Best 15 Coconut Creams (Canned) for Rich Dairy-Free Cooking

Canned coconut cream is the thick, fatty layer that makes curries silky, dairy-free desserts possible, and piña coladas taste like vacation. But not every can on the shelf does all three.
Most options here fall into two camps: unsweetened coconut cream for cooking and baking, and sweetened cream of coconut built for cocktails. The cooking creams range from 13.5oz cans to 33.8oz cartons, with fat content around 20 to 22%.
A handful skip guar gum and emulsifiers entirely, which matters if you’re trying to whip it or keep ingredients clean. Packaging varies too, from pull-tab cans to squeezable bottles designed for bar use.
Quick Overview
| Product | Our Pick | Why We Chose It |
|---|---|---|
|
Organic Coconut Cream No Guar Gum↗ | NO GUAR GUM PICK | No guar gum or additives, just pure organic coconut cream with 20-22% fat for clean eating. |
|
Affordable Thai-Style Coconut Cream↗ | BEST BUDGET BUY | Under $6 a can with over 5,500 ratings backing its reliability for everyday cooking. |
|
Single-Origin Vietnamese Coconut Cream↗ | SINGLE ORIGIN PICK | Sourced from one region in Ben Tre, Vietnam for consistent quality from tree to table. |
|
Sustainable Organic Coconut Cream 12-Pack↗ | BEST SUSTAINABLE OPTION | Sustainably farmed organic coconuts from Thai palms with Non-GMO Project verification. |
|
Thick Coconut Cream for Asian Dishes↗ | BEST FOR ASIAN COOKING | Designed for Asian cooking, this thick cream replaces heavy cream in traditional recipes. |
|
Caribbean Cream of Coconut 5-Pack↗ | BEST FOR TROPICAL DRINKS | Made from sun-ripened Caribbean coconuts for authentic tropical drink flavor. |
|
Orange Creme Coconut Milk Drink↗ | BEST FLAVORED COCONUT DRINK | Orange and coconut milk combined into a tangy, dairy-free treat with no soy or gluten. |
|
Full Fat Organic Keto Coconut Cream↗ | BEST FOR KETO DIETS | Naturally rich in MCT fats and certified organic for keto, paleo, and vegan lifestyles. |
|
Award-Winning Coconut Butter Spread↗ | AWARD-WINNING SPREAD | Three-time Great Taste Award winner with 100% pure coconut flesh and zero additives. |
|
Squeezable Cream of Coconut Bottle↗ | BEST FOR MIXOLOGY | Squeezable bottle design eliminates messy cans for drip-free cocktail mixing. |
|
Classic Coco Lopez Cream of Coconut↗ | BEST FOR PINA COLADAS | The original pina colada ingredient that bartenders and home mixers swear by. |
|
Organic Heavy Coconut Cream for Whipping↗ | BEST FOR WHIPPING | Higher fat content than standard coconut milk, perfect for whipping into dairy-free toppings. |
|
Large Carton Coconut Cream 6-Pack↗ | BEST BULK FORMAT | 33.8 oz cartons replace cans for high-volume cooking and easy pouring. |
|
Authentic Thai Coconut Cream 4-Pack↗ | BEST THAI CURRY PICK | Authentic Thai brand Mae Ploy delivers restaurant-grade cream for curries and stews. |
|
Budget Organic Coconut Milk Single Can↗ | BEST EVERYDAY VALUE | Under $2.50 per can with 7,694 reviews confirming its reliability for everyday cooking. |
Our Top Picks

Organic Coconut Cream No Guar Gum
- Additives: None (no guar gum)
- Fat Content: 20-22%
- Pack Size: 12 x 13.5oz

Affordable Thai-Style Coconut Cream
- Price: $5.82
- Rating: 4.6 stars
- Best For: Baking & Savory

Single-Origin Vietnamese Coconut Cream
- Origin: Ben Tre, Vietnam
- Pack Size: 12 x 13.5oz
- Fat Content: Full Fat

Sustainable Organic Coconut Cream 12-Pack
- Origin: Thailand
- Can Size: 5.4 fl oz
- Certification: Organic, Non-GMO

Thick Coconut Cream for Asian Dishes
- Pack Size: 6 x 400ml
- Best For: Asian Cuisine
- Consistency: Extra Thick

Caribbean Cream of Coconut 5-Pack
- Origin: Caribbean
- Pack Size: 5 x 15oz
- Best For: Cocktails & Smoothies

Orange Creme Coconut Milk Drink
- Type: Flavored Coconut Drink
- Pack Size: 12 x 16.9oz
- Dietary: Dairy/Soy/Gluten-Free

