Traditional use
Coconut drinks are a modern packaged product. Long use of coconut as food is not proof that the drink treats any condition.
Proposed mechanism Nutrient database
These are nutrient amounts in the drink, taken from USDA tables and label surveys.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Allergy and baby cautions are on the Safety tab.
Calcium and vitamin B12 (from added nutrients)
High certaintyCoconut itself is not a calcium or B12 source. The USDA fortified record has 451 mg calcium (35% of the Daily Value) and 3 mcg vitamin B12 per cup, because they are added. Unfortified or less-fortified drinks have far less.
3 studiesFortified, sweetened carton drink in the USDA record. Check each labe…
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
No study in people was found on whether the added calcium in coconut drinks is absorbed. One lab survey found calcium and protein can settle out, so unshaken samples of several products differed from well-mixed ones.
Results
The label shows what was added. Calcium in coconut drinks on the New Zealand market ranged widely, from 16 to 120 mg per 100 mL.
Effect sizes as reported
USDA record, per cup: calcium 451 mg, vitamin A 151 mcg RAE, vitamin B12 3 mcg, iron 0.72 mg. The record lists vitamin D as 0 even though its name says D2 was added. Label survey, coconut drinks per 100 mL: calcium 93 mg on average (16 to 120).
Why this rating
High that fortified products contain the added nutrients (USDA data). Absorption was not tested and brands differ.
Form and dose studied
Fortified, sweetened carton drink in the USDA record. Check each label.
Who was studied
General adult diet.
Limits
Nutrient facts, not trials. Absorption not studied. The NHS notes that people who avoid dairy may not get enough calcium and that added-calcium products can help.
Why researchers looked
People who avoid dairy may fall short on calcium, so fortified plant drinks are used to fill the gap.
Traditional use
Coconut drinks are a modern packaged product. Long use of coconut as food is not proof that the drink treats any condition.
Proposed mechanism Nutrient database
These are amounts of added nutrients, not an effect of coconut.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
None specific.
Replacing cow's milk with plant drinks in early life
Low certaintyThis is a caution more than a benefit. A 2026 review found that partly replacing cow's milk with plant drinks went with slightly lower height and BMI at age 5, and case reports describe severe undernutrition when plant drinks were the main drink for babies. Coconut drinks were not singled out.
2 studiesPlant-based milk alternatives in general, not coconut specifically.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
Observational studies only (cross-sectional and cohort studies plus case reports). No randomised trials or long-term studies were found.
Results
Low-quality observational evidence suggests a risk of lower growth with high plant-drink use in early life. The size is small and hard to pin down.
Effect sizes as reported
Per cup of plant drink in 5-year-olds: height-for-age z-score -0.04 (95% CI -0.07 to -0.01) and BMI-for-age z-score -0.06 (-0.09 to -0.03), about 0.2 cm and 0.1 kg.
Why this rating
Low because the studies are observational and low quality, and coconut drinks were not studied separately.
Form and dose studied
Plant-based milk alternatives in general, not coconut specifically.
Who was studied
Infants, children and adolescents.
Limits
Observational, residual confounding, case reports have limited value, not coconut-specific.
Why researchers looked
Parents sometimes use plant drinks in place of cow's milk for dairy-free diets, so researchers looked at growth.
Traditional use
Coconut drinks are a modern packaged product. Long use of coconut as food is not proof that the drink treats any condition.
Proposed mechanism Hypothesis
Plant drinks usually have much less protein and fewer of milk's nutrients than cow's milk, which could explain the findings. This is an idea, not shown.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
See the Safety tab for what the NHS and CDC say about babies.
Weight, blood sugar and other health claims
Not enough evidenceWe found no study of coconut milk drinks for weight, blood sugar, blood pressure or any other health outcome. In trials of virgin coconut oil, blood sugar, blood pressure, body measures and CRP did not change significantly.
1 studiesVirgin coconut oil, not the drink.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
Nothing was found for the carton drink. The oil trials are not the drink.
Results
No evidence for the drink; no significant changes in virgin coconut oil trials for these measures.
Effect sizes as reported
Virgin coconut oil, 14 trials: no significant change in fasting blood sugar, body measures, blood pressure or CRP.
Why this rating
Insufficient for the drink, because no study exists. The oil trials were short (2 to 24 weeks) and are not the drink.
