Is Coconut Cream Ultra Processed?
Not Typically Ultra-Processed
Coconut cream is minimally processed (Level 1). It is made by pressing the flesh of mature coconuts to extract the rich, high-fat liquid. Most brands contain only coconut extract and water, sometimes with guar gum for stability.
Key Findings
- •Coconut cream with 1-3 ingredients is Level 1 — a simple, natural fat source
- •Guar gum prevents separation and is a natural, minimally processed additive
- •"Cream of coconut" and "coconut cream" are different products — the former is sweetened and more processed
Why Is Coconut Cream Level 1?
Coconut cream production is a simple mechanical extraction: mature coconut meat is grated and pressed to release the fat-rich liquid, which is then separated by density (cream rises above the thinner milk). Some brands add guar gum — a natural thickener derived from guar beans — to prevent the fat from separating during storage. This is a minimal stabilizer, not an industrial additive. Coconut cream is distinct from "cream of coconut," which is a heavily sweetened product used in cocktails and is significantly more processed.
Coconut Cream Processing Level Distribution
How 781 coconut cream products break down by processing level:
Average ingredient count: 17.8 · Average nutrition score: 3.5/10
Coconut Cream Brand Comparison
Comparing the least to most processed coconut cream products in our database:
| Product | Brand | Level | Score | Ingredients |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Organic Coconut Cream, Coconut | Nature's Greatest Foods | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Unsweetened Organic Coconut Cream, Unsweetened | Nature's Greatest Foods | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Pure Coconut Cream | Ocho Rios | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Unsweetened Organic Coconut Cream, Unsweetened | Nature's Greatest Foods | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Organic Coconut Cream | Natural Value | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Organic Coconut Cream, Coconut | Nature's Greatest Foods | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Organic Coconut Cream | Natural Value | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Pure Coconut Cream | Ocho Rios | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Organic Coconut Cream | Natural Value | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Unsweetened Organic Coconut Cream, Unsweetened | Nature's Greatest Foods | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
How to Read Coconut Cream Labels
- 1
Pure coconut cream should list only coconut extract (or coconut cream) and water
- 2
Guar gum is a natural stabilizer — its presence is not a processing concern
- 3
Avoid "cream of coconut" (like Coco Lopez) which is a sweetened, more processed product
- 4
Check the fat content — real coconut cream has 20-24% fat, thinner products may be diluted
Frequently Asked Questions
Is coconut cream ultra-processed?
No. Pure coconut cream is Level 1, minimally processed. It is simply pressed coconut meat, sometimes with guar gum for stability. It contains no artificial additives, sugars, or preservatives.
What is the difference between coconut cream and cream of coconut?
Coconut cream is the thick, unsweetened fat extracted from coconut (Level 1). Cream of coconut (like Coco Lopez) is a sweetened, thickened product with added sugar and emulsifiers used in cocktails and desserts (Level 3).
Is guar gum in coconut cream bad?
Guar gum is a natural thickener derived from guar beans, used to prevent fat separation. It is a minimal, functional additive and does not make coconut cream ultra-processed.