Does Crème de Coco Have Dairy? The Essential Guide

November 9, 2025 •

4 min read

Crème de coco, the syrupy coconut product famously used in piña coladas, is a staple in many tropical cocktails and desserts. Given its creamy texture, it's a common misconception that crème de coco contains dairy. However, this is not the case, as this rich ingredient is actually a sweetened, dairy-free product made from coconuts.

Quick Summary

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of crème de coco, explaining its composition and confirming its dairy-free status. It clarifies the common confusion with other coconut products like coconut cream and coconut milk, detailing their distinct textures, sweetness, and culinary applications.

Key Points

No Dairy: Crème de coco is a dairy-free product made from coconut, water, and a high concentration of sugar.
Misleading Name: The word "crème" is the source of confusion, but the product is plant-based and safe for vegan diets.
Sweet & Syrupy: Unlike unsweetened coconut cream, crème de coco is thick, syrupy, and very sweet, making them non-interchangeable.
Cocktail Essential: Its most famous use is in tropical cocktails like the piña colada, where its sweetness and creamy texture are essential.
Check the Label: Always check the ingredients list to confirm that the brand you are buying is dairy-free, although most are.
Versatile Ingredient: Beyond cocktails, it can be used in dairy-free desserts, coffee, and certain sauces to add a sweet coconut flavor.

Crème de Coco: The Dairy-Free Sweetener

Crème de coco is a thick, syrupy, and intensely sweet product made from coconut meat and sugar. Despite its name, which can be misleading due to the French word 'crème', it contains no dairy whatsoever. Its base is derived from coconuts, not cow's milk, making it a safe and delicious option for those following a vegan or dairy-free diet. The confusion often arises because its texture and name are similar to that of dairy-based creams, but the ingredients list for popular brands like Coco Lopez or Goya clearly shows it is a plant-based item.

What is Crème de Coco Made Of?

While specific recipes can vary by brand, the core ingredients remain consistent. A typical crème de coco is made from a blend of coconut, water, and a high concentration of sugar. To achieve its characteristic smooth, syrupy consistency and ensure stability, manufacturers often add emulsifiers and thickeners. These additives might include things like polysorbate 60, mono and diglycerides, and gums like guar or locust bean gum.

Where to Find Crème de Coco

Unlike simple coconut milk or coconut cream, crème de coco is a specialty mixer often found in the liquor store or the mixer aisle of a well-stocked grocery store. This is because its primary use is in cocktails, most famously the piña colada. It can also be purchased online for convenience. The key is to look specifically for "cream of coconut" or "crème de coco," and to confirm it's the sweetened, syrupy product, not its unsweetened cousin, coconut cream.

The Crucial Differences: Crème de Coco vs. Coconut Cream vs. Coconut Milk

The terminology surrounding coconut products can be confusing. Many people mistakenly believe these items are interchangeable, which can lead to disastrous recipe results. Understanding the key differences is essential for achieving the right flavor and texture in your dishes and drinks.

How Coconut Products Differ

Crème de Coco (Cream of Coconut): This is the sweetened, syrupy mixer used in cocktails like the piña colada. It's thick, sweet, and made from coconut cream combined with a high amount of sugar.
Coconut Cream: This is the unsweetened, thicker part of canned coconut milk that rises to the top when chilled. It has a very high fat content and a rich, creamy texture, making it excellent for savory curries or for creating dairy-free whipped cream. It lacks the added sugar of crème de coco.
Coconut Milk: The thinner, more liquid part of the product. Coconut milk is made by simmering grated coconut flesh with water and straining the solids. It comes in varying fat percentages and is a versatile ingredient used in everything from curries to smoothies and vegan baking. It is also unsweetened.

Comparison Table: Crème de Coco, Coconut Cream, and Coconut Milk


Feature	Crème de Coco (Cream of Coconut)	Coconut Cream	Coconut Milk
Sweetness	Very Sweet (High Sugar)	Unsweetened	Unsweetened
Consistency	Thick, syrupy liquid	Very thick, creamy (like softened butter)	Thinner, milk-like liquid
Common Uses	Piña coladas, tropical cocktails, desserts	Curries, sauces, dairy-free whipped cream	Curries, smoothies, baking
Dairy-Free	Yes	Yes	Yes
Can be Substituted	No (requires sweetening and adjusting texture)	With coconut milk by chilling and skimming off the top layer	With coconut cream by thinning it with water

Using Crème de Coco Beyond Cocktails

While crème de coco is best known for its role in tropical drinks, its intense sweetness and creamy texture make it a versatile ingredient for other culinary applications.

Versatile Culinary Uses

Desserts: It can be used to add a rich, sweet coconut flavor to various desserts. Think coconut-lime popsicles, coconut cheesecakes, or simply drizzled over fruit salad. Its syrupy consistency is also perfect for moistening cakes and other baked goods.
Sauces and Dressings: For those who enjoy a sweet and savory flavor profile, a small amount of crème de coco can add complexity to sauces or salad dressings. However, it's crucial to adjust for the high sugar content.
Coffee and Tea: A small swirl of crème de coco can transform a standard cup of coffee or tea into a luxurious, tropical-flavored beverage.
Ice Cream: Crème de coco is an ideal base for homemade dairy-free coconut ice cream, offering both sweetness and creaminess in one ingredient.

Conclusion: Confidently Choosing Your Coconut Product

In summary, the answer to the question "Does crème de coco have dairy?" is a definitive no. This versatile, syrupy mixer is entirely dairy-free, deriving its rich, sweet flavor and creamy texture from coconut and sugar, not animal products. The primary source of confusion is its similar name to coconut cream and coconut milk, which are also dairy-free but differ significantly in sweetness and thickness. For your next tropical cocktail or dairy-free dessert, choose crème de coco for an authentically sweet flavor, and reserve the unsweetened coconut cream and milk for other recipes. By understanding the distinct characteristics of each coconut product, you can confidently navigate your kitchen and create delicious, dairy-free creations.

For more cocktail inspiration and a deeper dive into the world of tiki drinks, visit this guide from Epicurious.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, crème de coco is not the same as coconut cream. The key difference is that crème de coco is sweetened and has a thick, syrupy consistency, while coconut cream is unsweetened and has a much thicker, more paste-like texture.

You should not substitute coconut cream directly for crème de coco in a piña colada, as coconut cream is unsweetened. Doing so would result in a drink that is not sweet enough and has an unbalanced flavor profile.

Crème de coco is often found in the liquor or mixer aisle of grocery stores, as it is primarily used for making cocktails. Popular brands include Coco Lopez and Coco Real.

Yes, crème de coco contains a high amount of added sugar. It is essentially sweetened coconut cream and is meant to provide both a creamy texture and intense sweetness to drinks and desserts.

Most brands of crème de coco are gluten-free, but it is always best to check the product label for specific allergen information to be certain.

After opening, crème de coco should be transferred to an airtight container and refrigerated. Because of its high sugar content, it has a long shelf life in the fridge, often lasting several months.

Yes, you can make a homemade version of crème de coco by simmering canned coconut milk with sugar and a pinch of salt until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens into a syrup.