Form and dose studied
Virgin coconut oil, not the drink.
Who was studied
Adults in the oil trials.
Limits
Not the drink; short trials.
Why researchers looked
Coconut products are often marketed for weight or metabolism.
Traditional use
Coconut drinks are a modern packaged product. Long use of coconut as food is not proof that the drink treats any condition.
Proposed mechanism Not established
No mechanism is claimed for the drink on this page.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
None specific.
Connections to the rest of health
How Coconut Milk Beverage connects to the rest of our health knowledge graph. Every link says what kind of connection it is. A safety link (for example to the liver) is a warning, not a benefit. A study that merely mentions a topic never creates a benefit link.
Explore every connection: goals, body systems, organs, symptoms, genes
A. Wellness goals
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preventive Wellness | High certainty | Nutrients compared with cow's milk: The carton drink is mostly water with a little coconut fat. It has very little protein. In a USDA record for a sweetened, fortified drink, a cup has about 74 kcal, 0.5 g protein and 5 g saturated fat. Products differ a lot. Calcium and vitamin B12 (from added nutrients): Coconut itself is not a calcium or B12 source. The USDA fortified record has 451 mg calcium (35% of the Daily Value) and 3 mcg vitamin B12 per cup, because they are added. Unfortified or less-fortified drinks have far less. | 14 13 4 11 | |
| Preventive Wellness | Biological association | Low certainty | Replacing cow's milk with plant drinks in early life: This is a caution more than a benefit. A 2026 review found that partly replacing cow's milk with plant drinks went with slightly lower height and BMI at age 5, and case reports describe severe undernutrition when plant drinks were the main drink for babies. Coconut drinks were not singled out. | 3 11 |
| Healthy Weight Metabolism | Not enough evidence | Weight, blood sugar and other health claims: We found no study of coconut milk drinks for weight, blood sugar, blood pressure or any other health outcome. In trials of virgin coconut oil, blood sugar, blood pressure, body measures and CRP did not change significantly. | 5 |
B. Body systems
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digestive System | Biological association | High certainty | Studied for: Nutrients compared with cow's milk Studied for: Replacing cow's milk with plant drinks in early life | 14 13 4 11 3 |
| Musculoskeletal System | Biological association | High certainty | Studied for: Calcium and vitamin B12 (from added nutrients) | 14 4 11 |
| Endocrine System | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Studied for: Weight, blood sugar and other health claims | 5 |
E. Health conditions
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food allergy | Adverse effect or risk | Documented risk | Coconut allergy exists (about 1 in 260 Americans in a 2023 study) and coconut must be listed in the ingredients. Coconut allergy exists; coconut must be listed in the ingredients. Preparation or compound: Coconut |
8 |
| High cholesterol | Adverse effect or risk | Preliminary | Coconut oil raised LDL in one meta-analysis and not significantly in another; the drink was not tested. Preparation or compound: Coconut oil |
1 5 |
I. Biomarkers
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LDL cholesterol | Biological association | Low certainty | Measured in trials: raised (coconut oil, not the drink). A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 1 5 2 |
| HDL cholesterol | Biological association | Low certainty | Measured in trials: raised (coconut oil, not the drink). A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 1 5 |
| Height and BMI for age in children | Biological association | Low certainty | Measured in trials: slightly lower with plant drinks (observational). A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 3 |
K. Biological pathways
L. Active compounds
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturated fat (coconut fat) | Biological association | Human | Saturated fat in the diet raises LDL cholesterol compared with unsaturated fat, according to the AHA advisory. Trials of coconut oil raised LDL in one meta-analysis and not significantly in another. Preparation or compound: Coconut kernel (drink) |
14 2 1 5 |
| Calcium (added) | Biological association | Lab | A nutrient fact; absorption from the drink was not found. Preparation or compound: Added in fortification |
14 4 |
| Vitamin B12 (added) | Biological association | Lab | A nutrient fact; coconut itself is not a B12 source. Preparation or compound: Added in fortification |
14 |
| Vitamin A (added) | Biological association | Lab | A nutrient fact. Preparation or compound: Added in fortification |
14 |
Each connection is stored with the ingredient, the connected record, the kind of connection, the evidence status, the supporting studies, the preparation or compound involved, and a review date (last reviewed October 26, 2026).
