Pea Milk or Coconut Milk, Which Is Better for You?

When it comes to food choices, non-conventional versus traditional is always a big dilemma. In a long list of such confusions, one more that has been recently added is Pea milk Versus Coconut Milk. 

Pea milk is the latest addition to the growing plant-based milks list while Coconut milk has been a part of cuisines for centuries. This blog will help you to choose the better alt milk based on its benefits and nutrients. 

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Pea Milk Versus Coconut Milk – Comparing the Nutrition & Outcomes

In the table below, observe Pea milk vs  Coconut milk advantages and differences –

*Source: USDA; Quantity defined is 1 cup

The nutritional data above are for unsweetened commercial packs. It may differ from DIY versions and brand to brand. 

To understand the difference between Pea milk and Coconut milk more clearly, let me elaborate on each point further.

What Do You Need to Prepare Pea Milk Versus Coconut Milk?

Don’t get confused with the name, you don’t need soft green peas to prepare Pea milk. The key ingredients to prepare are dry yellow peas, purified water and oil. Oil is necessary for Pea milk to keep the consistency smooth and prevent the separation of solids.

For Coconut milk, the base ingredients are flesh of mature coconut and water. Put coconut pieces and water in a blender and strain through a milk bag or muslin cloth. In the same pulp, you can add water and repeat the process of milking 2-3 times. 

Pea Milk and Coconut Milk – How Do Their Tastes Differ From Each Other?

Pea milk has a very mild chalky taste. If you add it to other drinks such as tea or coffee, it won’t change their taste because of the neutral taste. However, you might find it a little bitter at the end of the sip. 

Coconuts are naturally sweet, so coconut milk has a sweetness to it. Because of this, it is commonly used in curries, especially in southeastern countries such as Thailand, India, and Sri Lanka. Recently coconut milk-based drinks with tapioca balls are getting very popular drink among Gen Z. 

Is There Any Variation in the Daily Recommended Quantity of Pea Milk and Coconut Milk?

For both types of milk- Pea and Coconut, one cup per day is sufficient. As you can see in the table above, Coconut milk is rich in calories and fats, so limited intake is highly recommended.  

Pea milk is a rich source of protein and protein intake must be in the suggested quantity. 1 Cup is enough to give you all the benefits of Pea milk.

Pea Milk vs Coconut Milk – Difference in the Calories

There is a huge difference between the calories of Pea milk and Coconut milk. Coconut milk has a lot more calories than Pea milk. The first blending of DIY Coconut milk is quite thick and keep this aside to use in curries.

Remember that you can always reduce the calories in your plant-based milk by diluting it with water. 

Comparing the Fat Content Between Pea Milk and Coconut Milk

Pea milk has very less fat content when compared to Coconut milk. For people who are looking for low-fat dairy alternatives, Pea milk is a great choice. 

The fat in Coconut milk is not all about bad fat, it contains good fat too. So, consuming Coconut milk in moderation is perfectly fine.

Which to Choose for High Protein Intake – Pea Milk or Coconut Milk?

These days many people are looking for high protein plant-based milk options. Pea milk can be a perfect choice if high protein intake is your primary concern.

Compared to Coconut milk, Pea milk has a lot of protein in it. In fact, Pea milk is one of the few plant-based milks which are comparable to dairy milk as a protein source. 

Pea Milk vs Coconut Milk and Calcium Content 

Calcium is a mineral that is primarily required by the body to keep the bones and teeth strong. Compared to Dairy milk, plant-based milks are not rich sources of calcium.

To take care of this deficiency, companies are fortifying the dairy alternatives with calcium and other nutrients like Vitamin D. Unsweetened packed Pea milk and Coconut milk are also fortified with calcium but the quantity can be different from brand to brand. 

Recommended Time to Consume Pea Milk Vs Coconut Milk

Pea milk is a protein-rich alt-milk and it takes some time to digest, so it is recommended to add Pea milk to your morning routine. 

The best time to consume Coconut milk is also in the morning, preferably empty stomach. Coconut milk gives you a lot of energy and fat which you burn throughout the day. 

Pea Milk Vs Coconut Milk Advantages for the Environment?

Pea milk and Coconut milk both have a positive impact on the environment. Not only are they more eco-friendly than dairy milk but also better than other nut milks too.  

Pea milk and Coconut milk need less water compared to other milks. Their carbon footprint is quite less than dairy milks. Both these milks don’t need many fertilizers to grow. All these qualities make Pea milk and Coconut milk environment-friendly milks. 

Which Can Substitute Dairy Milk in the Vegan Food- Pea Milk or Coconut Milk?

They both can do that very well. In Southeast Asia, people have been using Coconut milk as an alternative to dairy milk for centuries. You can use Coconut milk to make delicious vegan curries soups and desserts. 

Pea milk is also gradually gaining popularity as a perfect protein-rich dairy alternative. It is an excellent replacement for dairy milk to make a post-workout vegan protein shake. 

Pea Milk vs Coconut Milk and Their Impact on Teeth

Fortified Pea milk has a good amount of calcium and vitamin D, which are helpful to keep your teeth strong. Pea milk is also a good source of iron. Iron is an essential mineral for strong teeth and gums.

Coconut milk is known for its antibacterial properties which protect you from germs and keeps your gums healthy. The age-old Coconut Oil pulling is the proven way to boost your oral health. 

Which One Is More Gut-Friendly Among Pea Milk and Almond Milk?

Pea milk is rich in digestive fibre. Fibre-rich food helps you to maintain a healthy bowel movement and keeps your digestive system strong. This makes Pea milk gut-friendly plant-based milk.

Coconut milk, on the other hand, is fat-rich milk and for some people, it can be difficult to digest. I would recommend consuming Coconut milk in moderation and beginning with small quantities to evaluate your body’s reaction to it.

Pea Milk and Coconut Milk – Can They Cool You Down?

Pea milk cools your body down to some extent because a lot of water is being used to prepare it. 

Coconut milk is a natural coolant and can be a perfect way to deal with hot days. This cooling ability made Coconut milk adoptable widely in countries where the temperature is usually high. 

Pea Milk Vs Coconut Milk: Which One Has More Hydration Potential?

Compared to Pea milk, Coconut milk is a better way to hydrate. Coconut milk is rich in minerals such as potassium and sodium. These minerals are essential electrolytes to keep your body hydrated and energetic.

Pea milk also has some amount of potassium which helps you to prevent dehydration. 

Which Nutritional Additives Go Well With Pea Milk and Coconut Milk?

A pinch of vanilla extract adds flavour and aroma to your cup of Pea milk. Banana is also an amazing combination with Pea milk. Also, just like other plant based milks, pea milk can be put to a wide range of uses. 

For Coconut milk, tropical fruits such as mango and pineapple go very well. To add more sweetness to your Coconut milk you can add jaggery or honey. 

Before I wrap this blog, I would like to mention here that Pea milk is dairy-free, soy-free, lactose-free and nut-free plant-based milk. People who have some kind of allergy to all these can definitely rely on Pea milk instead of Coconut milk.

I hope my blog will help you to get clarity about the differences between Pea milk and Coconut milk. Thanks for reading it till the end. Your suggestions and comments are precious to me, keep them coming.