Coconut milk is ultra creamy and completely versatile. (It also happens to be an all-star vegan and dairy-free ingredient.) It’s made by simmering raw, grated coconut flesh in water, and the consistency is remarkably similar to cow’s milk. We’re not kidding about the versatility, either. You can use it in sweet preparations like ice cream, cakes, whipped cream, and caramels (see below!) as well as savory dishes like curries, soups, and sauces. It’s super easy to pop open a can and pour, but you can also take the DIY approach by blending one part shredded coconut to one part water, then straining the mixture through a cheesecloth.

The History of Cocomels

JJ Rademaekers started a company called JJ’s Sweets in 2010, by selling homemade treats at local farmers’ markets in Boulder, Colorado. The idea actually came to him in a dream a year earlier, where he clearly saw someone who resembled Willy Wonka creating new candies that were healthier than conventional options. That was Rademaekers’ cue to get into the kitchen. He blended his passion for cooking with his training as a scientist, and soon, JJ’s Sweets was launched. Cocomels—his line of coconut milk caramels—followed in 2014.

Cocomels Company Mission

Cocomels makes one thing: coconut milk chocolates. It’s part of the brand’s original vision to develop delicious yet wholesome treats sourced from natural ingredients. Everyone on the team is motivated to see candy evolve into an indulgence that won’t set you back from a health perspective, or make you feel guilty about enjoying it.

Benefits of Cocomels

Cocomels takes dessert to new heights by using coconut milk as its key ingredient—not cream—which means every bite is deliciously dairy-free and vegan. All of Cocomels treats also USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified. Plus, you can enjoy all the benefits of coconut milk, which contains the saturated fatty acids medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), believed to support a healthy metabolism and may support weight loss. Another reason to incorporate coconut oil into your diet? Helping balance cholesterol levels. In a study of 60 volunteers comparing the health benefits of coconut milk to soy milk, researchers found that “coconut milk raises the HDL levels while reducing the LDL.”

Top Cocomels Products

One bite of coconut milk caramels, and we’re betting you’ll be smitten.

Coconut Milk Caramels, Original

Meet the candy that started it all, made with organic coconut milk, brown rice syrup, cane syrup, and sea salt. (This bag is also a great place to begin if you’re new to Cocomels.)

Coconut Sugar Caramels

Looking to avoid cane sugar? These caramels swap in coconut sugar instead, and they’re just as indulgent as the original.

Coconut Caramels, Vanilla

Organic vanilla extract naturally enhances these luscious caramels that are only 120 calories per serving.

How to Use Coconut Milk

Coconut milk can be used in both sweet and savory recipes—here are some of our favorite ideas.

Don’t Miss This Spiked Vegan Milkshake

While we’re on the topic of treats, pick up the ingredients for this adults-only milkshake. It’s made with toasted marshmallows, coconut milk, vanilla, and bourbon.

The Difference Between Coconut Cream and Coconut Milk

These two vegan ingredients are perfect to have on hand for all sorts of recipes. Find out what makes them different, and when to grab which can.

A Simple Dairy-Free Coconut Ice Cream Recipe

When you use coconut milk as the base, vegan ice cream is just as indulgent as milk-based varieties. We love this spin with sweet raspberries.