Evidence at a glance: what the research found for 4 outcomes
Each outcome below is one thing researchers measured. Certainty is how far the evidence can be trusted, not how well it works. The full studies are on the next tab.
The evidence
The research centre for Coconut Milk Beverage. Every record here was checked against PubMed or the publisher's page; we never list a study we have not verified.
Evidence by outcome
Bars show how many studies we found for each outcome, not how well it works. People are added up across trials only (reviews are not added, to avoid double counting).
How we rate evidence
High certainty
Several well-run trials or reviews agree; further research is unlikely to change the picture much.
Moderate certainty
Good trials point the same way, but some doubt remains.
Low certainty
Small, short or inconsistent trials. The finding could change with better research.
Very low certainty
Very little or very weak human data. Treat as a possibility only.
Mixed findings
Trials or reviews disagree with each other.
Not enough evidence
Not enough human research to say either way.
Evidence against
Good research found no benefit, or found harm.
We take the reviewers' own risk-of-bias and GRADE statements where they exist, and otherwise judge from study size, design, consistency, directness and whether a product matches what is sold. Many publications do not make evidence high. Method note: We started from our existing coconut milk beverage summary, re-read the USDA record from a saved copy, read the NHS, FDA, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and NIDDK pages, and re-read PubMed abstracts for the reviews. Only abstracts were read for the reviews; the label survey was read in full. Items we could not re-check are flagged in the research gaps. This is a smaller page than most because there is little direct research on the carton drink.
Study library: every study we checked 14
| Study | Design | People | Product, dose, length | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neelakantan 2020 The Effect of Coconut Oil Consumption on Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials. Circulation · PMID 31928080 · DOI |
Systematic review meta analysis |
16 trials (searched through June 2019) comparing coconut oil with other cooking fats for at least 2 weeks | Coconut oil Coconut oil (not the carton drink) Dose not given in the abstract At least 2 weeks per trial · vs Non-tropical vegetable oils |
Coconut oil raised LDL and HDL cholesterol compared with non-tropical vegetable oils. It did not significantly change blood sugar, inflammation or body-fatness measures. LDL +10.47 mg/dL; HDL +4.00 mg/dL (16 trials) (LDL 3.01 to 17.94 (I2 84%); HDL 2.26 to 5.73 (I2 72%)) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: LDL and HDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, triglycerides, body fatness, inflammation markers, blood sugar Limitations: Coconut oil, not the drink. A cup of the drink has about 5 g of fat (USDA), so the trial doses are not comparable. Large differences between trials (I2 84% for LDL). Funding and conflicts: Research support from a non-US government body is listed; no industry funding is stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Sacks 2017 Dietary Fats and Cardiovascular Disease: A Presidential Advisory From the American Heart Association. Circulation · PMID 28620111 · DOI |
Guideline advisory |
Review of trials and cohort studies on dietary fats and cardiovascular disease | Dietary saturated fat replaced by unsaturated fat |
Trials that replaced saturated fat with polyunsaturated vegetable oil reduced cardiovascular disease by about 30%. The advisory concludes strongly that lowering saturated fat and replacing it with unsaturated fats will lower cardiovascular disease. About 30% fewer cardiovascular events in trials of this swap (Not applicable) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Cardiovascular disease, LDL cholesterol Limitations: An advisory about fats in general, not about coconut drinks or coconut itself. 2017. Funding and conflicts: Written by an American Heart Association panel; members complete conflict disclosure forms. Read: abstract |
| Schlune 2026 Plant-Based Drinks as an Alternative to Cow's Milk in Early Life: Health Effects in Infancy, Childhood, and Adolescence. Dtsch Arztebl Int · PMID 41562594 · DOI |
Narrative review |
Cross-sectional and cohort studies and case reports in infants, children and adolescents | Plant-based milk alternatives (not coconut-specific) Plant-based drinks in general Per cup of plant drink in 5-year-olds Observational · vs Cow's milk |
Exclusive use of plant drinks went with lower intake of nutrients found in cow's milk, such as iodine. Partly replacing cow's milk went with slightly lower height and BMI at age 5. Case reports describe severe undernutrition, mainly in the first two years of life. No long-term studies or randomised trials were found. Height-for-age z-score -0.04 and BMI-for-age z-score -0.06 per cup of plant drink in 5-year-olds (about 0.2 cm and 0.1 kg) (Height z -0.07 to -0.01; BMI z -0.09 to -0.03) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Nutrient intake, height and BMI for age, undernutrition Limitations: Observational, low quality, residual confounding; coconut drinks were not singled out. Case reports have limited value. Funding and conflicts: Authors declare no conflict of interest. Read: abstract |
