Is Homemade Coconut Yogurt Actually Cheaper?
A pint of Cocoyo, Kite Hill, or a store-brand coconut yogurt can easily run $5–$9 at the grocery store. Making it at home requires just two ingredients — full-fat canned coconut milk and dairy-free probiotic capsules — so the math looks promising. But the actual savings depend on what you pay for those inputs and how many jars you get per batch.
What Goes Into a Batch
Most recipes call for two 13.5 oz cans of full-fat coconut milk per batch, yielding roughly three 8 oz jars of finished yogurt. The probiotic starter is typically one to two dairy-free capsules — look for those containing Lactobacillus acidophilus or Streptococcus thermophilus. A 60-count bottle of quality dairy-free probiotics runs $20–$45, putting the per-capsule cost between $0.33 and $0.75.
Where to Find the Best Prices
- Coconut milk in bulk: Warehouse clubs often sell cases of full-fat coconut milk at $1.50–$2.00 per can, versus $2.50–$3.50 at regular grocery stores.
- Probiotics online: Brands like Jarrow, Garden of Life, and Renew Life offer high-capsule-count bottles at lower per-capsule prices than health food stores.
Reusing Starter Culture
Once you have your first batch, you can use 2–3 tablespoons of finished yogurt as your next starter, cutting probiotic capsule costs to near zero after batch one. This works reliably for 3–5 generations before the culture weakens and you need a fresh capsule.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cans of coconut milk do I need per batch?
Most recipes use two 13.5 oz cans of full-fat coconut milk, which typically yields 2–3 eight-ounce jars of finished yogurt. Avoid "lite" coconut milk — the lower fat content produces a thin, watery result that does not set properly.
Can I reuse yogurt from my last batch as the starter?
Yes — this is one of the biggest cost savers. After your first batch, reserve 2–3 tablespoons of finished yogurt and use it as your starter for the next batch instead of opening another probiotic capsule. This works reliably for 3–5 generations before the culture weakens.
Which probiotic capsules work best for coconut yogurt?
Look for dairy-free capsules containing Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, or Streptococcus thermophilus. Brands like Jarrow Formulas, Garden of Life, and Renew Life are popular choices. Check the label to confirm the capsule shell is also dairy-free (usually cellulose).
Why is my homemade coconut yogurt too runny?
Thin results usually come from low-fat coconut milk, insufficient fermentation time, or a culture that has weakened. Try whisking in 1 tablespoon of tapioca starch per can before gently heating the milk, or add a small amount of agar agar (about 1/4 teaspoon per can) as a thickener.
How does homemade coconut yogurt compare to Cocoyo or Kite Hill?
Homemade coconut yogurt typically costs $1.50–$2.50 per jar at standard grocery prices, versus $5–$9 for name brands. The ingredient lists are much shorter for homemade, with no added sugars, starches, or gums unless you choose to add them.