We’ve enjoyed coconut milk in curries and the occasional piña colada. Perhaps it’s the fact that it comes in a can or is only available in the foreign food aisle, but coconut milk is a seriously under-utilized ingredient that should be a pantry staple.

It’s creamy texture, natural sweetness, and lactose-free nutrition make coconut milk a staple in the food world. But its hydrating, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties also make it a wonderful ingredient to incorporate into your beauty regimen. Here are 3 Unexpected Ways To Enjoy Coconut Milk Every Day:

1) Whipped Coconut Milk

Coconut milk makes a perfect addition to desserts, adding natural sweetness with nutritional goodness. You can simply use it as a substitute in recipes that call for cow’s milk, or whip it up to add a delicious plant-based whipped topping! This whipped coconut creme is ready in under two minutes and is full of essential vitamins and minerals.

Step 1) Refrigerate one can of coconut milk overnight, or a minimum of 8 hours to allow the cream of the milk to separate from the water.

Step 2) Place mixing bowl and beaters in fridge to chill for one hour prior to beating.

Step 2) Carefully remove your can from the fridge, being careful not to remix the contents. Opening your can, scoop out cream solids and put into a bowl. Discard the excess water.

Step 3) Beat cream in chilled bowl with your electric mixer until fluffy peaks begin to form. You can add sugar if you’d like, but coconut milk is sweet already, so there’s really no need.

Step 4) Apply to ice-cream, pies and other desserts for an added treat!

2) Coconut Milk Face Mask

We found several lotions and scrubs utilizing coconut milk as a key ingredient, but this DIY recipe gets you more bang for your buck. Refresh and renew with these 3 simple (and great smelling) ingredients:

• ¼ cup raw honey
• ¼ cup coconut milk
• 1 Tbsp liquid castile soap

Combine ingredients in a resealable jar or container and shake until mixture becomes foamy.To use simply massage mixture on clean face and neck, being careful to not get any in your eyes. Allow to set for a maximum of 15 minutes. Then rinse off with warm water and pat dry.

3) Coconut Milk Shampoo

Many people use coconut oil in their hair for various purposes, but when you are looking for something nourishing without all the excess oil – coconut milk to the rescue!

Combine the following ingredients in a reusable soap pump or other container to create your own DIY Coconut Milk Shampoo:

• ¼ cup coconut milk
• ½ liquid castile soap
• ½ cup vegetable glycerin
• 2 tsp almond oil
• 10 drops tea tree oil

Shake up before each use. Apply to wet hair, scrubbing in circular motions and rinse thoroughly.

Simple, plant-based swaps like coconut milk can help you transform your everyday routine into good, clean, honest living to better protect the people and planet we love. Since we love animals at go™, our household cleaners and laundry detergents are leaping bunny certified and we never use animal-based ingredients. Have a plant-based swap you want to share with us? Tell us about it in the comment section below for a chance to be featured on our social!