Several very different products are sold with the word “coconut” on the package. A creamy curry normally needs something different from breakfast cereal or coffee. The key questions are concentration, ingredients and intended use.
| Product | Typical character | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
| Coconut milk | creamy cooking liquid made from coconut material and water | curries, soups, sauces and desserts |
| Coconut cream | more concentrated, thicker and richer | rich sauces, desserts and toppings |
| Coconut drink | highly diluted beverage, often sold in a carton | cereal, coffee, smoothies and drinking |
| Cream of coconut | usually a sweetened speciality product | cocktails and particular desserts |
Coconut milk
Cooking coconut milk is made from processed coconut flesh and water. It can be relatively thin or very rich depending on the brand, and some products contain stabilisers. Separation into a solid and liquid layer is not automatically a fault. Shaking or stirring usually recombines it, unless the recipe specifically asks for the thick layer.
Coconut cream
Coconut cream generally contains a higher proportion of coconut material and is therefore thicker. It is useful when a sauce or dessert needs extra richness. It can sometimes be diluted with water, but the ratio should be adjusted to the required texture and flavour.
Coconut drink
Coconut drink is formulated as a beverage and usually contains much more water. It rarely gives a curry enough body or coconut flavour. It can be suitable for coffee, breakfast or smoothies. Do not confuse it with coconut water, the natural liquid from inside a coconut, which is another product again.
Cream of coconut
A product labelled “cream of coconut” is often sweetened. It is commonly used in cocktails and desserts and should not be added to a savoury curry as though it were unsweetened coconut cream.
Quick choice
- Thai curry: unsweetened cooking coconut milk
- Laksa or creamy soup: coconut milk, perhaps coconut cream for extra richness
- Mango dessert: coconut milk or cream depending on the recipe
- Coffee and cereal: coconut drink
- Cocktail: cream of coconut only when the recipe expects the sweetened product
Read the package
Check added sugar, coconut content, stabilisers and intended use. “Light” products often contain more water and produce a thinner sauce. For allergies or intolerances, rely on the actual label.
Related guides
Continue with: Red, green or yellow Thai curry paste: which should you choose?, Jasmine rice, sushi rice or glutinous rice: which one fits your dish?, Asian pantry essentials: start small and cook more.
