Pantry Staples
Coconut Milk (Canned) Conversion
Coconut Milk (Canned) weighs 226g per US cup.
| Amount | Grams | Ounces |
|---|---|---|
| 1 cup | 226.0 g | 7.97 oz |
| 1/2 cup | 113.0 g | 3.99 oz |
| 1/4 cup | 56.5 g | 1.99 oz |
| 1 tbsp | 14.1 g | 0.50 oz |
| 1 tsp | 4.7 g | 0.17 oz |
| 100 g | 100.0 g | 3.53 oz |
Need a different amount? Use the full Ingredient Converter tool.
Canned coconut milk weighs 226 grams per cup, and this figure applies to the well-shaken, fully blended can — coconut milk is notorious for separating in the can into a thick, solid cream layer on top and a thinner, watery liquid below, especially the full-fat varieties without added stabilizers, so a scoop from an unshaken can gives a very different density than the same volume shaken smooth.
That separation is actually a feature many recipes rely on deliberately: the thick coconut cream that rises to the top when a can is chilled can be scooped off on its own and whipped into a dairy-free whipped topping, while the remaining thinner liquid still works fine in a curry or soup where a lighter consistency is welcome.
Coconut milk shouldn't be confused with coconut water (the clear liquid from inside a young coconut) or coconut cream (a more concentrated product with even less water than canned coconut milk) — three genuinely different products with different water content and culinary uses, despite the overlapping names causing regular confusion at the grocery store.
An unopened can of coconut milk needs nothing more than a cabinet shelf, though its higher fat content means it can separate into a thick layer on top over time — that's normal and stirs or shakes back together.
A Thai-style coconut rice, simmered with coconut milk instead of water, is a simple but genuinely flavorful side dish that pairs well with a spicier curry or grilled protein.
Coconut milk is a genuinely common base for a dairy-free ice cream, since its fat content whips and freezes into a creamy texture that a thinner plant milk like almond or oat milk can't replicate as convincingly.
Thai and Indian curries both rely on coconut milk but use it somewhat differently — Thai curries often incorporate it earlier for a rich base, while some Indian preparations add it later to finish and mellow a spicier sauce.
How long does it last?
Storage & shelf life →
Frequently asked questions
Why does canned coconut milk separate?
Its natural fat content rises and solidifies at the top of the can, especially when chilled, while a thinner liquid settles below — full-fat coconut milk without added emulsifiers or stabilizers separates most noticeably, which is a normal characteristic, not a sign of spoilage.
Should I shake the can before measuring coconut milk?
Yes, for most recipes — shaking or stirring recombines the separated cream and liquid into a uniform consistency that matches this site's 226g-per-cup figure, unless a recipe specifically calls for just the solid cream layer.
What's the difference between coconut milk and coconut cream?
Coconut cream is a more concentrated product with less water content than canned coconut milk, giving it a thicker, richer consistency — the two aren't interchangeable 1:1 without adjusting a recipe's other liquid.
Is coconut milk the same as coconut water?
No — coconut water is the clear liquid found naturally inside a young coconut, essentially fat-free and used as a hydrating beverage, while coconut milk is made by blending coconut flesh with water and straining, giving it a much higher fat content and creamier texture.
Does light coconut milk weigh the same per cup as regular?
Not exactly — light coconut milk has more water added to reduce its fat content, which can shift its weight-per-cup figure somewhat from the full-fat product this site's 226g figure reflects.