Standard Can Size: 13.5 or 14 Fluid Ounces (400ml)
For home cooks and seasoned chefs alike, knowing the volume of your ingredients is fundamental. When it comes to full-fat coconut milk, the most common can size found in supermarkets worldwide is 13.5 or 14 fluid ounces, which both translate to approximately 400 milliliters. Despite the minor difference in ounces, recipes often treat these can sizes interchangeably due to the minimal variation in liquid volume. This standardization is incredibly helpful when following recipes from different parts of the world, as a 'can' of coconut milk is usually understood to be this 400ml amount.
Converting a Can into US Cups
If you're accustomed to US standard cup measurements, a standard 13.5 fl oz (400ml) can of full-fat coconut milk is just shy of 2 US cups. More precisely, a US cup is equivalent to 8 fluid ounces, which means a 13.5 fl oz can contains approximately 1.7 US cups. A 14 fl oz can is exactly 1.75 US cups. However, this is a volume measurement for the total contents. The consistency of full-fat coconut milk also needs to be considered. The high fat content means it naturally separates into a thick cream and a watery liquid, particularly when cold. The ratio of cream to liquid can influence the final texture of your dish, especially when using just the thick cream for desserts.
Beyond the Standard: Exploring Other Can Sizes
While the 13.5-14 fl oz can is the most prevalent, other sizes are also available, especially in larger quantities for food service or specific brands. For example, some brands like Goya offer a larger 25.5 oz can. These larger sizes are ideal for recipes requiring a significant amount of coconut milk, such as larger batches of curry or coconut-based soups. Always check the label to ensure you have the correct volume for your recipe, as the size isn't always uniform across all products and brands. Some international versions may come in slightly different metric volumes, but the 400ml standard is a reliable guideline.
Distinguishing Between Coconut Products: Milk, Cream, and Light
It's important to differentiate between full-fat coconut milk, light coconut milk, and coconut cream, as they are not perfect substitutes for each other. Here’s a breakdown:
- Full-Fat Coconut Milk: As discussed, this is the rich, creamy product with a higher fat content, resulting in a distinct separation of cream and liquid. It is essential for producing thick, flavorful curries and desserts.
- Light Coconut Milk: This product is essentially diluted full-fat coconut milk, containing less fat and more water. It's a great option for recipes where you want the coconut flavor without the intense richness or high fat content, and it will give your dish a thinner consistency.
- Coconut Cream: This product is the thickest and richest of the three, with the highest fat concentration. It is primarily the cream that separates from the full-fat milk and is used for specific recipes where a dense, creamy texture is required, like whipped coconut cream or certain desserts.
Full-Fat vs. Light vs. Cream: A Comparison Table
| Product | Typical Fat Content (Approx.) | Standard Can Size | US Cup Equivalent (Approx.) | Primary Culinary Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Fat Coconut Milk | 15–20% | 13.5-14 fl oz (400ml) | ~1.7 to 1.75 cups | Curries, soups, sauces, desserts |
| Light Coconut Milk | 5–10% | 13.5-14 fl oz (400ml) | ~1.7 to 1.75 cups | Lighter soups, smoothies, beverages |
| Coconut Cream | 25–39% | 13.5-14 fl oz (400ml) | ~1.7 to 1.75 cups | Whipped cream substitute, richer desserts |
How to Measure Canned Coconut Milk Accurately
For most recipes, especially curries or soups where a homogenous mixture is desired, it's best to shake the can well before opening to combine the cream and liquid. This provides a consistent, smooth texture. If a recipe specifically calls for the 'cream only' or the 'liquid only' from the can, chilling the can in the refrigerator overnight is the easiest method. The cream will solidify and rise to the top, making it simple to scoop out the thick cream and pour off the liquid. This is often necessary for recipes like whipped coconut cream or specific ice cream bases. For measuring, a standard measuring cup works perfectly for the combined liquid. If you're weighing your ingredients, remember that the density is slightly different from water, so a kitchen scale is ideal for precision.
Quick Tips for Using Canned Coconut Milk
- Shake it up: For a uniform consistency in stews and sauces, shake the can vigorously before opening.
- Chill for cream: Need just the thick cream for a dessert? Refrigerate the can for at least 8 hours.
- Warm to liquefy: If the contents have solidified in colder temperatures, placing the can in a bowl of warm water will help to re-liquefy it.
- Store leftovers properly: Once opened, transfer unused coconut milk to an airtight container and refrigerate. Use it within 3-4 days.
- Consider your substitutions: If swapping full-fat for light coconut milk, expect a thinner final product. If substituting with coconut cream, be prepared for a much richer, thicker result. For more detailed volume conversion guidance, this resource from the Exploratorium is very helpful: Measurement Equivalents - Exploratorium.
Conclusion: Getting the Right Measurement for Your Recipe
To know how much is in a can of full fat coconut milk, the simplest answer is that a standard can contains between 13.5 and 14 fluid ounces, which is equivalent to 400 milliliters and just under 2 US cups. However, this is just the starting point. The nature of full-fat coconut milk with its separating cream and liquid is a key factor to consider, especially when measuring for specific textures. By understanding the different can sizes, the properties of the liquid, and the right techniques for preparation and measurement, you can ensure that every dish you create with this versatile ingredient turns out perfectly.
