What Will Be a Better Alternative- Coconut Milk Or Soy Milk?

These days supermarket shelves are filled with many varieties of dairy milk alternatives including soy milk, coconut milk, almond milk, etc. Coconut Milk versus Soy Milk is one of the dilemmas people face while choosing a plant based milk. 

As a passionate nutritionist I’m writing this blog to help you to find the best milk alternative between Coconut and Soy milk according to your needs and preferences.  

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Coconut Milk Vs Soy Milk: Differences & How to Choose the Best One

In the table below, I am sharing the differences between Coconut milk And Soy milk based on different parameters. It will help you to compare these two milk alternatives at a glance. 

*Source: USDA; Quantity defined is 1 cup

The table above gives you a brief idea about the differences between Coconut Milk and Soy Milk nutrition and other factors. To make it more clear let me describe each factor here: 

Key Requirements to Make Coconut Milk and Soy Milk

Flesh of mature coconut and water are basic ingredients to make Coconut milk. Coconut milk has been an integral part of southeast Asian cuisine for ages. 

Soya Milk is made of soaked soya beans and water. Soy Milk has been used in China, Japan, South Korea and other east Asian countries for many years. 

Flavour Differences Between Coconut Milk and Soy Milk 

Since Soya milk is made of soya beans, it has a mild bean flavor. It is creamy in texture and it goes well with many dishes. 

Coconut milk has a slightly sweet taste. Its creamy and soft texture makes it a perfect choice for many puddings, smoothies, pies and for soups, curries and sauces as well. 

Right Amount of Coconut Milk and Soy Milk to Consume Per Day

If you are making the Soya milk at home then 1 or 2 servings of 1 cup is fine for you. Limit your intake to 1 cup if you are consuming the commercial version of Soya milk. 

Coconut milk is high in calories, that’s why it is recommended to consume 1 cup of Coconut milk per day. To reduce the calories of Coconut, dilute the consistency of Coconut milk by adding more water in it. 

Coconut Milk Versus Soy Milk Calories

In terms of calories, Coconut milk has a lot more calories than Soy milk. If you are looking for a low calorie milk option then Soy milk is definitely a better choice. 

On the contrary, Coconut milk is a high energy beverage and keeps you full for a long period of time. It is also good to have a smoothie after a workout to get instant energy. 

Coconut Milk Versus Soy Milk – Which One Has More Fat Content?

Compared to Coconut milk Soy milk has very less Fat content in it. Soy milk is also a source of Omega-3 fatty acid which is considered as good fat. 

According to a study Coconut milk and Soymilk both aid heart heart and help to increase good fat in the body. However, since Coconut milk is a high calorie drink, only moderate consumption is recommended.

Difference Between Protein Quantity in Coconut Milk and Soy Milk

Soy milk is made of soybeans, which are legumes and a rich source of protein. This makes Soy milk a better source of protein as compared to Coconut milk. 

In the category of plant based milks, Soy milk is one of the best sources of protein. If you want a protein rich diet then I will definitely recommend making Soy milk the part of your daily diet.

How Much Calcium Do You Get From Coconut Milk and Soy Milk?

Both Soy milk and Coconut milk are not that great a source of calcium compared to animal milk. But in the packed version of Soy milk is fortified by calcium and vitamin D. 

Same is the case with the Coconut milk. The market version of Coconut milk has more calcium than homemade natural Coconut milk. If you are consuming only plant based milk then adding another rich source of Calcium is necessary to complete your daily requirement of Calcium.

When Should You Consume Coconut Milk and Soy milk?

Coconut milk is high in calories so consuming it with breakfast in the morning is a perfect time of the day. It keeps you full of energy for the rest of the day. You can also add this vegan milk to your lunch curry as well. 

If you have a disturbed sleeping pattern then try to drink 1 cup of Soy milk before going to bed. Soy milk is equally good to start a day too.  

Are Coconut Milk and Soy Milk Good for Nature?

Both Coconut milk and Soy milk are two of the most popular plant based milks and consumed by people for centuries. 

Non-dairy milks have less environmental footprints than dairy milk. In recent times, when our environmental problems are piling up day by day, it is important to make sensible choices.

Coconut Milk And Soy Milk As Animal Milk Alternatives

Coconut Milk and Soy milk both are vegan alternatives of dairy milk.

They are produced by coconut fruit and soybeans, this makes them a perfect choice for vegan platter.

Coconut Milk Versus Soy Milk – Which One is Beneficial for Teeth?

Coconut milk is considered a good product to maintain Oral hygiene. Coconut milk is made of coconut, which is considered very effective to maintain clean teeth. Soy Milk has very less sugar in it which is good for happy teeth. 

Since recent studies show that soy Milk can cause more bacteria to develop in the mouth, I will suggest cleaning your mouth with a toothbrush whenever you have a cup of Soymilk. 

Know the Impact of Coconut Milk Soy Milk on Your Stomach

Both Coconut milk and Soy milk are plant based non-dairy beverages. They are easy on your stomach compared to dairy products.

However, soy allergy and soy intolerance is a real thing! If you feel bloated after consuming Soy milk then it is important to visit the Doctor.  In such cases it is advisable to not consume soy milk at all. 

Do Coconut Milk and Soy Milk Help to Cool Down Body?

A lot of water is used while making Coconut Milk and soy milk. This process enhances the body cooling impact of these two wonderful beverages.

Both the milk helps you stay energized for a longer period of time. 

Coconut Milk and Soy Milk as Hydration Drinks

 Humans need 11-16 glasses of water per day to function well. It is not necessary to get all this requirement from the plain water. One can consume other non sugary drinks to stay hydrated. 

As mentioned above, Coconut milk and Soy milk both are naturally high in water. This makes them good for hydration. Compared to Soy milk, Coconut milk also has more electrolytes which helps to stay hydrated for a long time. 

What Nutritious Things Can You Add in Coconut Milk and Soy Milk?

To enhance the flavor and aroma of Coconut milk, tropical fruits such as mango, papaya and pineapple can be added. Coconut milk also goes very well with tapioca.  Children love to have Coconut milk with tapioca. 

Soy milk can be consumed with a pinch of cinnamon powder, vanilla or honey. With soy milk, banana is my personal additive. 

I hope I have cleared all your doubts about the Coconut milk Versus Soy milk nutrition. I believe that both these plant milk substitutes are very nutritious and allow you to play with different flavors. 

If you tried any new interesting recipe with these two vegan milks then do share with me in the comment section.