| Smith 2022 Nutritional assessment of plant-based beverages in comparison to bovine milk. Front Nutr · PMID 36003838 · DOI |
Laboratory analysis n/a |
Label survey of plant-based drinks in New Zealand supermarkets (13 coconut products) and lab analysis of selected products | Coconut, almond, oat, rice and soy drinks versus cow's milk Carton drinks · vs Cow's milk |
Apart from calcium-fortified soy drinks, none of the drinks had a nutrient make-up broadly comparable to milk. All drinks other than soy had less than 1.1 g protein per 100 mL on average. Unshaken samples of several products had different protein and calcium from well-mixed ones. Coconut drinks on labels (13 products), per 100 mL: protein 0.7 g (0.2 to 1.5), fat 3.3 g (1.4 to 7.9), sugars 2.3 g (0.2 to 5.9), calcium 93 mg (16 to 120) (Ranges as listed) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Label and measured nutrients, shaken versus unshaken samples Limitations: New Zealand products only, 2022. Not a health-outcome study. Funding and conflicts: Funded by Fonterra Cooperative Ltd. (a dairy company) and the International Dairy Federation New Zealand branch; two authors are Fonterra employees. Read: abstract |
| Zhang 2025 The effect of virgin coconut oil (VCO) on cardiovascular disease risk factors: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Diabetol Metab Syndr · PMID 41444640 · DOI |
Systematic review meta analysis |
14 randomised trials, 1,049 adults from 11 countries | Virgin coconut oil Virgin coconut oil (not the carton drink) Dose not given in the abstract 2 to 24 weeks · vs Various controls |
Virgin coconut oil lowered triglycerides and raised HDL cholesterol. No significant change was seen for the other lipid markers, fasting blood sugar, body measures, blood pressure or CRP. Triglycerides -12.12 mg/dL; HDL +7.91 mg/dL (Triglycerides -23.14 to -1.09; HDL 4.41 to 11.40) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Triglycerides, HDL, other lipids, fasting blood sugar, body measures, blood pressure, CRP Limitations: Virgin coconut oil, not the drink. Short trials. The abstract reports a significant total cholesterol rise in people under 50. Funding and conflicts: Authors declare no competing interests. Read: abstract |
| s-cdc-milk-alt CDC: Cow's milk and milk alternatives (infant and toddler nutrition) · Source |
Health agency n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: summary-only | ||
| s-dga-2025 USDA and HHS: Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025-2030 (January 2026) · Source |
Government guideline n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: summary-only | ||
| s-eatright-coconut Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (eatright.org): Coconut Is No Longer a Tree Nut Allergen · Source |
Professional body n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: full-text | ||
| s-fda-allergens US FDA: Food Allergies · Source |
Health agency n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: full-text | ||
| s-gbif-cocos-nucifera GBIF Backbone: Cocos nucifera L. (usageKey 2735117) · Source |
Reference database n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: full-text | ||
| s-nhs-dairy NHS: Dairy and alternatives in your diet · Source |
Health agency n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: full-text | ||
| s-niddk-ckd NIDDK: Eating and nutrition for chronic kidney disease · Source |
Health agency n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: full-text | ||
| s-usda-fdc-171265 USDA FoodData Central: Milk, whole, 3.25% milkfat, with added vitamin D (FDC 171265, SR Legacy, April 2018) · Source |
Reference database n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: full-text | ||
| s-usda-fdc-174116 USDA FoodData Central: Beverages, coconut milk, sweetened, fortified with calcium, vitamins A, B12, D2 (FDC 174116, SR Legacy, April 2018) · Source |
Reference database n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: full-text |
What we do not know yet
- No study of the carton drink on cholesterol, weight, blood sugar or any other health outcome was found; the cholesterol results are for coconut oil.
- Only one USDA record (sweetened, fortified) was used; unsweetened and flavoured products and brand differences were not measured here.
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding, medicine interactions, contaminants and additives were not found in the sources read.
- The CDC page and the Dietary Guidelines PDF could not be re-checked today; those statements are carried over and marked.
- The 2023 coconut allergy study and the 2025 FDA guidance were not opened; they are known through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics page.
