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Coconut milk

Image: Open Food Facts (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Common questions

Is Coconut milk healthy?

Coconut milk scores 60/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This coconut milk is ultra-processed, containing stabilizers and emulsifiers like guar gum, carboxy methyl cellulose, and emulsifier E435, which are synthetic and can cause digestive issues.

How processed is Coconut milk?

Coconut milk is NOVA Group 4: Ultra-Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Coconut milk's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Coconut Extract counts in its favor; Carboxy Methyl Cellulose, Emulsifier E435 are flagged as ingredients of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Analysis updated September 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 1
Harmful ingredients 2
Owned by Accor
Category Milk
Summary

This coconut milk is ultra-processed, containing stabilizers and emulsifiers like guar gum, carboxy methyl cellulose, and emulsifier E435, which are synthetic and can cause digestive issues. While it includes beneficial coconut extract, the presence of these additives and the high level of processing limit its overall healthiness. The product's clean label and natural coconut extract are positive aspects, but they do not fully offset the concerns associated with its processing level.

Key ingredients 5

Coconut Extract
Good

Coconut extract is a natural source of healthy fats, particularly medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are easily metabolized for energy. It is minimally processed and retains beneficial nutrients found in coconuts. The extract is derived from coconuts grown in Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam, indicating a diverse sourcing strategy.

Benefits

Rich in MCTs that can support energy levels and may aid in weight management. Provides a natural source of lauric acid, which has antimicrobial properties.

Water
Neutral

Water is used as a solvent and carrier in many food products. It is essential for hydration and does not contribute calories or nutrients. In this product, it helps to dilute the coconut extract to achieve the desired consistency.

Benefits

Essential for hydration and acts as a carrier for other ingredients.

See more about Water →
Guar Gum
Neutral

Standard formulation ingredient — neither beneficial nor harmful at typical use.

Risks

May cause digestive issues such as bloating and gas in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Helps improve the texture and stability of food products, making them more palatable.

See more about Guar Gum →
Carboxy Methyl Cellulose
Bad

Carboxy methyl cellulose is a synthetic thickener and stabilizer used in processed foods. It is highly processed and can alter gut microbiota, potentially leading to digestive issues. While it is approved for use in food, its consumption should be limited due to potential gastrointestinal effects.

Risks

May alter gut microbiota and cause digestive issues such as bloating and discomfort.

Benefits

Provides stability and improves the texture of food products, enhancing their shelf life.

Emulsifier E435
Bad

Emulsifier E435, also known as polysorbate 60, is a synthetic compound used to stabilize emulsions in processed foods. It is highly processed and may cause allergic reactions or digestive issues in some individuals. Its use is common in ultra-processed foods, which are generally less desirable nutritionally.

Risks

May cause allergic reactions or digestive issues in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Helps maintain the consistency and stability of emulsions in food products.

Processing

Group 4 · Ultra-processed

Ultra-Processed Foods

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