Monkey-Friendly Coconut Milk (check the labels)
Coconut milk is not local to England, but it’s popular in curries and to make ‘whipped cream and desserts’. Some supermarkets have now pulled brands that use tethered monkey slaves (to climb trees) to retrieve coconuts, due to media publicity. But be careful as many brands (mostly Thai) still use them.
Before cooking, read up on food safety for people and pets.
Nature’s Charm is a good brand of coconut milk, founded by a woman from a coconut farming family in Thailand. A passionate vegan, she guarantees no monkey-slaves are used to harvest the coconuts.
Bioa Coconut Whipping Cream is great to dollop on desserts. Chill overnight then whip in a bowl. The brand also makes lite coconut milk, creamed coconut and coconut milk powder (for smoothies, soups, porridge and ice-cream).
Look for brands that offer sustainable coconuts, with a guarantee of no monkey harvesting. One good brand is The Coconut Collab, which makes yoghurts and double cre&m (doesn’t taste of coconut, you would not know the difference).
Is Coconut Milk Healthy?
It does contain saturated fat, and so some people say not to eat or drink it. However, many cultures use it with far better health than us.
It’s likely due to everything in moderation. It’s especially popular with people on live on raw food. Use it for creamy smoothies and curries and topping desserts, but don’t eat it everyday.
Why “monkey-friendly” coconuts matter
In parts of the coconut industry, reports have linked some harvesting to trained monkeys. Many people don’t want their food budget supporting that practice, even indirectly. That’s where “monkey-friendly” shopping comes in: choosing brands that state they do not use monkey labour in their coconut supply.
The tricky part is that coconut milk rarely comes from one neat, traceable place. A single brand might source coconuts through several routes, then switch suppliers when prices, harvest seasons, or factory capacity changes. As a result, you can’t always treat a claim on one tin as a permanent promise for every product line.
So what should you trust? The strongest signal is a specific, verifiable statement from the brand, ideally backed by a clear policy, supplier standards, and some form of checking (such as audits). A vague front-of-pack line can sound good, but it often doesn’t tell you what the brand actually does.
Coconut supply chains in simple terms: farm, collector, mill, brand
Coconuts usually move through several hands before they become coconut milk. First, they’re harvested on farms. Next, a collector may combine coconuts from many small farms. After that, a mill processes the coconut into products such as coconut cream, coconut extract, or pressed coconut. Finally, a brand buys that output and packs it into tins or cartons.
How to check labels for coconut milk
- Clarity: Does it say “no monkey labour” (or similar), or does it rely on general “ethical” language?
- Scope: Does it cover all coconut products, or only one range?
- Checking: Does it mention audits, verification, or supplier requirements?
- Freshness: Can you find dates, updates, or a current policy version?
Also, watch for claims that focus on “sustainability” but never mention labour. Environmental claims can be genuine, but they are not the same thing.
Good label language vs vague language: what to look for
This table shows the difference between wording that tends to mean something, and wording that often means very little on its own.
A quick checklist you can use in 60 seconds
Use this when you’re in a shop, or scrolling online:
- Check the country of origin (helpful context, not a guarantee).
- Scan for an explicit “no monkey labour” statement on the pack (front, back, or side).
- Look for verification clues, such as audits, supplier standards, or traceability notes.
- Find the sourcing page via QR code or the brand website, then look for a clear policy.
- If it’s still vague, choose transparency. Pick brands that publish supplier rules and updates.
