Since it began in 2014, a whopping 2.5 million people have signed up to take part in Veganuary(1). 700,000 of those people did so in January of this year, so you might say that this ‘vegan thing’ is starting to catch on…
Whether for health reasons, thoughts about animal welfare, or concerns about sustainability, more and more people are becoming curious about the dairy-free, plant-based alternatives that the universe has to offer.
From oat to almond, and soya to cashew, the variety when it comes to dairy free drinks is pretty impressive. Here we’re spending some time with one of our all-time faves, and taking a look at coconut drinks. Now, we know they’re utterly delicious, but what exactly goes into coconut drinks? How are they made? And are they vegan? We’ll also be looking at some of the benefits* that our very own Alpro coconut drink has to offer.
What are coconut drinks?
The main ingredients are water and coconut milk (coconut cream and water), and they’re one of the many dairy-free plant-based drinks.
Coconut drinks taste delicious and oh-so-creamy. Depending on how you use them, you can experience a taste that’s delicate and light or enjoy a full-on rich and indulgent burst of tropical flavour - it really is up to you.
The fact that coconut drinks are such a taste sensation makes them a popular kitchen ingredient, perfect for a number of drinks and dishes. As well as being a dairy-free alternative for your tea and coffee or your morning (or evening) cereal, coconut drinks are also commonly used in both sweet and savoury cooking, for example:
Soups
Curries - for example Thai green and red curries
Smoothies
Sauces
Vegan ice cream
How are coconut drinks made?
Most coconut drinks are made by taking the white flesh of the coconut, grating it right down, before adding hot water and straining.
Here at Alpro, we make our coconut drinks by taking all of that coconut-ty deliciousness and blending it with rice and water. The result? A lusciously smooth, creamy and versatile coconut drink just ready and waiting to be enjoyed.
Tasty and versatile
Because coconuts need an abundance of tropical sunshine in order to grow nice and juicy, the coconuts we use in our drinks are grown a little further away from home in South East Asia.
Coconuts are pretty incredible, and their uses extend beyond simply tasting delicious. Many of our suppliers put the unused bit of the coconuts to really good use - creating things like furniture, or ropes and matts to help them to keep producing in a more sustainable way. Reducing waste with taste? We should coco-nut!
What are the benefits of Alpro coconut drinks?
As if there wasn’t already enough to tempt you into giving our coconut drinks a whirl, they can also be enjoyed as part of a healthy lifestyle*.
Our tasty coconut drink is fortified with a number of nutrients, including calcium and vitamin D. It also includes vitamin B12 which can help to reduce tiredness and fatigue (wakey wakey!). In addition, our original coconut drink contains no added sugar**. We make sure to include these good nutrients so you can enjoy the same creamy taste and texture without ever sacrificing flavour or quality.
Luckily for you, Alpro has a delicious range of coconut drinks, including pressed and chilled, and in other delicious nutty combinations such as coconut and almond.
What’s the nutritional value of an Alpro coconut drink?
Naturally Lactose Free
100% plant-based
Vegetarian & Vegan
Low in fat
Without added sugars** or sweeteners.
A source of calcium
Source of vitamins D and B12. Vitamin B12 contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
Is Alpro coconut drink vegan friendly?
From how we source our ingredients, to the processes involved making them, at Alpro, we’re proud to say that our coconut drinks are vegan friendly. We’re also happy to say that our drinks cartons are made from 70% renewable paper and are widely recyclable.
100% plant-based, our coconut drinks are suitable for both vegetarians, vegans and people who generally want to experience the plant-based yumminess.
*Alpro coconut drink is a source of B12. Vitamin B12 contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. A varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle are recommended for good health.
**Contains naturally occuring sugars.