Is Coconut Milk High in Potassium? A Complete Nutritional Breakdown

December 10, 2025 •

4 min read

According to USDA data, one cup of raw, unsweetened coconut milk for cooking can contain over 600 mg of potassium, a key electrolyte. Given this, is coconut milk high in potassium, and how does this vary depending on the type you consume?

Quick Summary

The potassium content of coconut milk depends heavily on the product, with canned versions typically offering a moderate amount, while lighter beverages have significantly less. It is also rich in fats and other minerals like manganese and copper, but intake should be considered carefully, especially for those on restricted diets.

Key Points

Varied Potassium Content: The amount of potassium in coconut milk differs significantly between concentrated canned versions and diluted refrigerated beverages.
Canned is a Moderate Source: Canned coconut milk, used for cooking, provides a moderate amount of potassium per serving, with one cup potentially containing over 600 mg.
Beverages are Low in Potassium: The refrigerated carton versions, often used as milk alternatives, contain a much lower level of potassium.
Consideration for Restricted Diets: Individuals on a low-potassium diet, particularly due to kidney issues, should carefully monitor their intake of canned coconut milk and may find lighter beverages more suitable.
Packed with Other Nutrients: Beyond potassium, coconut milk is a source of other key minerals like manganese and copper, along with healthy MCT fats.
Read Labels Carefully: Due to variations in brand and type, always check the nutritional label to confirm the potassium content for the specific product you are consuming.

The Different Types of Coconut Milk

When asking if coconut milk is high in potassium, the answer depends on the specific product. The term "coconut milk" can refer to several different items, each with a distinct nutritional profile. Understanding these differences is key to managing your potassium intake.

Canned vs. Refrigerated Coconut Milk

Canned Coconut Milk: This is a rich, concentrated product made from the first pressing of the coconut flesh. It is primarily used for cooking curries, soups, and desserts. Due to its concentration, it has a higher fat and calorie content, and also contains more minerals, including potassium. A single cup of canned coconut milk can provide a significant amount of the daily recommended intake.
Refrigerated Coconut Milk Beverage: This is a diluted, drinkable product often found in cartons in the dairy aisle. It contains much more water and has a lower fat and calorie count. Manufacturers often fortify these beverages with vitamins and minerals like calcium and vitamin D, but their natural potassium content is much lower compared to their canned counterparts.
Homemade Coconut Milk: The potassium levels in homemade coconut milk can vary depending on the amount of water and coconut flesh used, but it generally falls between the concentrations of canned and refrigerated versions.

A Closer Look at the Potassium Content

For many healthy adults, the potassium in coconut milk is not a concern and can contribute positively to their electrolyte balance. However, for individuals managing conditions like chronic kidney disease (CKD), where potassium intake is often restricted, the quantity can be a critical factor. The Daily Value (DV) for potassium for most adults is 4,700 mg, so even the higher potassium content in canned coconut milk is not excessive for a single serving.

Key considerations:

Portion size is vital. A half-cup serving will have roughly half the potassium of a full cup, making it easier to control intake.
The difference between canned and beverage versions is significant. A person on a low-potassium diet might be able to incorporate small amounts of the refrigerated beverage but should be very cautious with canned varieties.
Pay close attention to nutritional labels, as product formulations and fortification can differ between brands.

Comparison Table: Coconut Milk vs. Other Beverages


Beverage	Serving Size	Approximate Potassium Content	Approximate Fat Content	Primary Use	Notes
Canned Coconut Milk	1 cup	~497–631 mg	High (~48-57g)	Cooking, curries, desserts	Rich and concentrated
Refrigerated Coconut Milk Beverage	1 cup	~46–140 mg	Low (~5g)	Drinking, smoothies, cereal	Diluted, lower calorie
Coconut Water	1 cup	~470–600 mg	Very Low (<1g)	Hydration, post-workout	Natural electrolyte drink
Cow's Milk (1%)	1 cup	~366 mg	Low (~2.5g)	Drinking, cooking, cereal	Standard dairy, high calcium
Orange Juice	1 cup	~496 mg	0g	Drinking	Excellent source of Vitamin C

How to Incorporate Coconut Milk into Your Diet

For those not on a restricted diet, coconut milk can be a versatile and nutritious addition to meals. Its rich, creamy texture works well in many different dishes.

Curries and Stews: Canned coconut milk is a staple in many Thai and Indian curries, providing a rich, creamy base.
Smoothies: A splash of refrigerated coconut milk beverage can add a creamy texture to your morning smoothie.
Baking: It can be used as a dairy-free alternative in cakes, muffins, and other baked goods.
Soups: Canned coconut milk adds richness to soups, like a spicy carrot and ginger soup.
Yogurt or Cereal: The lighter, refrigerated versions can be poured over granola or cereal, similar to dairy milk.

Potential Health Benefits and Considerations

Beyond its potassium content, coconut milk offers other nutrients and potential benefits. It is rich in manganese, which is important for bone health and metabolism. It also contains healthy fats, particularly medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which some studies suggest may boost metabolism and lead to a feeling of fullness.

However, the high saturated fat content of canned coconut milk is a factor to consider. The type of saturated fat (MCTs) is metabolized differently than other fats, but moderation is still key. Furthermore, some canned products may contain the chemical BPA, which can leach into food, so it is advisable to choose BPA-free cans. For more information on dietary minerals, refer to the National Institutes of Health website.

Conclusion

In summary, coconut milk contains potassium, with the amount varying significantly based on the product. Canned coconut milk is a more concentrated source, while refrigerated beverages are much lower. For most people, this potassium is a healthy part of a balanced diet, but those on potassium-restricted diets, such as individuals with kidney disease, need to be mindful of their intake, especially with the higher-concentration canned versions. By reading nutritional labels and choosing the right product for your needs, you can enjoy the culinary and nutritional benefits of coconut milk while managing your dietary goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

While both contain potassium, coconut water is typically higher in this electrolyte. However, comparing it to canned coconut milk is not straightforward, as some canned versions can also have a high potassium count, while coconut water is almost exclusively consumed for hydration.

For most individuals with healthy kidneys, coconut milk's potassium content is not a concern. However, for those with advanced chronic kidney disease who need to limit potassium, the high amount found in canned coconut milk could be problematic. Consulting a healthcare provider is essential.

Yes, canned coconut milk is generally a good source of potassium. A single cup of raw, unsweetened canned coconut milk can contain around 497-631 mg of potassium, depending on the source.

A cup of refrigerated coconut milk beverage typically has significantly less potassium than a cup of 1% cow's milk. For example, some brands contain around 140 mg per cup, whereas cow's milk has about 366 mg.

No, canned coconut milk is generally not appropriate for a strict low-potassium diet due to its high concentration. Some individuals on modified diets may be able to use the more diluted refrigerated coconut milk beverages in small amounts, but this should be done under medical supervision.

Yes, coconut milk is rich in several other nutrients. It contains high levels of manganese and copper, along with healthy fats known as medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). Some varieties are also fortified with calcium and vitamin D.

The primary difference lies in concentration. Canned coconut milk is thicker and less diluted, retaining more of the coconut's natural potassium. Beverage versions are diluted with water and have a lower overall nutrient density, including less potassium.