Is CocoWhip Better Than Cool Whip? A Head-to-Head Comparison

December 4, 2025 •

3 min read

Cool Whip was invented in 1966, quickly becoming America's most popular whipped topping. In recent years, a new challenger has emerged in the form of So Delicious CocoWhip. This begs the question: is CocoWhip better than Cool Whip for modern dessert lovers and dietary needs?

Quick Summary

This article provides a direct comparison of CocoWhip and Cool Whip, analyzing their ingredients, taste, texture, nutritional profiles, and best uses for desserts and other recipes.

Key Points

Dietary Needs: CocoWhip is the only suitable option for vegans, dairy-free, and lactose-intolerant consumers, as Cool Whip contains milk derivatives.
Ingredients: CocoWhip is made from more natural, plant-based ingredients, while Cool Whip uses highly processed components like hydrogenated oils and high fructose corn syrup.
Flavor: Cool Whip has a neutral, sweet taste, making it highly versatile, whereas CocoWhip has a noticeable, subtle coconut flavor.
Nutrition: CocoWhip is often lower in calories and sugar and contains no cholesterol, while some varieties also contain beneficial probiotics.
Cost and Accessibility: Cool Whip is typically more budget-friendly and widely available, while CocoWhip is often pricier and found in fewer stores.
Best Use Cases: Choose Cool Whip for recipes needing a neutral flavor and high stability, and CocoWhip for plant-based desserts where a coconut flavor is desired.

Cool Whip: The Original Whipped Topping

Introduced in 1966, Cool Whip became a popular, convenient alternative to traditional whipped cream. While often perceived as dairy-free, it contains sodium caseinate, a milk protein derivative, making it unsuitable for those with true dairy allergies. Its ingredients include water, hydrogenated vegetable oil, high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, skim milk, and artificial flavors, contributing to its stable texture and sweet, neutral taste.

CocoWhip: The Dairy-Free Alternative

So Delicious Dairy Free offers CocoWhip as a plant-based, vegan alternative. Made primarily from coconut milk or cream and natural sweeteners, it's free of animal products and hydrogenated oils. It is also certified gluten-free and Non-GMO Project Verified. CocoWhip has a creamy texture with a subtle coconut flavor. Some varieties include probiotics. It's a choice for those seeking a "cleaner" ingredient list.

CocoWhip vs. Cool Whip: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Comparing the two highlights key differences in ingredients, flavor, nutrition, and use.

Ingredients and Sourcing

Cool Whip uses hydrogenated oils and high fructose corn syrup, and contains a milk derivative, sodium caseinate. CocoWhip is dairy-free, vegan, and uses coconut oil and natural sweeteners, avoiding hydrogenated oils and artificial flavors.

Flavor Profile and Texture

Cool Whip has a neutral, sweet flavor and a consistent, fluffy texture. CocoWhip offers a similar creamy texture but with a subtle coconut flavor.

Nutritional Value

Cool Whip contains saturated fat and high fructose corn syrup. CocoWhip generally has less sugar and calories, no cholesterol, and some versions contain probiotics.

Best Uses and Versatility

Cool Whip suits recipes needing a neutral flavor and stability, like classic pies. CocoWhip is ideal for vegan or dairy-free desserts, especially those complemented by coconut, and can be used as a 1:1 substitute.

Comparison Table: CocoWhip vs. Cool Whip


Feature	Cool Whip	CocoWhip (So Delicious)
Key Ingredients	Hydrogenated vegetable oils, high fructose corn syrup, dairy derivatives	Coconut oil/cream, natural sweeteners
Dietary Restrictions	Contains dairy derivatives, not vegan/dairy-free	Vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free
Flavor	Neutral, sweet, slightly artificial	Subtle coconut flavor
Texture	Fluffy, consistent, and stable	Creamy, light, can be slightly softer
Additives	Contains artificial flavors and gums	No artificial flavors, colors, or hydrogenated oils
Nutritional Profile	Higher in sugar (from corn syrup) and saturated fats	Lower calories and sugar; some varieties contain probiotics
Price	Generally less expensive	Usually more expensive
Accessibility	Widely available in most grocery stores	Found in larger or natural food stores

The Verdict: Which Whipped Topping Reigns Supreme?

The choice between CocoWhip and Cool Whip depends on individual needs. Cool Whip is a classic, widely available option with a neutral flavor and lower price. CocoWhip is preferable for those seeking a vegan, dairy-free, or more naturally-sourced product with a subtle coconut flavor. It's often considered a healthier option with benefits like probiotics in some versions. When considering dietary needs or ingredient quality, CocoWhip is often the preferred choice.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Topping

Dietary Needs: CocoWhip is essential for vegan, dairy-free, or lactose-intolerant individuals.
Recipe Requirements: Choose based on whether a neutral or coconut flavor best complements the dish.
Health and Wellness: CocoWhip generally offers a healthier profile with fewer processed ingredients.
Budget: Cool Whip is typically more affordable.
Convenience: Cool Whip is more widely available.

Both toppings have their place. The best choice is determined by specific needs, the recipe, and personal preference. You can learn more about Cool Whip's history here.

What are the main ingredients in Cool Whip?

Cool Whip contains water, hydrogenated vegetable oil, high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, skim milk, and sodium caseinate.

Is CocoWhip suitable for vegans?

Yes, CocoWhip is vegan and dairy-free.

Does Cool Whip contain dairy?

Yes, Cool Whip contains sodium caseinate, a milk derivative.

What does CocoWhip taste like?

CocoWhip has a creamy texture with a subtle coconut flavor.

Is CocoWhip a healthier alternative to Cool Whip?

CocoWhip is often seen as healthier due to natural ingredients, no hydrogenated oils, and potentially lower sugar.

Are there any allergens in CocoWhip?

CocoWhip is dairy-free and gluten-free. It contains coconut, which is a tree nut.

Is CocoWhip more expensive than Cool Whip?

Yes, CocoWhip is generally more expensive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, CocoWhip is a 100% plant-based and dairy-free product, made from coconut oil and coconut water. It contains no animal products, making it suitable for vegans and those with dairy allergies.

The main ingredient difference is the base: Cool Whip is a processed whipped topping made with hydrogenated vegetable oils and corn syrup, plus milk derivatives. CocoWhip uses a coconut oil base with natural sweeteners.

CocoWhip is the better choice for people with dairy and soy allergies, as it is certified dairy-free and soy-free. Cool Whip is not dairy-free due to its milk protein content.

Cool Whip has a neutral, sweet, and somewhat artificial flavor. CocoWhip has a distinct, though subtle, coconut flavor that comes from its coconut base.

Generally, yes. CocoWhip is often considered a healthier option because it uses natural ingredients, has no hydrogenated oils, and can be lower in sugar. Some versions also contain probiotics.

Yes, for most recipes, CocoWhip can be substituted for Cool Whip in a 1:1 ratio. The main consideration is the addition of the subtle coconut flavor, which may alter the overall taste of your dessert.

While Cool Whip does not contain gluten ingredients, it's always best to check the packaging for official certification or cross-contamination warnings if you have a severe gluten sensitivity.

Cool Whip is typically less expensive than CocoWhip. CocoWhip's higher price reflects its use of premium, plant-based ingredients.