What is the difference between coconut cream and coconut creamer?

December 19, 2025 •

3 min read

Made from the rich, white flesh of coconuts, both coconut cream and coconut creamer offer a dairy-free alternative to traditional milk products. Despite their shared origin, they are formulated differently for specific culinary purposes. Understanding the difference between coconut cream and coconut creamer is key to getting the right consistency and flavor in your recipes and beverages.

Quick Summary

This guide outlines the core distinctions between coconut cream and coconut creamer. It explains their different ingredient compositions, consistency, and how each product is best used in cooking, baking, and beverages. Information on their respective nutritional profiles is also included to help consumers choose the right product for their needs.

Key Points

Fat Content: Coconut cream is rich and high in fat, while coconut creamer is lower in fat and designed to be pourable.
Intended Use: Cream is for cooking, baking, and desserts, while creamer is specifically for adding to beverages.
Ingredients: Cream contains only coconut and water, whereas creamer typically includes stabilizers, emulsifiers, and sweeteners.
Flavor Profile: Coconut cream is naturally unsweetened, offering a rich coconut taste; creamer is often sweetened and flavored.
Consistency: You can whip coconut cream into a stiff, dairy-free whipped topping, a feat impossible with the thinner coconut creamer.
Substitutions: It is not ideal to use these products interchangeably, as the differing fat content and ingredients will affect the final result of your recipe.

Coconut-based products have become staples for those following vegan, dairy-free, and keto diets. However, with options like coconut milk, cream of coconut, coconut cream, and coconut creamer crowding shelves, it can be confusing to choose the right one. While coconut cream is a rich, natural product, coconut creamer is a processed beverage additive. Knowing when to reach for one over the other is essential for both novice cooks and seasoned food enthusiasts.

What is coconut cream?

Coconut cream is the unsweetened, thick, and fatty portion of coconut milk that rises to the top when chilled. It is made by simmering four parts shredded coconut flesh in one part water. The mixture is then strained, and the cream is allowed to separate from the thinner coconut milk.

How coconut cream is used in cooking

Its rich, thick consistency and savory flavor profile make coconut cream ideal for a wide variety of dishes.

Desserts: It is often used to make dairy-free desserts like whipped cream, ice cream, mousse, and puddings. To make whipped coconut cream, simply scoop the thickened cream from a chilled can and whip with a mixer.
Savory dishes: In savory cooking, coconut cream is a staple for adding creamy richness to Thai curries, sauces, and soups.
Baking: It is a valuable dairy replacement in baked goods, helping to create moist and tender cakes, pies, and tarts.

What is coconut creamer?

Coconut creamer is a commercially produced, pourable beverage additive specifically designed for coffee, tea, and other drinks. Unlike coconut cream, it is formulated to mix smoothly into liquids without separating. Store-bought coconut creamers contain other additives for stability and flavor, such as water, stabilizers (like gums), emulsifiers, and sweeteners.

What coconut creamer is used for

As its name suggests, coconut creamer's primary use is as a dairy-free alternative for coffee and tea.

Hot beverages: It adds a smooth, creamy texture to coffee, lattes, matcha, and hot chocolate.
Cold drinks: It can also be added to iced coffee and smoothies for a hint of coconut flavor and creamy consistency.
Customization: Many store-bought versions come in different flavors, like vanilla and caramel, eliminating the need to add separate sweeteners.

Comparison table: Coconut cream vs. coconut creamer


Feature	Coconut Cream	Coconut Creamer
Consistency	Thick, rich, and spoonable; separates from liquid in a can	Thinner and more pourable, designed to blend smoothly
Fat Content	High; typically around 20-24% fat	Lower; formulated to be less heavy for beverages
Ingredients	Coconut flesh and water; no additives in most natural versions	Coconut milk/cream, water, stabilizers, emulsifiers, and often sugar
Sweetness	Unsweetened by default, with a natural coconut flavor	Often sweetened and flavored (vanilla, caramel, etc.)
Primary Use	Sauces, curries, desserts, and vegan whipped cream	Coffee, tea, and other hot or cold beverages
Packaging	Often found in a can, where the cream naturally separates and rises	Typically sold in cartons or bottles in the refrigerated section

Can I substitute one for the other?

While they both come from coconuts, they are not direct substitutes due to their significant differences in fat content, consistency, and additives.

Using coconut cream in coffee: Adding pure coconut cream straight from the can to coffee is possible, but it may leave a fatty film on the surface due to its high fat content. Some prefer to blend or whisk it first for a smoother texture.
Using coconut creamer in cooking: Using a coconut creamer in a recipe that calls for coconut cream will likely result in a thinner, less rich dish with added sweetness or flavorings you may not want. It lacks the high-fat content needed for rich sauces or whipped toppings.

Conclusion: Choosing the right coconut product

In summary, the key difference between coconut cream and coconut creamer lies in their purpose, composition, and consistency. Coconut cream is a naturally rich, high-fat, unsweetened product used for thickening and enriching sauces, curries, and desserts. Coconut creamer is a lower-fat, often sweetened and stabilized beverage additive created specifically for coffee and tea. By understanding these distinctions, you can ensure you select the best coconut product for your needs, whether you are cooking, baking, or simply enjoying a dairy-free cup of coffee.

For more in-depth comparisons of coconut products, read this article on The Kitchn about coconut cream versus coconut milk.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, they are not the same. Coconut cream is a high-fat, unsweetened product from pure coconut milk, while coconut creamer is a lower-fat, processed beverage additive that is often sweetened.

No, you cannot make whipped cream with coconut creamer. For dairy-free whipped cream, you must use high-fat coconut cream, as the lower fat content of creamer prevents it from whipping properly.

You can, but pure coconut cream may leave a fatty film on top of your coffee. For a smoother result, it is best to blend or whisk it first, or use a product specifically made as a creamer.

Coconut cream naturally separates from the thinner coconut water in the can when chilled. The high fat content rises and solidifies at the top, which is normal and how you extract the cream.

Many coconut creamers are low-carb and suitable for the keto diet. However, always check the label, as some products contain added sugars.

Cream of coconut is a sweetened product made from coconut cream and sugar. It is used primarily in cocktails and desserts and is distinctly different from both unsweetened coconut cream and coconut creamer.

To make homemade coconut creamer, you can blend canned coconut milk with a sweetener and flavorings like vanilla extract. For extra richness, you can add some coconut cream.