Ever since I published my keto yogurt recipe, people have been asking me for a high protein dairy free yogurt version. Well, here it is, and it’s super easy to do. This creamy coconut yogurt recipe has everything you love about the regular kind, without the dairy! Using coconut milk, the process is very similar to the regular kind. Let me show you how to make coconut yogurt below, plus get delicious topping ideas, and learn tips to make sure your coconut milk yogurt turns out perfectly every time.
What Is Coconut Yogurt?
Coconut milk yogurt is just what it sounds like: it’s yogurt made with coconut milk instead of dairy.
What does coconut milk yogurt taste like?
Like regular yogurts, coconut milk yogurt has a thick, creamy texture and slight tanginess from the probiotics. It will also usually have a slight coconut flavor, depending on which coconut milk you use and whether you add any toppings to it.
Ingredients in Coconut Yogurt
Coconut milk – You must use full-fat coconut milk to get the thickest, creamiest, and overall best dairy free yogurt. Get the kind from a can, not the liquid coconut milk beverage from the dairy case. Gelatin powder – Creates a thick texture without fake stabilizers or starches. I prefer grass-fed gelatin, but conventional powders will work too. Make sure it’s unflavored. Probiotic capsules – Adds the tangy taste of traditional yogurts and creates a dairy free probiotic yogurt that supports a healthy gut. Avoid probiotics that have added prebiotics or additional enzymes, as it won’t create the same results. Also, make sure your probiotic is fresh, or it won’t work correctly.
The ingredient amounts are on the recipe card below.
How To Make Coconut Yogurt
Sterilize jars. You can do so by running them through the dishwasher with hot, soapy water. Make sure they are completely dry afterward. Heat. Add coconut milk to a saucepan and heat gently until bubbling at the edges. (Do not boil!) Sprinkle gelatin over the milk and whisk to incorporate.
Jar. Pour the homemade coconut yogurt base into sterilized jars. Allow to cool until its internal temperature is between 100-110 degrees F.
TIP: Keep close track of temperature – I use a meat thermometer. The temperature range between 100 and 110 degrees F is warm enough to activate the cultures, but not so hot that it will kill them.
Add probiotics. Cut or open a probiotic capsule over each jar and dump the contents inside to create coconut probiotic yogurt. Stir, then cover.
Incubate. With your oven light on (not the oven itself), place jars on a sheet pan and put in the oven. Leave the door closed for 12-24 hours (longer time will make a tangier coconut milk yogurt recipe). Stir, refrigerate to set, then stir again before serving.
Troubleshooting Dairy Free Yogurt
Why is my coconut yogurt runny?
A runny coconut milk yogurt recipe can happen for several reasons:
Drastic temperature: The yogurt base may have been too warm or cold for the probiotics to activate. Use a thermometer to make sure the temperature is correct. Short refrigeration time: This dairy free sugar free yogurt needs at least 24 hours in the fridge to thicken. Thin coconut milk: This dairy free coconut yogurt needs full-fat coconut milk for optimal thickness. Light coconut milks are more likely to produce a runny consistency.
If you end up with runny coconut yogurt, it’s still safe to eat — and makes a great milk substitute for a protein smoothie!
Why does my dairy free yogurt look or smell bad?
Making coconut yogurt at home can cause some smelly results. If your dairy free yogurt recipe looks or smells bad, it may have happened because of poor sterilization, incubation at too high a temperature, a particularly smelly strain of bacteria, or leaving the yogurt to ferment for too long. If your yogurt smells bad and has a gray or pink film on top, you should discard it. If your yogurt tastes tangy and has a little foam on top (with no color change), these are normal signs of fermentation.
Does coconut yogurt have probiotics?
Does dairy free yogurt have probiotics? It does! This recipe includes probiotics to create the tangy flavor of conventional yogurt.
Can you make coconut yogurt without probiotics?
You can still make a dairy free yogurt recipe without probiotics, but you’ll either need to substitute with a yogurt starter or a few tablespoons of store-bought plain coconut yogurt.
Is coconut yogurt healthy?
Absolutely. This yogurt is rich in healthy plant fats, contains no dairy, and (if you do it at home) you can make coconut based yogurt without added sugar, colors, or harsh stabilizers.
Can you eat coconut yogurt on keto?
Not all conventional coconut yogurt brands are keto friendly. Many contain added sugar and starches that bump up the carb count. It’s best to make unsweetened coconut yogurt at home to stick to your macros, since you know exactly what goes in it.
Can you make it without gelatin?
You could substitute agar agar powder to make this a vegan coconut yogurt, but it would require different amounts and increase the carb count.
Can you make different flavors?
Yes! Instead of enjoying just plain coconut yogurt, it’s easy to add flavors — but do it after making the full recipe first. Create vanilla coconut yogurt with 1-2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, or stir in 1-2 tablespoons of sugar-free maple syrup for natural sweetness.
Storage Instructions
How long does dairy free yogurt last?
This dairy free yogurt recipe will last 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator. Store in tightly covered jars or containers.
Can coconut yogurt be frozen?
Avoid freezing your dairy free yogurt recipe, as it won’t have the best consistency after thawing.
Dairy Free Yogurt Toppings
Now that you know how to make coconut yogurt, it’s time to top it! Here are some delicious ideas:
Nuts & seeds – Try with hemp hearts, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, or your favorite nuts! Berries – Sprinkle on some fresh strawberries or blueberries, or even unsweetened dried cranberries. Coconut chips – Unsweetened coconut chips or toasted vanilla coconut chips (from The Easy Keto Cookbook) add delicious crunch. Jam – Strawberry jam or blackberry jelly would both taste delicious with this coconut milk yogurt. Granola – Homemade grain-free granola adds classic crunch!
Wide mouth mason jars – These jars are easy to store, and 2 jars are the perfect size to hold this recipe. Cast iron saucepan – This pan ensures even heating and makes the process super fast. Thermometer – This is crucial to make sure that you add the probiotics at the right time, when the yogurt is not too hot or too cold.
Share your recipe picture by tagging @wholesomeyum and hashtag it #wholesomeyum on Instagram, or in our Facebook support group, too - I’d love to see it!
