Key findings
- 1Coconut cream with 1-3 ingredients is a simple, natural fat source
- 2Guar gum prevents separation and is a natural, minimally processed additive
- 3"Cream of coconut" and "coconut cream" are different products; the former is sweetened and more processed
Why is Coconut Cream Level 2 on average?
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. In our analysis, coconut cream products average a Processing Score of 3.7, which is Level 2. Coconut cream is distinct from "cream of coconut," which is a heavily sweetened product used in cocktails and is significantly more processed.
How 52 coconut cream products break down
Share of products at each processing level, in our analysis.
Coconut Cream brand comparison
From least to most processed in our database.
How to read a coconut cream label
- 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
Watch for "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
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Frequently asked questions
Is coconut cream ultra-processed?
Pure coconut cream is simply pressed coconut meat, sometimes with guar gum for stability, with no artificial additives, sugars, or preservatives. In our analysis, coconut cream products average a Processing Score of 3.7, which is Level 2.
What is the difference between coconut cream and cream of coconut?
Coconut cream is the thick, unsweetened fat extracted from coconut. Cream of coconut (like Coco Lopez) is a sweetened, thickened product with added sugar and emulsifiers used in cocktails and desserts, and it is considerably more processed.
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.