Coconut Cream: Is it Paleo?

“Is Coconut Cream Paleo?”

Yes (when no sugars or fillers are added)

“What Is Coconut Cream?”

Sometimes a recipe may call for coconut cream instead of the more popular coconut milk. Is there a difference?

Yes! As the name implies, coconut cream has a much thicker consistency than coconut milk.

Coconut milk is made by cooking one part shredded coconut in one part water. The resulting milk is a liquid consistency and translucent color.

Coconut cream, on the other hand, is made by simmering four parts shredded coconut in one part water. What you get from this process is much richer and creamier than its milk counterpart. Sometimes you can find cans of coconut cream on the shelves at your local grocery store.

Maybe you’ve opened a can of coconut milk and seen the creamy layer that has separated from the milky part and moved to the top of the can. That is also considered coconut cream.

If you’re buying coconut cream at the store, be sure to read your labels and choose brands without added sugar or fillers like guar gum. Guar gum can be tough on the digestive tract, so it is best to avoid this when possible.  

Coconut Cream Benefits

Coconut is a great source of medium chain triglycerides – a fat that is readily absorbed and used by our body as energy. 60% of the fatty acids in coconut cream are medium chain.

Lauric acid, a fatty acid found in coconut, also has antimicrobial benefits. This means that it’s effective at fighting viruses and bacteria that can make us sick.

Over 90% of the fatty acids in coconut cream are saturated. Despite what we’ve learned for years and years, saturated fat isn’t as evil as everyone once thought – especially when consumed from high quality sources and in moderation. This type of fat can promote satiety and help with hormonal health.

How To Use Coconut Cream

Check out these recipes for delicious ways to use coconut cream.

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