Does Coconut Milk Froth? The Ultimate Guide

Coconut milk can froth, especially when frothed with a milk frother or heated, creating a creamy texture ideal for coffee and desserts.

Coconut milk can indeed froth, making it a great dairy-free option for lattes and cappuccinos. While it behaves differently from cow’s milk, with the right techniques and tools, you can create rich, creamy foam perfect for coffee drinks.

Why Coconut Milk Froths

Coconut milk froths because of its high fat content. The natural oils in coconut milk help create stable microbubbles when aerated. Unlike dairy milk which relies on proteins for frothing, plant-based milks like coconut milk depend primarily on their fat content.

Best Coconut Milk for Frothing

For best results, use:

• Cartoned coconut milk (not canned)
• Barista-style coconut milk blends
• Full-fat coconut milk beverages

Avoid canned coconut milk unless you dilute it with water first. The thickness of canned coconut milk makes it difficult to froth properly.

How to Froth Coconut Milk

Equipment Options

Tool	Best For
Steam Wand	Professional results
Handheld Frother	Quick home use
French Press	Budget-friendly option

Step-by-Step Frothing

1. Start with cold coconut milk (50-60°F)
2. Pour milk into frothing pitcher, filling no more than 1/3 full
3. Position steam wand just below surface
4. Introduce air for 3-5 seconds
5. Submerge wand to create whirlpool
6. Heat to 140-150°F (never boil)

Coconut Milk vs Other Non-Dairy Options

Compared to other plant milks:

• Oat milk: Froths more easily due to starches
• Almond milk: Requires room temperature for best results
• Soy milk: Creates stable foam but can curdle

For making smoothies with coconut milk, check out our guide to the best blender for smoothies.

Tips for Perfect Coconut Milk Froth

Temperature Matters

Cold coconut milk froths better than warm. The fats stay more stable when starting cold.

Additives Help

Some brands add gellan gum or lecithin to improve frothing. Look for “barista blend” versions.

Freshness Counts

Newer coconut milk froths better than milk near its expiration date.

Common Frothing Problems

Why Your Coconut Milk Won’t Froth

• Using low-fat coconut milk
• Milk is too warm before frothing
• Equipment not clean (residue affects performance)

Fixing Curdled Coconut Milk

If your coconut milk separates when added to coffee:

1. Heat milk slightly before adding to coffee
2. Use less acidic coffee
3. Try a different brand with stabilizers

For other kitchen tools that work well with coconut-based recipes, see our review of the best blender for soups and smoothies.

Best Coconut Milk Brands for Frothing

According to Food Network’s testing, these brands perform well:

• Pacific Foods Barista Series
• Califia Farms Barista Blend
• So Delicious Coconut Milk Beverage

Alternative Uses for Frothed Coconut Milk

Beyond coffee drinks, frothed coconut milk works great for:

• Hot chocolate
• Golden milk lattes
• Dessert toppings
• Smoothie bowls

For more drink ideas, explore our article on the best blender for mixed drinks.