Coconut cream, who knew there were so many options! I am here to help simplify buying the best coconut cream so you can reach for the perfect can of coconut cream at the grocery store for the recipes you have in mind. I share the pros and cons of the top coconut products for you to try out.

You will find that canned coconut cream can be a bit bitter and tangy, and I want to help you find the right brands to buy with the right coconut flavor. You will find that coconut cream has a higher fat content and provides a creamy texture that is great for mixing in your dishes. So let’s find what fits you best.
Coconut Cream Is…
- Vegan and dairy free
- Contains healthy fats
- Thick and creamy
- A great dairy products alternative
- Versatile in how to use the cream
What is coconut cream and how is it different from coconut milk?
There is a difference between coconut milk and coconut cream. The two are not the same. You will find that coconut cream has higher fat content, but also is a lot creamier in texture.
Coconut cream contains approximately 60% coconut extract, and 40% water, while coconut milk contains 53% coconut flesh and 47% water.
Coconut cream also has a creamy consistency that offers a good amount of coconut flavor. Whereas coconut milk is more watery and offers a light coconut flavor.
What is canned coconut cream used for?
You will find that coconut cream has many uses when it comes to the kitchen. Coconut cream is used a lot in making dishes like curry, and sauces, mixing in desserts like cakes and custards, or even a delicious coconut cream pie. The coconut is going to be a thick and creamy base for your dishes. From savory dishes to dessert recipes. You can also use coconut cream to make a homemade pina colada or to make a vegan substitute for heavy whipping cream (learn how to make coconut whipped cream here).
Where can I find coconut cream?
Usually, you will find that coconut cream comes in cans which can be found in the canned goods aisle or Ethnic aisle. You will also find that some come in plastic containers like a carton or squirt bottles. Remember, you can remove the thick layer on top of coconut milk that is full fat, and refrigerate the coconut cream off the top of the can. You will tell that the coconut cream is a creamier texture on top of the coconut milk. You won’t find this in light coconut milk, it needs to be a full-fat can of coconut milk to have the cream on top.
How to store coconut cream
Before opening, some canned coconut cream can be stored in the pantry. (Some will still need to be refrigerated – check the label.) Once opened, coconut cream should absolutely be refrigerated. You can expect store-bought coconut cream to last for up to a week in the fridge after being opened.

Top Coconut Cream Brands
So now that you know what coconut cream is and how to use it, I bet you’re ready to pick some up to make coconut cream recipes! Below I’ll share the best coconut cream you can buy from the grocery store or online!
#1 Natural Value
Clean brand of coconut cream with only two ingredients: coconut meat and water. This is the best can of coconut cream with a creamy texture and lovely coconut taste. Natural Value coconut milk also has the highest fat content of any canned coconut milk I’ve come across, which means you get more coconut goodness in each can!
Ingredients: Organic coconut, water.
Pros
- Packed in BPA-Free Lined Can
- No Added Sugar
- No Preservatives
- No Stabilizers or Gums
- Gluten-Free
- Vegan & Keto Diet Approved
Cons
- Expensive. Sometimes double the price of other coconut milk brands.
- Availability. Usually only found at health food stores.

Clean brand of coconut cream with only two ingredients: coconut meat and water. Coconut Mama’s #1 pick!
#2 Native Forest
This is a high-quality organic coconut cream that is great tasting and made from the first pressing of fresh organic coconut meat and is mixed with only filtered water and a tiny amount (less than 1%) of guar gum from the seeds of the guar plant. You can find this brand at most online stores and in many health food stores.
Ingredients: Organic Coconut Milk (Filtered Water, Organic Coconut, Organic Guar Gum).
Pros
- USDA Organic
- Non-GMO Project Verified
- Packed in BPA Non-Intent Cans
Cons
- Organic Guar Gum (may be an issue for some)
- More expensive than a lot of coconut milk at the grocery store.

This is a great-tasting coconut cream made from the first pressing of fresh organic coconut meat. Coconut Mama’s #2 pick!
#3 Trader Joe’s
Trader joe’s organic coconut cream is a great choice if you shop at Trader Joe’s. This coconut cream does not have odd fillers like guar gum and xanthan gum.
Ingredients: Organic coconut milk (coconut water and organic coconut).
Pros
- Organic
- Affordable
- Simple Ingredients (Water and organic coconut meat)
Cons
- Availability. Only found at Trader Joe’s. Note: You can purchase this brand from Amazon, but it’s very expensive. I suggest buying from Trader Joe’s store instead.

Pure coconut cream that doesn’t have odd fillers like guar gum and xanthan gum. Coconut Mama’s #3 pick!
#4 Aroy-D
This is a good choice for anyone looking for a good budget-friendly coconut cream. Coconuts are not a heavily sprayed crop so you don’t have to worry about buying organic if it’s not in your budget. Aroy-D can be found at many grocery stores, Asian markets, and amazon.
Ingredients: 100%, Pure Coconut Cream
Pros
- Affordable
- Available online and at most grocery stores.
Cons
- Not organic

Great budget-friendly coconut milk option. Coconut Mama’s #4 pick!
#5 Let’s Do Organic
Let’s Do Organic makes a wonderful unsweetened coconut cream that is thick and delicious. It’s a great dairy-free alternative to heavy cream and is often used in coffee and vegan desserts. This brand also makes coconut butter, which is not the same as coconut cream! Don’t get the two coconut products confused.
Ingredients: Organic Coconut, Filtered Water.
Pros
- Available on Amazon and health food stores.
- Affordable
- Organic
- No additives of gums
Cons
- Usually not available at standard grocery stores.
- Best prices are found online through amazon.

This thick and creamy heavy coconut cream is super delicious! Coconut Mama’s #5 pick!
Other Brands
I tested a lot of brands of cartoned and canned coconut cream. My goal with this list was to advise you about the best-tasting coconut creams on the market. Below are other great brands of coconut cream that are tasty, but didn’t make my top 5 list.
FAQs
You will find that coconut cream does have healthy saturated fats, which is great to have. But like all things, it is about moderation. Coconut cream also has immune-boosting nutrients to help your body, fiber, and minerals, and contains vitamins. This is a superfood that is a good substitute to add to your diet for nutrients. It can also help protect against heart disease.
Yes! You can make coconut cream from full-fat coconut milk, by refrigerating canned coconut milk overnight and scooping the thick cream off the top.
No, creamed coconut is another name for coconut butter. Coconut butter is a mix of coconut oil and dried coconut flakes that are pureed in a food processor. The creamy butter is similar to almond or peanut butter and can be spread on toast or melted over fruit.
No, cream of coconut is sweetened coconut milk that is used in cocktails.
You can use coconut cream in place of heavy cream in many recipes in a 1:1 ratio. For example, if you’re making whipped cream, you would use a cup of heavy cream with vanilla extract and powdered sugar. To use coconut cream, you would use a cup of coconut cream with vanilla and powdered sugar. Then use a hand mixer to whip the cream until it makes soft peaks.
No, coconut cream and canned coconut milk are different. Coconut cream is specifically the top, semi-solid layer you find at the very top of a can of coconut milk when you first open it.
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