How to Turn Regular Coconut Milk into Light Coconut Milk for Healthier Cooking

December 8, 2025 •

3 min read

According to Go Dairy Free, most canned light coconut milk is just watered-down full-fat coconut milk. Instead of paying extra for a diluted product with more additives, you can easily create your own lighter version at home using a simple and cost-effective method.

Quick Summary

This guide demonstrates how to dilute canned full-fat coconut milk to make a light, lower-calorie version. It covers the optimal water-to-milk ratios, usage tips, and a comparison of regular versus light varieties.

Key Points

Simple Dilution: Create light coconut milk by adding water to regular, full-fat canned coconut milk, typically in a 1:1 ratio for a store-bought consistency.
Cost-Effective: Save money by diluting a single can of full-fat coconut milk instead of buying two separate products.
Customize Fat Content: Control the thickness and richness of your coconut milk by adjusting the amount of water added.
Avoid Additives: Homemade light coconut milk is free of the extra stabilizers and preservatives found in many commercial versions.
Versatile Uses: The lighter version is perfect for smoothies, soups, and curries where a less rich texture is desired.
Natural Separation: Store in an airtight container in the fridge and shake well before each use, as natural separation may occur.

The Simple Dilution Method

Making your own light coconut milk is a straightforward process that gives you complete control over the final product. The basic technique involves adding water to full-fat canned coconut milk, but the ratio depends on your desired consistency and richness. For a result comparable to commercially available light versions, a 1:1 ratio of water to coconut milk is a great starting point.

What You'll Need:

1 can (13.5 oz or 400ml) full-fat coconut milk
1 to 1.5 cups water (filtered or distilled for the best taste)
A whisk or blender
A clean glass jar or airtight container for storage

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Prepare the Coconut Milk: Open the can of full-fat coconut milk. Don't worry if the solid cream has separated from the liquid; this is normal. Scrape all the contents into a mixing bowl or directly into your storage container.
Add Water Gradually: Pour in one cup of water. For a very light consistency, you can add up to 1.5 cups. If you plan to make coconut milk for drinking, like a beverage, a 1:2 ratio might be more suitable.
Whisk or Blend Until Smooth: Use a whisk to vigorously stir the mixture until the cream and water are fully combined and the texture is smooth and uniform. For an even smoother, faster result, a blender works best. Blend on high speed for 30-60 seconds.
Store It: Pour the freshly made light coconut milk into a glass jar. Seal it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. The mixture may separate slightly over time; just give it a good shake before each use to re-emulsify it.

Uses for Homemade Light Coconut Milk

Your homemade light coconut milk is a versatile, dairy-free alternative perfect for a variety of dishes. It offers a subtle coconut flavor without the heavy richness of the full-fat version.

In Curries: Use it as a base for lighter curries, especially Thai or Indian dishes, when you want flavor without too much richness.
Smoothies: A great addition to tropical fruit smoothies, like pineapple or mango, for a creamy, dairy-free base.
Soups: Perfect for creating velvety soups, such as creamy pumpkin or butternut squash soup, or even Thai Tom Kha soup.
Desserts: Incorporate it into desserts like panna cotta, rice pudding, or custard for a subtle coconut note.
Baking: Substitute it for regular milk in quick breads, muffins, and cakes.

Regular vs. Light Coconut Milk Comparison Table


Feature	Regular (Full-Fat) Coconut Milk	Homemade Light Coconut Milk
Fat Content	High (17-24%)	Significantly Lower (approx. 5-10%)
Calories	Higher	Lower
Consistency	Thick and rich; separates into cream and water when chilled	Thinner and more fluid; may separate but re-emulsifies easily
Flavor Profile	Intense, rich coconut flavor	Milder, more subtle coconut flavor
Uses	Rich curries, desserts, whipping cream	Lighter curries, soups, smoothies, beverages

Troubleshooting and Tips

My coconut milk separated: Separation is natural, especially in the refrigerator. Just give the jar a vigorous shake or use a whisk to blend it back together before using it. This is why glass jars with tight lids are recommended for storage.
The flavor is too strong: The beauty of making your own is customization. If the coconut flavor is too intense, add a little more water to the mixture. Adding an acidic ingredient like a squeeze of lime juice at the end of cooking can also help balance the flavor.
How long does it last?: Homemade light coconut milk, without the preservatives of store-bought versions, will last for about 4-5 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Preventing curdling in curries: Coconut milk can curdle at high temperatures, especially when acidic ingredients are added too early. To prevent this, add the milk near the end of cooking, simmer gently over low to medium heat, and stir frequently. Warm the milk slightly before adding it to a hot dish to avoid a sudden temperature change.

For more information on the processing and composition of coconut milk, you can consult resources like the Philippine Coconut Authority's guide on coconut milk processing.

Conclusion: The Cost-Effective & Healthier Choice

Knowing how to turn regular coconut milk into light coconut milk is a simple and effective kitchen skill. It not only saves you money by turning one ingredient into two, but it also allows you to control the fat content and avoid unnecessary additives. With this easy DIY method, you can enjoy a versatile, lighter, dairy-free alternative for all your culinary needs. Embracing this simple hack is a practical step toward healthier, more mindful cooking without sacrificing flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

For a consistency similar to store-bought versions, a 1:1 ratio of full-fat coconut milk to water is a great starting point. You can adjust the ratio (e.g., 1:1.5) to achieve a lighter or thinner texture.

Yes, homemade light coconut milk is an excellent, dairy-free base for smoothies, especially those featuring tropical fruits like mango and pineapple.

When stored in a sealed, airtight container, homemade light coconut milk will last for 4 to 5 days in the refrigerator. Always shake it before using, as it will naturally separate.

Coconut milk, especially homemade versions with fewer stabilizers, can curdle if exposed to high heat or extreme temperature changes. To prevent this, simmer gently over low heat and add it at the end of the cooking process.

Yes, light coconut milk has a milder and less intense coconut flavor compared to its full-fat counterpart. This can be an advantage in dishes where you want a subtle coconut taste.

Using filtered or distilled water is recommended for the best flavor, as tap water may contain minerals that could slightly alter the taste. For cooking, tap water is generally fine.

You can't easily revert it to full-fat, but if you want to thicken a light coconut milk-based sauce, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water. Simmering the sauce can also thicken it as the water evaporates.