Trying to get coconut milk in glass jars

[SundayCrepes]

I just posted this on Thai Kitchen's FB page. http://www.facebook.com/EnjoyThaiKitchen If folks would be willing to comment, it could make a difference. ( Maybe.)

"Your coconut milk is my favorite brand. However, I would like to buy it in BPA-free containers. Although there is another brand that has BPA-free cans, they still have chemicals in the can lining. What I'd really like is if your company sold coconut milk in BPA-free glass jars (as in, no BPA on the lid or a plastic glass lining.) I suspect all companies use cans for aesthetic reasons, but anyone who uses coconut milk knows it separates. (That's how I can get the cream for yummy whipped coconut cream or ice cream.) Any chance you'll start selling your coconut milk in glass jars?"

[luckiest]

I've heard that Thai Kitchen defends their use of BPA in cans, and I doubt they'd be receptive to an alternative. Native Forest might be the brand to petition, since they at least see the need for chemical free packaging. Asian markets sell frozen coconut milk in vacuum-sealed plastic. Not as good as glass, but maybe better than cans. 

[SundayCrepes]

Thanks. I'll try Native Forest as well. Thai Kitchen is just so much bigger. Plus maybe they never actually considered putting it in glass before. Or maybe...

[Becky Mauldin]

Artisana makes a delicious coconut butter, which is like a concentrated coconut milk.  It is organic and comes in a glass jar.  It is sooooo good!   You can blend it with water to make whatever consistency of coconut milk you want.  It is the best coconut product I have ever found. 

-Becky

www.getpurevitality.com

[SundayCrepes]

Originally Posted by Becky Mauldin 

Artisana makes a delicious coconut butter, which is like a concentrated coconut milk.  It is organic and comes in a glass jar.  It is sooooo good!   You can blend it with water to make whatever consistency of coconut milk you want.  It is the best coconut product I have ever found. 

-Becky

www.getpurevitality.com

I've just discovered there's creamed coconut, cream of coconut, coconut butter, coconut manna, etc., etc. Do you know what the differences are? I should start a new thread or google it or something.

[mrsbernstein]

CARP!  I didn't know Thai Kitchen had BPA in their cans. 

Ugh!  Now what to do.

MRs B

[luckiest]

Originally Posted by SundayCrepes 

I've just discovered there's creamed coconut, cream of coconut, coconut butter, coconut manna, etc., etc. Do you know what the differences are? I should start a new thread or google it or something.

There's coconut cream, sold alongside coconut milk, which is just a fattier version of the milk (same as with cow's milk). Coconut butter/manna is sold alongside the nut butters, and is ground up coconut flesh (maybe some milk/oil in there too). It's a spread, similar to nut butters. Tropical traditions sells coconut cream concentrate, which includes the flesh so it's like a nut butter, but you can also dilute and strain it to make milk (instructions on their site). It is sold in glass jars; they're a really great company. The difference is going to be whether or not the product contains coconut flesh, which would make it a food product rather than a drink product, and that should be evident on the ingredient list. 

[SundayCrepes]

Originally Posted by luckiest 

There's coconut cream, sold alongside coconut milk, which is just a fattier version of the milk (same as with cow's milk). Coconut butter/manna is sold alongside the nut butters, and is ground up coconut flesh (maybe some milk/oil in there too). It's a spread, similar to nut butters. Tropical traditions sells coconut cream concentrate, which includes the flesh so it's like a nut butter, but you can also dilute and strain it to make milk (instructions on their site). It is sold in glass jars; they're a really great company. The difference is going to be whether or not the product contains coconut flesh, which would make it a food product rather than a drink product, and that should be evident on the ingredient list.

Thanks. This is very helpful. Can you make a milk out of coconut butter like you can the coconut cream concentrate?

[SundayCrepes]

I went to the Tropical Traditions website and it says if you make milk out of the concentrate it will be grainy. Bummer.

[luckiest]

Originally Posted by SundayCrepes 

I went to the Tropical Traditions website and it says if you make milk out of the concentrate it will be grainy. Bummer.

Bummer! I've seen recipes to make coconut milk from shredded coconut that involve straining through cheesecloth...I wonder if that would work with the concentrate. 

[SundayCrepes]

Originally Posted by luckiest 

Bummer! I've seen recipes to make coconut milk from shredded coconut that involve straining through cheesecloth...I wonder if that would work with the concentrate. 

Hmmmmm...I wonder. It seems worth trying. I tried making ice cream out of it once and it was grainy. I ended up just adding the mixture to smoothies and it worked well for that. With the honey mixed in it didn't solidify so I just kept it in the fridge and didn't need to worry about trying to get the solid  cream and oil mixed.

[cristeen]

Coconut Cream (or Cream of Coconut) - there are 2 kinds.  The kind that is coconut and water, the same as coconut milk only more concentrated (I think it has half the amount of water in it), and then there's the one that's found in the alcohol aisle that is used in mixed drinks and contains sugar and other stuff. 

I can find coconut cream in aseptic packages at the Asian market.  Quarts only, which is problematic since I can't get through a quart that quickly, but it's worth looking for. 

I do have the coconut concentrate from TT, and it is grainy.  And the proportions they gave for making "coconut milk" were far too watery for me.  It makes a great spread, if you like coconut though.  And for adding to things like smoothies where a bit of coconut flesh and flavor along with your coconut oil isn't a bad thing, it works fine. 

[Becky Mauldin]

The Artisana brand of coconut butter is NOT grainy when you add water to make coconut milk.  I put a few tablespoons in a pan on low heat to warm it slightly and whisk in the water.  Or blend in a blender.  It is a very smooth and creamy coconut butter!

-Becky

www.getpurevitality.com

[SundayCrepes]

Thanks. I'll try the artisana.