Coconut Cream Buying Guide: Choose the Right One for Your Recipes

A creamy Thai curry, a melt-in-your-mouth vegan panna cotta, a velvety soup… Coconut cream is often the secret ingredient that adds a touch of richness and exotic flair to a dish. At the supermarket, however, the choice can quickly become overwhelming: what fat percentage should you choose? Should you opt for a version with or without additives? Is a carton more practical than a can?

As product recommendation experts at Joybuy, our mission is simple: to give you clear and practical advice. Follow this guide to find the coconut cream that will transform your culinary creations.

How to Choose the Right Coconut Cream

To find the perfect match for your recipe, three criteria are essential: fat content, composition, and packaging.

1. Fat Content: The Secret to Creaminess

The main difference between coconut milk and coconut cream lies in their fat percentage, which directly determines the texture and taste.

• Between 20% and 24%: This is the fat content of a proper coconut cream. Rich and thick, it's perfect for adding body and creaminess to your dishes. It's the go-to choice for a curry with a luscious consistency, a rich coating sauce, or a decadent dessert like a vegan ganache or ice cream. It is sometimes called thick coconut milk.
• Below 20%: You're now in the coconut milk category. It's more fluid and ideal for soups, smoothies, or for lightening a sauce without weighing it down.

2. Composition: With or Without Additives?

The ingredients list says a lot about the product's quality and its intended use.

• Simple composition (coconut extract, water): Often from organic farming, these products offer a pure and authentic taste. Don't be surprised if the cream separates when chilled (the solid fat separates from the liquid); simply stir it all together to restore a smooth texture. This is the perfect choice for fans of vegan and natural products.
• Composition with stabilizers (guar gum, xanthan gum): These additives ensure a smooth and uniform texture that remains stable. The advantage? A consistently predictable consistency, highly valued in professional kitchens or by those who prioritize simplicity above all.

3. Packaging: Can or Carton?

The packaging also plays a role, depending on your habits.

• Canned coconut cream (usually 400 ml): The classic format, perfect for family-sized recipes or large-batch dishes. Best practice: if you don't use it all at once, transfer the rest to a glass or plastic container.
• The UHT carton (often 200 ml): More compact, it's ideal for smaller portions, preventing waste, or trying out a new recipe. Its cardboard packaging protects it from light and ensures a long shelf life before opening.

Recommended Coconut Cream Picks

To help you see more clearly, here are three top picks that meet specific needs.

Kara Organic Coconut Cream UHT 24% Fat 200ml

Why it stands out: What makes this one different? Its organic certification and ultra-clean ingredients list. With 24% fat, it promises unparalleled richness and creaminess, perfect for recipes where texture is king.

• Pros:

  • Certified organic.
  • Simple composition: organic coconut extract (90%), water.
  • No stabilizers or preservatives.
  • High fat content (24%) for maximum creaminess.
  • Convenient 200 ml UHT carton format.

• Who is it for? For purists and organic food lovers who are looking for the shortest ingredients list. Its format is perfect for small recipes or one- to two-person households.

Sunlee Coconut CREAM 20-22% WHITE (Easy Open) 400ml

Why it stands out: Sunlee coconut cream is a reliable and versatile classic, especially for Asian cuisine. Thanks to its stabilizers, it guarantees a smooth, silky texture that won't separate, making it ideal for foolproof curries, soups, and drinks.

• Pros:

  • Stable and homogenous texture that doesn't separate.
  • Generous 400 ml format, suitable for family meals.
  • Easy-open can.
  • Fat content of 20-22%, a good balance for many dishes.

• Who is it for? For those who frequently make Asian dishes like curry and want a flawless result without the fuss.

CHAOKOH Coconut cream 22% fat special for dessert 400ml

Why it stands out: With 22% fat and a 100% natural composition (coconut extract and water), this cream from the Chaokoh brand is an excellent all-rounder. Its richness makes it a top choice for coconut cream for dessert, while also being a safe bet for creamy savory dishes.

• Pros:

  • High fat content (22%) for a rich texture.
  • Short and natural ingredients list.
  • Large 400 ml can.
  • Versatile for both savory and sweet dishes.

• Who is it for? For home bakers and cooks looking for a rich, natural cream in a generous format to create decadent desserts or creamy sauces.

Looking for Other Options?

Didn't find what you're looking for in our selection? Every recipe is unique, and so are your preferences. If you're looking for other formats or brands, we've got you covered.

? Explore our full range of Coconut Milk and Coconut Cream to find the perfect product that will elevate your next culinary creation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Coconut Cream

What is the difference between coconut milk and coconut cream?

Simply put, it's all about the fat concentration. Coconut cream, with generally over 20% fat, is thicker and richer. Coconut milk, which is more fluid (often between 10% and 19%), is simply coconut pulp diluted with more water.

Can you whip coconut cream to make whipped cream?

Absolutely! It's a stunning plant-based alternative to classic whipped cream. The secret: use a high-fat coconut cream (20% minimum). Place the can or carton in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours. When you're ready to use it, open it without shaking, carefully scoop out the solid cream layer that has formed on top, and whip it with an electric mixer (with a little powdered sugar) until you get a firm consistency.

How do you store coconut cream once opened?

Once opened, coconut cream should be stored in the refrigerator. If it's in a can, the best practice is to transfer it to an airtight glass or plastic container to prevent it from taking on a metallic taste. Use it within 3 to 4 days.