How To Make Yogurt With Coconut Milk

You can make yogurt with coconut milk by combining full-fat coconut milk with a starter culture or probiotic capsules and letting it ferment in a warm spot for 12 to 24 hours.
 
It’s a creamy, dairy-free alternative that’s perfect if you’re avoiding dairy or just want to try something new in your kitchen.
 
If you’ve been wondering how to make yogurt with coconut milk at home, the process is simpler than you think and way more rewarding than store-bought versions.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through why coconut milk yogurt works, the best ways to make it, and the mistakes to avoid so your batch turns out thick and tangy every time.
 
Let’s get into it.
 

Why You Can Make Yogurt With Coconut Milk

You can make yogurt with coconut milk, and here’s why it works so well:
 

1. Coconut Milk Has the Right Fat Content

Coconut milk yogurt turns out rich and creamy because full-fat coconut milk contains enough fat to create that thick texture you expect from yogurt.
 
The fat content mimics the creaminess of dairy yogurt, so you don’t end up with a watery mess.
 
When you make yogurt with coconut milk, always reach for the canned full-fat version rather than the carton kind, which is too thin for fermentation.
 

2. Probiotics Do the Fermenting Work

To make coconut milk yogurt, you need a starter culture that contains live bacteria, just like with regular dairy yogurt.
 
These bacteria feed on the natural sugars in coconut milk and produce lactic acid, which thickens the mixture and gives it that tangy flavor.
 
You can use a few tablespoons of store-bought dairy-free yogurt as your starter, or open a couple of probiotic capsules for a reliable result.
 

3. Coconut Milk Yogurt Is Naturally Dairy-Free

One of the best things about making yogurt with coconut milk is that it’s completely free of dairy, making it ideal for anyone who’s lactose intolerant or following a vegan lifestyle.
 
You get all the probiotic benefits of traditional yogurt without any of the dairy.
 
And because you’re making it yourself, you control exactly what goes in—no additives, no hidden sugars, just pure coconut milk yogurt.
 

How to Make Yogurt With Coconut Milk Step by Step

Making yogurt with coconut milk is straightforward when you follow the right steps:
 

1. Heat and Cool the Coconut Milk

Start by heating two cans of full-fat coconut milk in a saucepan until it reaches about 180°F (82°C).
 
This step kills off any unwanted bacteria and helps the milk thicken slightly.
 
Then let it cool down to around 110°F (43°C)—warm enough to activate the cultures but not so hot that it kills them.
 

2. Add Your Starter Culture

Once your coconut milk has cooled, whisk in your starter—about two tablespoons of dairy-free yogurt or the contents of two probiotic capsules.
 
Stir well so the culture is evenly distributed throughout the coconut milk.
 
This is the most important step when you make yogurt with coconut milk because the culture is what turns the liquid into yogurt.
 

3. Ferment in a Warm Spot

Pour the mixture into a clean glass jar and cover it loosely with a lid or cloth.
 
Place it somewhere warm—around 100–110°F (38–43°C)—for 12 to 24 hours.
 
The longer you let coconut milk yogurt ferment, the tangier it becomes.
 
A yogurt maker, an oven with the light on, or even a warm spot near a radiator all work great for this step.
 

4. Chill Before Eating

Once fermentation is done, transfer your coconut milk yogurt to the fridge and let it chill for at least six hours.
 
Chilling helps the yogurt set and thickens it up nicely.
 
This resting period is what gives your homemade yogurt with coconut milk that perfect, scoopable consistency.
 

Tips for Thicker Coconut Milk Yogurt

If you want your yogurt with coconut milk to be extra thick and creamy, try these tips:
 

1. Add a Thickener

Stir in one to two tablespoons of tapioca starch or arrowroot powder before fermentation.
 
This helps coconut milk yogurt firm up without affecting the flavor.
 
It’s a simple trick that makes a big difference when you’re learning how to make yogurt with coconut milk.
 

2. Use a Longer Fermentation Time

Letting your coconut milk yogurt ferment for the full 24 hours gives the cultures more time to thicken the mixture and develop flavor.
 
Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t become too sour.
 

3. Strain the Whey

After fermentation, you can strain your yogurt with coconut milk through a cheesecloth for a few hours to remove excess liquid.
 
This gives you a Greek-style coconut milk yogurt that’s thick and luxurious.
 

So, Can You Make Yogurt With Coconut Milk?

You can make yogurt with coconut milk, and it’s one of the easiest dairy-free recipes you’ll ever try.
 
By combining full-fat coconut milk with a live starter culture and letting it ferment in a warm spot, you get creamy, tangy coconut milk yogurt right in your own kitchen.
 
Just remember to use full-fat canned coconut milk, keep your temperatures right, and let it chill before digging in.
 
Hope this post has helped you understand how to make yogurt with coconut milk and given you the confidence to try it yourself.