Is Coconut Cream AIP Friendly? The Definitive Guide

December 3, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the Autoimmune Protocol, dairy and many nuts are eliminated to reduce inflammation, but coconut products are an exception. However, the acceptability of coconut cream is not always straightforward, as many store-bought varieties contain forbidden additives. This guide provides a clear roadmap for navigating your coconut cream options.

Quick Summary

Coconut cream is AIP compliant, provided it is free of additives like guar gum and xanthan gum. Careful label-reading or making a homemade version is critical for success on the autoimmune protocol.

Key Points

Check Ingredients Diligently: Not all store-bought coconut cream is AIP friendly; many contain non-compliant additives like guar gum and xanthan gum.
Prioritize Additive-Free Products: Look for brands that list only coconut and water as ingredients, or explicitly state the absence of gums.
Consider Homemade Coconut Cream: Making coconut cream from shredded coconut at home guarantees full AIP compliance and freshness.
Embrace Coconut's Botanical Status: Coconuts are safe for AIP because they are drupes (stone fruits), not true nuts, which are restricted.
Enjoy Health Benefits and Versatility: Coconut cream provides healthy fats (MCTs) and can be used in numerous AIP recipes as a dairy-free substitute.
Utilize Store-Bought Compliant Brands: Some brands, like Native Forest's 'Simple' line or Aroy-D tetra packs, offer additive-free options, though a label check is always necessary.

Understanding the AIP Rules for Coconuts

For anyone starting the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) diet, navigating the world of food replacements can be daunting. Thankfully, coconut products are a versatile and compliant option, acting as a great dairy alternative. This is because botanically, a coconut is classified as a drupe—a stone fruit—not a tree nut, which are excluded from the protocol. This distinction is crucial for those with tree nut sensitivities. From coconut milk and cream to oil and flakes, the fruit of the coconut palm offers many possibilities for creating creamy textures and rich flavors in AIP recipes. However, the devil is in the details, especially when considering processed, store-bought products.

The Crucial Ingredient Check: Avoiding Additives

While the coconut itself is AIP-friendly, many commercially available coconut creams are not. The primary culprits are thickening agents and stabilizers like guar gum and xanthan gum, which are derived from beans and bacteria, respectively. While harmless for many, these additives can disrupt the gut microbiome in sensitive individuals, an effect that is counterproductive to the goals of the AIP diet. For this reason, a diligent check of the ingredient list is mandatory for anyone following the protocol closely. Avoid products that list any gums, emulsifiers, or other unrecognizable stabilizers.

What to Look for on the Label

Read the ingredients: The only ingredients should be coconut and water. Some homemade recipes might include a compliant sweetener, but for pure coconut cream, simplicity is key.
Check for thickeners: Ensure the label explicitly states the absence of guar gum, xanthan gum, or other emulsifiers.
Look for BPA-free packaging: Although less common, some canned products contain BPA in their lining, which can be an irritant for some. Opt for BPA-free cans or tetra packs where possible.

Finding AIP-Compliant Coconut Cream

If you prefer the convenience of store-bought options, there are brands that offer additive-free coconut cream, though they can sometimes be harder to find. Brands like Native Forest's Simple line or Aroy-D's tetra pack are often cited as compliant options, but availability varies. The most surefire method is to make your own at home. This provides complete control over the ingredients, guaranteeing AIP compliance and freshness. Making homemade coconut cream involves blending shredded coconut with hot water, then straining the solids. For thicker cream, simply chill a can of additive-free coconut milk overnight and scoop the separated, thick cream off the top.

Homemade vs. Store-Bought: A Comparison


Feature	Homemade Coconut Cream	Store-Bought Coconut Cream (AIP Compliant)
Ingredients	Only shredded coconut and water.	Coconut and water only; must be label-checked.
Additives	Absolutely none.	No guar gum or other emulsifiers.
Convenience	Requires time and preparation.	Ready to use, saves time.
Cost	Often more economical per serving.	Potentially more expensive per can.
Freshness	Highest quality and freshness.	Good quality, shelf-stable.
Separation	Will naturally separate when chilled.	Separation is expected in some compliant brands.

Health Benefits of AIP-Friendly Coconut Cream

Beyond being a dietary substitute, coconut cream offers several nutritional benefits that align with the AIP diet's goals. It is a good source of healthy fats, particularly medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are easily absorbed and used for energy by the body. Coconut cream also provides a creamy texture and richness to meals and desserts, making the diet more palatable and enjoyable.

Creative Ways to Use Coconut Cream on AIP

Whipped Cream Alternative: Chill a can of AIP-compliant coconut cream, scoop out the solid portion, and whip it with a hand mixer for a delicious dairy-free topping for fruit or desserts.
Creamy Soups and Curries: Add it to vegetable curries or blended soups for a rich, velvety texture.
Smoothie Base: Blend it into smoothies for extra creaminess and a dose of healthy fats.
Coffee/Tea Creamer: Use it to replace traditional cream in AIP-compliant warm beverages.
Rich Desserts: Create mousses, puddings, or a delicious, creamy base for ice cream.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your AIP Journey

Ultimately, coconut cream is a valuable and delicious tool for anyone on the AIP diet, offering a compliant alternative to dairy. The key to ensuring it fits your protocol is vigilance. Always read the ingredient list to avoid non-compliant thickeners like guar gum. Whether you opt for a carefully vetted store-bought brand or make your own from scratch, you can safely enjoy the creamy texture and numerous benefits of coconut cream while adhering to your AIP plan. For more information on AIP-friendly ingredients and resources, consult reputable sources like the Amy Myers MD website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many store-bought coconut creams are not AIP compliant because they contain additives like guar gum or xanthan gum, which are used as stabilizers and thickeners. These can alter the gut microbiome and are restricted on the protocol.

The most reliable way is to make it at home from shredded coconut and water. Alternatively, if buying canned, you must read the ingredients list carefully and choose a brand that contains only coconut and water, with no added gums or emulsifiers.

No, a coconut is not a nut in the botanical sense. It is a drupe, or stone fruit, which is why it is allowed on the AIP diet. People with tree nut allergies should still proceed with caution and consult a doctor.

Yes, coconut cream is an excellent dairy-free alternative for the AIP diet. It can be used as a substitute for heavy cream in soups, sauces, desserts, and coffee.

While it's essential to check the label for each product, brands like Native Forest Simple Coconut Cream and the tetra-pack version of Aroy-D coconut milk are often cited as being additive-free and AIP compliant.

Yes, coconut cream contains healthy fats known as medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are easily converted into energy. It also adds a source of healthy fat and a creamy texture to many dishes.

To make whipped cream, chill an AIP-compliant, full-fat can of coconut milk overnight. The cream will separate and solidify at the top. Scoop the solid cream into a bowl and whip with a mixer until it forms stiff peaks.