Cream of Coconut vs. Coconut Milk: Differences

We may substitute coconut-based goods for genuine fruit, ranging from coconut water to coconut oil, milk, and cream. But do you know what they are and, more importantly, when they are used? To be honest, I’ve frequently felt overwhelmed in the grocery store aisle, unsure of what to purchase to create a certain dinner. As a result, I produced this post to assist us all grasp the distinctions between coconut cream and coconut milk.

The consistency is the most noticeable difference between coconut milk and cream of coconut. The cream of coconut has a thicker viscosity than coconut milk. Furthermore, there is a difference in their creation, fat content, and application.

If you like coconut (and who doesn’t? ), your cupboard is certainly stocked with coconut-related items. However, you are not alone if you find it difficult to distinguish between the two coconut products. In the following sections, I will describe the distinctions between cream of coconut and coconut milk, as well as their look, usage, and flavor, as well as if you may substitute one for the other.

Cream of Coconut vs. Coconut Milk: Differences?

If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative to milk, try cream of coconut and coconut milk in soups, curries, and desserts, as well as whipped cream. You’d assume there wouldn’t be much of a difference considering they’re both derived from the same raw fruit.

However, there are a few distinctions that may make or break a recipe. Let’s have a look at them!

Taste

If you’ve ever been on a keto diet, you’ve probably used coconut milk as a nondairy substitute for normal milk. Coconut milk has a delicately sweet, creamy nut flavor and is often used to improve the flavor of various foods, most notably curry.

The cream of coconut has a significantly sweeter flavor, indicating the sweetened variant of coconut cream. If you like pia coladas, you are probably acquainted with its flavor since it is often featured in drinks.

Nutrition

In terms of nutrition, cream of coconut has far more fat than coconut milk, despite the fact that both are very rich in calories. Although coconut milk is considered healthful, it should be drunk in moderation, particularly if you are worried about consuming too much saturated fat or calories.

100 grams of coconut milk, for example, includes 31 calories, 2.08 grams of fat, and no fiber, as well as trace levels of iron and calcium. [1]

Cream of coconut is a product made by sugaring coconut cream. Coconut cream has 222 calories and 22.2 grams of total fat per 100 grams. When you add sugar to it, you get a sweet variant in the form of coconut cream.[2]

These coconut products are also considered high in fat since a large portion of their calories come from saturated fat.

However, keep in mind that this saturated fat and the one found in cow’s milk are not the same. Although coconut saturated fat elevates bad cholesterol, it also raises good cholesterol.

Appearance

While coconut water is a clear, natural liquid, coconut milk and cream are made by cooking the flesh of the coconut with water.

To make coconut milk, combine one part shredded coconut and one part water, whereas to make cream of coconut, combine four parts shredded coconut in one part water and then add sugar.

As a result, coconut cream has a thicker viscosity than coconut milk, which is watery.

Uses

Coconut milk, sometimes known as vegan milk, is often used in Thai curries, but it is also used in stews and soups. Furthermore, if you are vegan or just want to avoid dairy, you may add some coconut milk to your coffee or smoothie, make yogurt with it, or simply replace normal milk in a variety of dishes that call for conventional dairy products.

Because of its sweetness, cream of coconut is typically used in drinks and sweets. Furthermore, because of its consistency, it may be used as a topping on ice cream or even to create your own handmade chocolate coconut milk ice cream.

You may think of cream of coconut as being the equivalent of condensed milk to ordinary milk.

How Much Water to Dilute Coconut Cream into Coconut Milk?

You may have coconut cream on hand at times, but what you truly need is coconut milk! You may design one for yourself!

To make one cup of coconut milk, just combine three teaspoons of coconut cream and one tablespoon of water. While the flavor will be milder than full-fat coconut milk, it’s still better than no coconut milk, right?

If the scenario is reversed, there is also a solution! All you need is a free night and a can of coconut milk. Why? Because creating coconut cream from milk necessitates putting it in the fridge overnight.

Open the can in the morning and use a spoon to scoop off the coconut cream from the top.

Can You Use Cream of Coconut Instead of Coconut Milk and Vice Versa?

You may easily use coconut cream for coconut milk as long as you dilute it with water beforehand. This logically implies that you can do it in reverse. You may use refrigerated coconut milk and scooped coconut cream the following day in recipes that call for coconut cream.

However, since cream of coconut is a sweetened combination of coconut flesh, water, and added sugar, it cannot be used to replace either coconut cream or coconut milk.

If you need to replace cream of coconut with coconut milk, just repeat the technique described above for creating coconut cream from coconut milk, and add as much sugar or sweetener as needed.