How new research is added
New studies are found by a saved PubMed search and placed in a review queue before the page changes.
Lab markers
What changed in blood or saliva tests during trials. A changed number is not the same as feeling or being healthier, and we give no "normal ranges".
Metabolic 2
LDL cholesterol
Raised (coconut oil, not the drink) in trials
The 'bad' cholesterol carried in the blood. Higher levels are linked to more heart disease.
Low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
It is the usual blood marker in diet trials for heart risk. Coconut fat is high in saturated fat.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
The two meta-analyses of coconut oil point in different directions on LDL, and neither tested the carton drink, which has about 5 g of fat a cup. So the certainty for the drink is low.
Safety implication
The American Heart Association advisory links swapping saturated fat for unsaturated fat with lower LDL; ask your clinician if you have high cholesterol.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | LDL +10.47 mg/dL (95% CI 3.01 to 17.94) with coconut oil versus non-tropical vegetable oils | 16 trials, adults | Coconut oil, at least 2 weeks |
| 5 | No significant change in the other lipid markers, but triglycerides -12.12 mg/dL and HDL +7.91 mg/dL, with virgin coconut oil | 14 randomised trials, 1,049 adults | Virgin coconut oil, 2 to 24 weeks |
HDL cholesterol
Raised (coconut oil, not the drink) in trials
The 'good' cholesterol carried in the blood. Higher HDL by itself has not been shown to protect the heart.
Low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
It is reported in the same trials as LDL.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
Both reviews found a rise in HDL, but the product was oil, not the drink, and an HDL rise alone does not show a heart benefit.
Safety implication
None specific.
Other 1
Height and BMI for age in children
Slightly lower with plant drinks (observational) in trials
Measures that compare a child's height and weight-for-height with children of the same age. A z-score of 0 is the average.
Low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
To see whether children who drink plant drinks grow differently from those who drink cow's milk.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
A very small average difference in low-quality observational data. It is a reason for care in early childhood, not proof of harm.
Safety implication
Ask a dietitian or paediatrician before using any plant drink as a main drink for a young child.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | Height-for-age z-score -0.04 (95% CI -0.07 to -0.01) and BMI-for-age z-score -0.06 (-0.09 to -0.03) per cup of plant drink | 5-year-olds in observational studies | Partly replacing cow's milk with plant-based drinks (not coconut-specific) |
Safety
What studies and official sources say about side effects, medicines and who should check first. Each point shows what kind of evidence it comes from.
Main points to know 4
- Coconut allergy exists. In 2025 US FDA guidance stopped counting coconut as a tree nut for allergen labeling. Coconut used to make a food must still be listed in the ingredients, but it may not appear in a Contains: tree nuts statement. A 2023 study suggests about 1 in 260 Americans could have a coconut allergy, and less than half have a confirmed diagnosis. If you have a coconut allergy, read the ingredient list. Authoritative guidance 8 9
- Babies under 12 months. The NHS says babies under 1 year old should not be given drinks referred to as milk, such as rice, oat or almond drinks, because they do not have the balance of nutrients babies need. It does not name coconut in that sentence. The CDC page, carried over from an earlier reading and not re-checked today, says no plant milk before 12 months. Authoritative guidance 11 6
- Low protein; not a full replacement for cow's milk. A cup of the USDA drink has about 0.5 g protein. A lab and label survey found that, apart from calcium-fortified soy drinks, no plant drink was broadly comparable to milk. A 2026 review links partly replacing cow's milk with plant drinks in early life with slightly lower height and BMI, and case reports describe severe undernutrition in young children given plant drinks as the main drink. Observational 4 3 14
- Saturated fat and sweetened versions. The USDA drink has about 5 g saturated fat per cup (25% of the Daily Value), and the record is for a sweetened drink with 6 g sugars. The AHA advisory links swapping saturated fat for unsaturated fat with lower LDL cholesterol. The Dietary Guidelines statements (saturated fat under 10% of calories; no amount of added sugars recommended) were carried over and not re-checked today. Authoritative guidance 14 2 7
Side effects 2
| Effect | How often | Severity and recovery | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allergic reaction to coconut, from itching and hives to severe reactions Prevalence is for coconut allergy in general, not the carton drink specifically. The 2023 study itself was not opened. | About 1 in 260 Americans could have a coconut allergy (2023 study as reported by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics); less than half have a confirmed diagnosis. | mild to severe; the source says symptoms may be less severe than for other major allergens, but more research is needed Not described in the source read. | Observational 8 |
| Undernutrition or poor growth when a plant drink is the main milk for a young child Not coconut-specific. | Case reports only; no frequency. | can be severe in case reports, mainly in the first two years of life Not described in the abstract. | Case reports and observational 3 |
Liver
No liver injury from coconut milk drinks was found in the sources read. No liver-safety source was searched for this drink.