Full Fat Organic Keto Coconut Cream
- Fat Content: Full Fat
- Certifications: USDA Organic, Kosher
- Pack Size: 6 x 13.5oz

Award-Winning Coconut Butter Spread
- Size: 6 oz / 170g
- Additives: None
- Awards: Great Taste Award x3

Squeezable Cream of Coconut Bottle
- Packaging: Squeezable Bottle
- Size: 16.9 fl oz
- Best For: Cocktails & Sodas

Classic Coco Lopez Cream of Coconut
- Brand: Coco Lopez
- Pack Size: 4 cans
- Best For: Pina Coladas

Organic Heavy Coconut Cream for Whipping
- Fat Content: Heavy/High Fat
- Origin: Sri Lanka
- Pack Size: 1 x 13.5oz

Large Carton Coconut Cream 6-Pack
- Size: 33.8 fl oz
- Pack Size: 6 cartons
- Packaging: Carton

Authentic Thai Coconut Cream 4-Pack
- Brand: Mae Ploy
- Pack Size: 4 x 560ml
- Origin: Thailand

Budget Organic Coconut Milk Single Can
- Price: $2.29
- Rating: 4.5 stars
- Certification: USDA Organic

Buyer’s Guide
Before you grab a can off the shelf, here are the four decisions that actually change how your recipe turns out.
Unsweetened Coconut Cream vs. Sweetened Cream of Coconut
These two products look similar on the shelf but do completely different things. Unsweetened coconut cream is just pressed coconut meat and water, with a high fat content that makes it ideal for curries, soups, dairy-free whipping, and keto recipes. It has no added sugar.
Sweetened cream of coconut, on the other hand, has cane sugar blended in and is designed primarily for cocktails like piña coladas and daiquiris. Using the sweetened version in a curry will throw off your flavor balance fast, so check the label before you cook.
Fat Content and Thickness
The whole point of coconut cream over coconut milk is the higher fat percentage. Look for options listing 20 to 22% coconut fat or higher if you want something that whips, holds shape in desserts, or gives a curry real body. Lower-fat options will be thinner and behave more like coconut milk.
If you’re making whipped coconut cream or vegan ice cream, fat content matters most. The thick, spoonable texture at the top of the can is what you’re after. If the contents pour out liquid, the fat content is too low or the can was stored warm.
Additives: Guar Gum, Emulsifiers, and Preservatives
Guar gum and carrageenan show up in some canned coconut creams as thickeners and stabilizers. They keep the fat and water from separating in the can, which sounds helpful but can interfere with whipping and irritate sensitive stomachs. If you’re on a clean-eating, paleo, or keto track, look for options with a single ingredient: coconut extract.
Some brands list only coconut and water. Others add preservatives or stabilizers for shelf stability. Neither is wrong, but check the label so you can match the ingredient list to your dietary needs.
Packaging: Cans, Cartons, and Bottles
Most coconut cream comes in 13.5oz cans, but you’ll also find larger cartons, smaller 5.4oz cans for single-use cooking, and squeezable bottles designed for bar work. Cans with BPA-free linings are worth seeking out, especially if you cook with coconut cream regularly.
If you’re buying in bulk, watch for shipping damage. Dented cans are a real complaint in this category, and a compromised seal can mean spoilage. Pull-tab openings are a small but appreciated feature when you’re cooking without a can opener handy.
Detailed Reviews

This is the coconut cream you want if you are serious about clean labels. Nature’s Greatest Foods skips the guar gum, carrageenan, and preservatives that other brands sneak in, leaving you with nothing but organic coconut cream at 20-22% fat content. Buyers love it for making coconut kefir and dairy-free whipped cream, and the pull-tab cans make opening hassle-free. One reviewer noted some quality control issues with curdling, but the seller responded with immediate refunds and replacements. At $49.50 for a 12-pack, it is a solid bulk option if you cook with coconut cream regularly.
| Type | Size | Pack Size |
| Organic Coconut Cream | 13.5 oz can | 12 cans |
| Fat Content | Additives | Best For |
| 20-22% | None | Cooking & Keto |
| USDA Organic | Price | Rating |
| Yes | $49.50 | 4.0 (877 reviews) |

