Coconut yogurt

dairy-alternatives

Coconut yogurt

5/ 10Mixed
Controversy: 3.9

Rated by 11 diets

1 approve7 caution3 avoid
Is Coconut yogurt Healthy?

It depends — Coconut yogurt is a mixed bag. Some diets approve it while others urge caution. Context and quantity matter.

Nutrition Facts
Per 100g
Calories
98kcal
Protein
0.7g
Carbs
11g
Fat
6g
Fiber
0g
Sugar
8g
Sodium
16mg

Diet Ratings

Keto5/10CAUTION

Unsweetened coconut yogurt contains 2-4g net carbs per 100g serving, making it acceptable in moderation. However, most commercial varieties contain added sugars or thickeners that increase carb content significantly. Brand selection is critical.

iSome keto practitioners avoid all yogurt products due to lactose concerns and prefer whole coconut milk instead, viewing yogurt as unnecessarily processed.

Vegan6/10CAUTION

Plant-based and vegan-compliant, but heavily processed with added sugars, thickeners, and fortification. Whole coconut flesh is preferable nutritionally.

Paleo5/10CAUTION

Coconut-based yogurts are processed fermented products not available to Paleolithic humans. While coconut is paleo-approved, the fermentation process and additives (stabilizers, thickeners) introduce modern processing. Some paleo practitioners accept fermented foods for gut health benefits.

iMark Sisson and some modern paleo advocates accept fermented coconut yogurts in moderation for probiotic benefits, though traditional paleo purists reject all yogurt products.

Mediterranean5/10CAUTION

Plant-based yogurt alternative acceptable, but coconut milk is high in saturated fat. Traditional Mediterranean uses dairy yogurt. Acceptable if unsweetened and consumed moderately.

iSome Mediterranean diet practitioners accept coconut yogurt as a valid dairy substitute for those with lactose intolerance, particularly in modern adaptations of the diet.

Carnivore2/10AVOID

Plant-derived fermented product made from coconut (plant seed). Contains no animal products and violates core carnivore principle of exclusive animal consumption.

Whole302/10AVOID

Most commercial coconut yogurts contain added sugar and/or carrageenan (a banned additive). Even unsweetened versions typically include carrageenan as a thickener, which is explicitly excluded from Whole30.

Low-FODMAP8/10APPROVED

Coconut yogurt made from coconut milk is low in FODMAPs. Monash University has tested coconut-based yogurts and confirmed low-FODMAP status at standard serving sizes (150g). No added sugars or problematic ingredients in plain varieties.

DASH5/10CAUTION

Plant-based yogurt alternative with probiotic benefits, but typically high in saturated fat from coconut milk (5-7g per 100g serving). Lacks the calcium and protein of dairy yogurt unless fortified. Sodium content varies by brand.

Zone5/10CAUTION

Coconut yogurt is high in saturated fat (coconut oil) rather than monounsaturated fat preferred in Zone. Macro balance depends heavily on added sugars and protein content, which vary by brand. Some versions contain added carbs that spike glycemic response.

iDr. Sears emphasizes monounsaturated fats; coconut oil's saturated fat profile conflicts with Zone anti-inflammatory principles, though some practitioners accept it as acceptable in moderation given its MCT content.

Coconut yogurt provides probiotics beneficial for gut health, but coconut oil is high in saturated fat. Anti-inflammatory benefit depends on added sugars and live cultures. Unsweetened varieties with active cultures are preferable.

iDr. Weil acknowledges coconut oil's saturated fat content but notes some evidence for medium-chain triglycerides. AIP protocol often includes coconut products. Mainstream guidelines remain cautious on saturated fat intake.

Very low protein (1-2g per 100g) and high saturated fat from coconut milk (5-7g per 100g). Poor nutrient density and does not support GLP-1 dietary priorities. Worsens nausea and bloating. Not suitable for GLP-1 patients.

Controversy Index

Score range: 28/10. Higher controversy = more disagreement between diets.

Consensus3.9Divisive

Diet-Specific Tips for Coconut yogurt

Keto 5/10
  • Added sugars in most brands
  • Net carbs 2-4g per 100g (unsweetened)
  • High fat content when unsweetened
  • Brand-dependent quality
Vegan 6/10
  • No animal products
  • Processed food
  • Added sugars typical
  • Fortified with B12
Paleo 5/10
  • Processed fermented product
  • Contains additives and stabilizers
  • Coconut base is paleo-approved
  • Potential probiotic benefits
Mediterranean 5/10
  • High saturated fat from coconut
  • Added sugars often present
  • Dairy yogurt is traditional preference
  • Lactose-free alternative value
Low-FODMAP 8/10
  • Coconut milk base is low-FODMAP
  • No lactose (dairy-free)
  • Check for added high-fructose sweeteners in flavored versions
DASH 5/10
  • High saturated fat from coconut
  • Lower protein than dairy yogurt
  • May lack natural calcium unless fortified
  • Probiotic content beneficial for gut health
Zone 5/10
  • High saturated fat (coconut oil base)
  • Variable added sugars by brand
  • Protein content typically low
  • Requires careful portioning
  • Probiotic content
  • Added sugar levels
  • Saturated fat from coconut
  • Live active cultures
Last reviewed: Our methodology