What is the difference between Aroy-D and Chaokoh coconut milk?

Aroy-D is about as pure as it gets, roughly 99% coconut with no preservatives, with a clean flavor that separates (cracks) easily. Chaokoh uses a stabilizer and emulsifier, so it is thicker, creamier, and extremely consistent, but harder to crack when reduced.

Which coconut milk is better for Thai curry?

Use Aroy-D when you want clean coconut flavor or need to crack the cream to fry curry paste; use Chaokoh when you want rich, consistent body. Many kitchens stock both.

Does Dao carry both Aroy-D and Chaokoh?

Yes. Dao stocks both in 6x5 lb foodservice packs, plus Mae Ploy coconut cream, delivered daily across the Bay Area.

May 29, 20262 min readingredients · coconut-milk · comparison

Aroy-D vs Chaokoh: which coconut milk for your Thai kitchen?

The real difference between Aroy-D and Chaokoh coconut milk for foodservice: additives, body, and which one to reach for. Both stocked by Dao, by the case.

By Dao Distribution

Both Aroy-D and Chaokoh are top-tier Thai coconut milks. The difference comes down to additives and body, and it changes which one you want in the pot.

Aroy-D: clean and crackable

Aroy-D is about as pure as it gets, roughly 99% coconut with no preservatives, available in cans and UHT cartons. It has a clean, fresh coconut flavor and separates (cracks) easily, which is exactly what you want when you fry curry paste in coconut cream. It is often the chef's pick for clean flavor and for desserts, and it has been named a favorite in test kitchens.

Chaokoh: rich and consistent

Chaokoh uses a stabilizer (xanthan gum) and an emulsifier, so it is thicker, creamier, and extremely consistent, batch after batch. It is the can you will find in most restaurants. The trade-off: that stabilizer makes the fat harder to crack when you reduce it.

Bottom line

Reach for Aroy-D when you want clean coconut flavor or a curry where you crack the cream first. Reach for Chaokoh when you want rich, consistent body. Both perform, and plenty of kitchens keep both on the shelf.

Dao stocks both in 6x5 lb foodservice packs, plus Mae Ploy coconut cream for the thicker top. See the wholesale coconut milk page, or call (415) 999-4863 to set up an account.

Questions we hear

What is the difference between Aroy-D and Chaokoh coconut milk?: Aroy-D is about as pure as it gets, roughly 99% coconut with no preservatives, with a clean flavor that separates (cracks) easily. Chaokoh uses a stabilizer and emulsifier, so it is thicker, creamier, and extremely consistent, but harder to crack when reduced.
Which coconut milk is better for Thai curry?: Use Aroy-D when you want clean coconut flavor or need to crack the cream to fry curry paste; use Chaokoh when you want rich, consistent body. Many kitchens stock both.
Does Dao carry both Aroy-D and Chaokoh?: Yes. Dao stocks both in 6x5 lb foodservice packs, plus Mae Ploy coconut cream, delivered daily across the Bay Area.