How often. No frequency was found.
Monitoring. No agency monitoring advice was found.
This is a safety connection. It is not evidence that Coconut Milk Beverage supports liver health.
Medicines and supplements 0
| With | Why it matters | Importance | Evidence | What to do |
|---|
Who should check first 6
| Situation | Advice | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Known or suspected coconut allergy | Avoid the drink and read the ingredient list, because coconut may not be named in a Contains: tree nuts line. Ask an allergist about your own case. | Authoritative guidance 8 |
| Babies under 12 months | Do not use it as a milk drink. Ask a paediatrician or dietitian about feeding. | Authoritative guidance 11 6 |
| Toddlers and children | Plant drinks are low in protein. The CDC page (carried over, not re-checked today) says to choose unflavored, unsweetened versions for children. Ask a dietitian before it replaces cow's milk as the main drink. | Authoritative guidance 6 3 |
| Chronic kidney disease | NIDDK says people with chronic kidney disease may need to limit potassium and phosphorus and should work with a dietitian. USDA lists 19 mg potassium per 100 g (about 46 mg a cup) for this drink and does not list phosphorus. NIDDK also says to check labels for added phosphorus, which can be listed with words containing PHOS. NIDDK does not mention coconut drinks. | Authoritative guidance 12 14 |
| High cholesterol or heart disease | Coconut fat is saturated fat. Talk with your clinician about how it fits your diet. | Authoritative guidance 2 14 |
| Pregnancy and breastfeeding | No advice specific to coconut milk drinks was found in the sources read. Ask your midwife, doctor or dietitian. | No evidence found |
Overdose, product quality and regulators
Summary. No toxicity from a coconut milk drink as ordinary food was found in the sources read. The points above are allergy, nutrition for young children and saturated fat.
Animal. Not reviewed.
High dose or long term signals. Not researched for this drink.
Overdose response. Not found.
Genotoxicity. Not researched.
Contamination (heavy metals, pesticides, mould, additives other than fortification) was not researched for this drink. Proper evidence not found in the sources read.
Settling and shaking. A lab survey found that protein and calcium in unshaken samples of several plant drinks differed from well-mixed samples, so the nutrients you get can depend on whether the carton was shaken. 4
| Body | Action | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (reporting 2025 US FDA guidance) (United States) | Coconut was removed from the list of tree nuts that must be declared as an allergen; coconut as an ingredient must still be listed in the ingredient statement. source | 2026-05-26 |
| US FDA (United States) | Food Allergies: lists the nine major food allergens (milk, eggs, fish, Crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, sesame). source | 2026-03-11 |
| NHS (UK) (United Kingdom) | Unsweetened, calcium-fortified dairy alternatives such as coconut drinks count toward the dairy group; babies under 1 year should not be given drinks referred to as milk such as rice, oat or almond drinks. source | Not dated on the page |
When to get medical help
- Trouble breathing, wheezing, swelling of the lips, face, tongue or throat, widespread hives, faintness or repeated vomiting after drinking it: call 911 or your local emergency number.
- A baby or young child who is not feeding well, is losing weight or is unusually sleepy: see a doctor.
Stop using the product and contact a clinician or emergency service. In the US, Poison Control is 1-800-222-1222.
General information only, not medical advice. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before use, especially with medicines, in pregnancy or with a health condition. See the Natural Remedy Safety guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is a coconut milk beverage?
It is the thin carton drink from the milk aisle, made from coconut and water. It is not the thick canned coconut milk used in cooking.
Is coconut milk drink healthy?
It depends on the product. The USDA sweetened, fortified drink has about 5 g saturated fat, 6 g sugars and 0.5 g protein per cup, plus added calcium and B12. We found no study of the drink and health outcomes.
Does coconut milk drink raise cholesterol?
Is coconut a tree nut allergen?
