The difference between coconut milk and cream (2024)

FAQs

The difference between coconut milk and cream? ›

Coconut cream is like the top half of a can of full-fat coconut milk. It's thicker and has less water. You can probably substitute it in some recipes, or in a pinch, you could thin it with a little water or coconut water as a substitute.

Coconut Cream vs Coconut Milk

Compared to normal coconut milk, coconut cream has a much higher fat content, containing around 19-22% fat. Coconut cream still retains the delicious coconut flavor that coconut milk has, but is much thicker as it is essentially coconut milk with less water.

Can You Replace Coconut Cream with Coconut Milk? The good news about coconut cream and coconut milk is that although they may be different consistencies, they're very similar. You can use coconut cream in place of milk if you dilute it with additional water. Different coconut cream brands vary on fat content.

The fat content of coconut milk should be roughly that of a dairy-based heavy cream. So, when a recipe calls for heavy cream, you just make a one-to-one substitution with coconut milk – so long as the fat content matches up.

Cream of coconut is primarily used as a mixer for drinks, but you can also use it as an alternative to dairy products in desserts like cakes, homemade ice cream, and flan. You can also use cream of coconut as a thickening agent in curries, soups, and smoothies.

It contains no cholesterol and it's a great source of protein, antioxidants, phosphorus, magnesium, folate and potassium. Coconut cream is beneficial to hair and skin too! It contains antiviral and antibacterial lauric acid, as well as vital amino acids, all of which are beneficial to your skin.

How to make coconut milk out of coconut cream? Mix 3 tablespoons coconut cream into 1 tablespoon water to make about ¼ cup coconut milk. It does taste lighter than full fat coconut milk, and has a texture more like light coconut milk.

Heavy cream has signficantly more Vitamin D than coconut cream. Coconut cream is a great source of dietary fiber and iron, and it is an excellent source of potassium. Both coconut cream and heavy cream are high in calories and saturated fat. Coconut cream has signficantly less cholesterol than heavy cream.

For example, for 4 servings, or 1 cup (240 mL), of coconut milk, mix 4 tablespoons (59.15 mL) of water with 12 tablespoons (170.1 grams) of coconut cream.

Coconut milk-based substitutes

The coconut milk on your shelf probably isn't thick enough to sub in for half and half without a little help. The most obvious addition is coconut cream. Again, refrigerate a large can of full-fat coconut milk to get the cream to come to the top.

Why is coconut cream so expensive? ›

The high prices of coconut milk and cream due to the fluctuating cost of raw materials may hinder the growth of the market.

As with all things, moderation is key and reading labels to avoid added sugars is important. Sweetened coconut products, such as the flakes used in baking and the cream used for pina coladas, are best enjoyed in small portions so that the effects on cholesterol and blood sugar are minimal.

DOES CREAM OF COCONUT NEED TO BE REFRIGERATED? Cream of coconut is shelf-stable when unopened, but it should be stored in the refrigerator after opening. You will need to shake or stir it before using since it usually separates a little bit during refrigeration.

Plant-based

However, coconut milk is not nutritionally comparable to cow's milk, with a lower protein and a much higher saturated fat level. If you do choose it as your product of choice you should be aware that only the fortified coconut 'drink' products will supply comparable amounts of nutrients, like calcium.

It is not the same thing as coconut cream or coconut milk. Cream of coconut is pureed, concentrated coconut that's been sweetened—kind of like sweetened condensed milk is just condensed, sweetened milk. You can use Cream of coconut straight out of the bottle or can and it does not need to be cooked to be consumed.

Coconut milk is incredibly versatile and can be used in both sweet and savory applications. In largely dairy-free Thai cuisine, explains Chongchitnant, it's used to add creaminess and fat to countless dishes, from sauces and dressings to curries and stews to puddings and dessert soups.

Another key benefit of coconut milk is that because it's dairy-free, it can be used as a milk substitute for people who choose not to eat dairy (such as vegans), people with a dairy allergy, or people who are lactose intolerant (not being able to fully digest the sugar in milk).