Thai Kitchen delivers the most affordable entry point into canned coconut cream at just $5.82 per can. With a 4.6-star rating across more than 5,500 reviews, this is the safe bet when you need coconut cream for baking, curries, or Thai-style stews without overspending. The non-BPA lining is a thoughtful touch that some pricier brands still skip. It is unsweetened and gluten-free, so it plays well in both sweet and savory dishes. This is your go-to for stocking a pantry without breaking the bank.
| Type | Size | Pack Size |
| Unsweetened Coconut Cream | 13.66 fl oz | 1 can |
| BPA-Free Lining | Gluten-Free | Best For |
| Yes | Yes | Baking & Savory |
| Dairy-Free | Price | Rating |
| Yes | $5.82 | 4.6 (5,564 reviews) |

CocoGoods Co takes a different approach by sourcing 100% from one region in Ben Tre, Vietnam, which means consistent flavor and texture every time rather than a blend from multiple origins. It is thicker than their coconut milk line, making it a solid dairy-free alternative for whipped cream and desserts. The 3.8-star rating suggests some inconsistency in thickness between batches, so keep that in mind. At $29.99 for 12 cans, it is competitively priced for organic and works well for keto, paleo, and vegan recipes.
| Type | Size | Pack Size |
| Organic Coconut Cream | 13.5 fl oz | 12 cans |
| Origin | Certification | Best For |
| Ben Tre, Vietnam | Organic, Non-GMO | Whipping & Desserts |
| Vegan | Price | Rating |
| Yes | $29.99 | 3.8 (543 reviews) |

Native Forest checks the boxes that matter to conscientious shoppers: organic, Non-GMO Project verified, and sustainably farmed without pesticides. The smaller 5.4 oz cans are perfect if you cook for one or two and hate wasting half a can. Reviewers rave about whipping it into toppings, mousses, and even coffee creamer for paleo diets. The 4.3-star rating across 2,180 reviews shows consistent quality, and buyers specifically appreciate the convenient smaller can size that cuts down on food waste. At $27.43 for 12 cans, it is a reasonable price for organic with strong sustainability credentials.
| Type | Size | Pack Size |
| Organic Coconut Cream | 5.4 fl oz | 12 cans |
| Origin | Certification | Best For |
| Thailand | USDA Organic, Non-GMO | Whipping & Paleo |
| BPA-Free | Price | Rating |
| Yes | $27.43 | 4.3 (2,180 reviews) |

Savoy Coconut Cream is built for traditional Asian cooking and delivers the thick consistency you need for rich curries and stews. Multiple reviewers call it incredible and say it elevates countless dishes. However, shipping is a real problem: buyers report badly dented cans arriving, which can compromise the seal and create food safety concerns. Another reviewer noticed a formula change, with new additives beyond the original coconut concentrate and water. At $28.98 for 6 cans, it is on the pricier side, so weigh the shipping risk before ordering.
| Type | Size | Pack Size |
| Coconut Cream | 400 ml | 6 cans |
| Best For | Consistency | Additives |
| Asian Cooking | Extra Thick | Contains some additives |
| Shelf Stable | Price | Rating |
| Yes | $28.98 | 3.8 (669 reviews) |

This cream of coconut is purpose-built for pina coladas and tropical drinks, made from the tender meat of sun-ripened Caribbean coconuts. Reviewers specifically call out the taste and consistency as perfect for pina coladas, noting that while cheaper options exist, this one delivers consistently without disappointment. At $29.99 for 5 cans, it is priced for cocktail enthusiasts who want authentic Caribbean flavor rather than a generic cream of coconut. It also works well in smoothies and other tropical drink recipes.
| Type | Size | Pack Size |
| Cream of Coconut (Sweetened) | 15 oz | 5 cans |
| Origin | Sweetened | Best For |
| Caribbean | Yes | Pina Coladas & Cocktails |
| Texture | Price | Rating |
| Rich & Creamy | $29.99 | 4.5 (111 reviews) |

Vita Coco Treats Orange & Creme is a ready-to-drink coconut milk beverage that blends tangy orange with creamy coconut for a dessert-like refreshment. It is dairy-free, soy-free, and gluten-free with ingredients you can actually pronounce. This is not a cooking coconut cream, it is a grab-and-go flavored drink for when you want something sweet without the guilt. At $34.99 for 12 bottles, it is pricier than making your own, but the convenience and 4.6-star rating suggest buyers find it worth it.
| Type | Size | Pack Size |
| Flavored Coconut Milk Drink | 16.9 oz | 12 bottles |
| Flavor | Dietary | Best For |
| Orange & Creme | Dairy/Soy/Gluten-Free | Direct Consumption |
| Sweetened | Price | Rating |
| Yes | $34.99 | 4.6 (178 reviews) |