Since 2025 the US no longer counts coconut as a tree nut for allergen labelling, but coconut allergy exists and coconut must still be named in the ingredient list.
Can it replace cow's milk?
Is it the same as canned coconut milk?
No. This page covers the thin carton drink. Canned coconut milk is a thicker, richer cooking product that was not studied here.
Can babies have coconut milk drink?
The NHS says babies under 1 year should not be given drinks referred to as milk, such as rice, oat or almond drinks. It does not name coconut in that sentence. Ask a paediatrician or dietitian.
Does it have calcium and vitamin B12?
Why does the carton say shake well?
A lab survey found protein and calcium can settle in plant drinks, so unshaken samples of several products differed from well-mixed ones.
Does it help with weight or blood sugar?
We found no study of the drink. In trials of virgin coconut oil, blood sugar and body measures did not change significantly.
Is the sweetened kind a concern?
Is it safe with kidney disease?
Ask a dietitian. NIDDK says people with kidney disease may need to limit potassium and phosphorus and to check labels for added phosphorus. It does not mention coconut drinks.
Explore by health goal
Editorial transparency
- Written by
- AlternativeMed editorial team. Research compiled with AI assistance, then checked against the sources listed.
- Medical review
- None. This page has not been reviewed by a physician or pharmacist.
- First published
- 2026-10-26
- Last substantive update
- 2026-10-26
- How we research
- We started from our existing coconut milk beverage summary, re-read the USDA record from a saved copy, read the NHS, FDA, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and NIDDK pages, and re-read PubMed abstracts for the reviews. Only abstracts were read for the reviews; the label survey was read in full. Items we could not re-check are flagged in the research gaps. This is a smaller page than most because there is little direct research on the carton drink.
- How we rate evidence
- See "How we rate evidence" in the Evidence tab.
- Independence
- No product is promoted on this page. No affiliate links are shown. The label survey cited was funded by a dairy company, which is stated where it is used.
Sources 14
Each source was opened and checked. Where we read only the abstract, it says so. The small numbers in the text point here.
- Neelakantan N, Seah JYH, van Dam RM. The Effect of Coconut Oil Consumption on Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials.. Circulation. 2020. PMID 31928080. DOI 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.119.043052. (abstract)
- Sacks FM, Lichtenstein AH, Wu JHY, Appel LJ, et al.. Dietary Fats and Cardiovascular Disease: A Presidential Advisory From the American Heart Association.. Circulation. 2017. PMID 28620111. DOI 10.1161/CIR.0000000000000510. (abstract)
- Schlune A, Nebelung N, Schidelko LP, Brettschneider AK, et al.. Plant-Based Drinks as an Alternative to Cow's Milk in Early Life: Health Effects in Infancy, Childhood, and Adolescence.. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2026. PMID 41562594. DOI 10.3238/arztebl.m2025.0223. (abstract)
- Smith NW, Dave AC, Hill JP, McNabb WC. Nutritional assessment of plant-based beverages in comparison to bovine milk.. Front Nutr. 2022. PMID 36003838. DOI 10.3389/fnut.2022.957486. (abstract)
- Zhang Y, Wang Y, Li L, Hong X, et al.. The effect of virgin coconut oil (VCO) on cardiovascular disease risk factors: a systematic review and meta-analysis.. Diabetol Metab Syndr. 2025. PMID 41444640. DOI 10.1186/s13098-025-02019-6. (abstract)
- . CDC: Cow's milk and milk alternatives (infant and toddler nutrition). . . (summary-only)
- . USDA and HHS: Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025-2030 (January 2026). . . (summary-only)
- . Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (eatright.org): Coconut Is No Longer a Tree Nut Allergen. . . (full-text)
- . US FDA: Food Allergies. . . (full-text)
- . GBIF Backbone: Cocos nucifera L. (usageKey 2735117). . . (full-text)
- . NHS: Dairy and alternatives in your diet. . . (full-text)
- . NIDDK: Eating and nutrition for chronic kidney disease. . . (full-text)
- . USDA FoodData Central: Milk, whole, 3.25% milkfat, with added vitamin D (FDC 171265, SR Legacy, April 2018). . . (full-text)
- . USDA FoodData Central: Beverages, coconut milk, sweetened, fortified with calcium, vitamins A, B12, D2 (FDC 174116, SR Legacy, April 2018). . . (full-text)
