Coconut milk to hit US shelves in March

So Delicious Coconut Milk Beverage provides consumers with an alternative to dairy and soy milks and is suitable for everyday occasions, such as with cereal, in cooking and as a standalone beverage.

Made with imported organic coconut milk and fortified with essential nutrients – such as calcium, vitamin A, vitamin D, magnesium and vitamin B12 – the drink is naturally cholesterol-free and contains no soy, gluten or dairy.

“We’ve made soy-based products for 20 years, but our consumers wanted an alternative to soy,” said Mark Brawerman, Turtle Mountain founder and president. “We turned to coconut milk because of its delectable taste and intriguing health properties.”

Coconut milk contains a type of fat called medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs), which are recognised for having antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. Unlike long chain fatty acids, which are stored in the body as fat, MCFAs are utilised as energy by the body.

The refrigerated product is packaged in half-gallon, gable-top cartons with a plastic spout, and is available in the following flavours: plain, vanilla and unsweetened.

Suggested retail price for So Delicious Coconut Milk Beverage is $4.49 for a half gallon, which will be available in eastern US at Whole Foods Markets and other natural food retailers in March. The company expects national distribution by the summer of 2009.