Thai Coco delivers a full-fat organic coconut cream that is specifically positioned for keto, paleo, and vegan diets with its naturally occurring MCT fats. It is USDA Organic, gluten-free, non-GMO, and kosher with no added preservatives. The velvety texture makes it ideal for Thai curries, soups, and sauces, and it doubles as a plant-based dairy substitute for everyday cooking. With only 45 reviews, it is a newer product, but the 4.1-star rating is promising. At $29.99 for 6 cans, it sits in the mid-range for organic options.
| Type | Size | Pack Size |
| Organic Full Fat Coconut Cream | 13.5 fl oz | 6 cans |
| Fat Content | Certifications | Best For |
| Full Fat | USDA Organic, Non-GMO, Kosher | Keto & Paleo |
| Preservatives | Price | Rating |
| None | $29.99 | 4.1 (45 reviews) |

Nutural World’s coconut cream is more of a coconut butter or spread than a pourable cream, made from 100% dried coconut flesh with no sugar, emulsifiers, or flavorings. It has won the Great Taste Award three years running, and reviewers describe it as smooth, melt-in-your-mouth, and delicious straight from the jar. One buyer recommends ten seconds in the microwave to soften it for first use, and it works as a vegan coffee creamer, curry base, or standalone spread. At $11.99 for a 6 oz jar, it is a specialty product rather than a bulk cooking staple.
| Type | Size | Pack Size |
| Coconut Butter/Spread | 6 oz / 170g | 1 jar |
| Additives | Awards | Best For |
| None | Great Taste Award x3 | Spreading & Coffee Creamer |
| Refrigeration | Price | Rating |
| Not Required | $11.99 | 4.2 (920 reviews) |

Coco Real solves the messiest problem with canned coconut cream: the squeezable bottle with a volcano-shaped spout means drip-free pouring and easy storage of leftovers. It contains real coconut meat and 100% cane sugar for genuine flavor, making it perfect for Italian sodas, daiquiris, and coladas. At just $3.59 per bottle, it is also one of the most affordable cream of coconut options available. The 4.6-star rating across 3,573 reviews confirms its reliability behind the bar. This is the pick if you mix drinks regularly and hate wrestling with cans.
| Type | Size | Packaging |
| Cream of Coconut (Sweetened) | 16.9 fl oz | Squeezable Bottle |
| Sweetened | Best For | Contains |
| Yes (Cane Sugar) | Cocktails & Mixology | Real Coconut Meat |
| Shelf Stable | Price | Rating |
| Yes | $3.59 | 4.6 (3,573 reviews) |

Coco Lopez is the name brand for pina coladas, and reviewers are unanimous: if you are making pina coladas, this is what you need. It is very sweet and thick, with one buyer noting it tastes better than other cream of coconut options. At $19.20 for 4 cans, it is priced as a specialty cocktail ingredient rather than an everyday cooking cream. The 4.5-star rating across 1,013 reviews shows it delivers consistently on its intended purpose. Just know this is sweetened cream of coconut, not unsweetened coconut cream for cooking.
| Type | Brand | Pack Size |
| Cream of Coconut (Sweetened) | Coco Lopez | 4 cans |
| Sweetened | Best For | Consistency |
| Yes | Pina Coladas | Thick & Sweet |
| Shelf Stable | Price | Rating |
| Yes | $19.20 | 4.5 (1,013 reviews) |

Let’s Do Organic Heavy Coconut Cream has a higher fat content than standard coconut milk, which is exactly what you need for whipping into fluffy dairy-free toppings. Reviewers use it for keto-friendly ice cream with frozen fruit, whipped cream, and baking. Sourced from organic Sri Lankan coconuts with Non-GMO Project verification, it hits the sweet spot of organic quality at $11.35 for a single can. With 3,988 reviews and a 4.3-star rating, this is one of the most tested and trusted whipping coconut creams on Amazon.
| Type | Size | Pack Size |
| Organic Heavy Coconut Cream | 13.5 fl oz | 1 can |
| Origin | Certification | Best For |
| Sri Lanka | USDA Organic, Non-GMO | Whipping & Ice Cream |
| Fat Content | Price | Rating |
| Heavy/High | $11.35 | 4.3 (3,988 reviews) |

Aroy-D packages its coconut cream in 33.8 oz cartons instead of cans, which means easier pouring, no can openers, and less waste when you are cooking in volume. Reviewers describe it as seriously rich, thick, and fatty enough to whip into whipped cream. One buyer who makes their own coconut cream questioned whether it is truly 100% coconut, noting some thinning compared to homemade. At $34.49 for six 1-liter cartons, it is a cost-effective option for frequent cooks who go through coconut cream quickly. The 4.0-star rating across 1,312 reviews reflects solid but not flawless consistency.
| Type | Size | Pack Size |
| Coconut Cream | 33.8 fl oz / 1L | 6 cartons |
| Packaging | Origin | Best For |
| Carton | Indonesia/Vietnam/Thailand | High-Volume Cooking |
| Whippable | Price | Rating |
| Yes | $34.49 | 4.0 (1,312 reviews) |

Mae Ploy is a recognizable Thai brand that many Thai restaurants use for their curries and stews. At 560ml per can, these are larger than standard 13.5 oz cans, giving you more cream per unit for big-batch cooking. The 3.9-star rating across just 54 reviews suggests limited but decent feedback, and at $28.82 for 4 cans, it is a mid-range option. If you want authentic Thai coconut cream for restaurant-style curries, Mae Ploy is a brand Thai cooks recognize and trust. Just be aware that the sparse review count means less community validation.
| Type | Size | Pack Size |
| Coconut Cream | 560 ml | 4 cans |
| Brand | Origin | Best For |
| Mae Ploy | Thailand | Thai Curry & Stews |
| Consistency | Price | Rating |
| Thick | $28.82 | 3.9 (54 reviews) |

At just $2.29 per can, the 365 by Whole Foods Organic Coconut Milk is the cheapest organic option on this list and has 7,694 reviews backing its quality. It is unsweetened with pure coconut flavor, perfect for cooking and smoothies when you do not need the heavy fat content of coconut cream. The 4.5-star rating shows it consistently delivers at a budget price, making it ideal for everyday cooking where you go through coconut milk regularly. While it is technically coconut milk rather than cream, if you want an affordable organic pantry staple, this is hard to beat.
| Type | Size | Pack Size |
| Organic Coconut Milk | 13.5 oz | 1 can |
| Certification | Sweetened | Best For |
| USDA Organic | No | Cooking & Smoothies |
| Brand | Price | Rating |
| 365 Whole Foods | $2.29 | 4.5 (7,694 reviews) |
You Might Also Be Interested In
Frequently Asked Questions
Is cream of coconut the same as coconut cream?
No. Coconut cream is unsweetened, made from pressed coconut meat and water, and used for cooking and baking. Cream of coconut is sweetened with cane sugar and meant primarily for cocktails like piña coladas. They look similar in the can but behave very differently in recipes.
Can you whip coconut cream?
Yes, if the fat content is high enough. Chill the can overnight so the fat solidifies at the top, then scoop out the solid layer and whip it with a hand mixer. Options with no guar gum whip best, since emulsifiers can prevent the cream from holding stiff peaks.
Does cream of coconut need to be refrigerated?
Unopened cans and bottles of cream of coconut are shelf-stable. Once opened, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to a week or two. The squeezable bottle formats are designed to store more easily after opening than leftover canned product.
What is cream of coconut?
Cream of coconut is a sweetened coconut product made by blending coconut meat with cane sugar, resulting in a thick, pourable syrup used mainly in tropical cocktails. It is not the same as unsweetened coconut cream, which contains no added sugar and is used in savory cooking.
Is coconut milk and coconut cream the same thing?
No. Coconut milk has a lower fat content (around 17% or less) and a thinner, pourable consistency. Coconut cream has a higher fat content (20% or more) and a thick, spoonable texture. You can sometimes make coconut cream from coconut milk by chilling it and skimming the solid fat off the top.
Are you supposed to mix canned coconut milk?
If you want a uniform pour, yes. The fat and water naturally separate in the can, with the thick cream rising to the top. For recipes that need a consistent liquid, shake or stir it. If you need the thick cream for whipping or desserts, scoop the solid layer off the top and leave the water behind.
Does the Squeezable Cream of Coconut Bottle work better for cocktails than canned options?
For home bartending, the squeezable bottle is a lot easier than cracking open a can. You get a clean pour for mixed drinks, and you can cap the leftovers without finding a container. Most bottled cream of coconut is sweetened, though, so keep it behind the bar and use canned unsweetened cream for cooking.
Final Thoughts
The right canned coconut cream depends entirely on what you’re making. If you’re cooking curries or dairy-free desserts, an unsweetened, high-fat option with no additives will serve you best. If piña coladas are on the menu, go for a sweetened cream of coconut that pours easily and tastes like the tropics. The 15 picks above cover both ends of that spectrum.
Think about how often you cook with it, whether additives matter for your diet, and whether you need a can, carton, or squeezable bottle for your workflow. What’s your go-to use for coconut cream, savory or sweet?
Keep a can in the pantry and you’re ready for either one.
