Difference Between Coconut Milk and Cream of Coconut

Coconut Milk vs Cream of Coconut

Coconut milk and cream of coconut is a bit confusing. It is not hard to make out a difference between coconut milk and cream of coconut, but there may be some slight confusion between them.

It is easy to differentiate coconut milk from cream of coconut by just looking at it. Coconut milk is a thick liquid but not that thick as cream of coconut. Coconut milk is produced from grated coconut. The milk is produced by simmering one part of the grated coconut with one part of water. Pureeing grated coconut produces the cream of coconut. Also known as a sweetened version of coconut cream, it is highly concentrated with no water present. Cream of coconut, however, should not be confused with coconut cream as the former one has added sugars.

In case the liquid is white and is almost the same as cow’s milk, then there is no doubt that it is coconut milk. The coconut milk can be replaced with cow’s milk in some recipes. Unlike coconut milk, cream of coconut is highly dense and hard. Cream of coconut hardens faster than coconut milk. Cream of coconut is widely used in Asian countries.

Though both coconut milk and cream of coconut come with fat, the former has a lower fat content. In coconut milk, about 17 per cent of the fat can be traced whereas in cream of coconut there is about 25 per cent fat content. Though coconut milk and cream of coconut have saturated fats, they are healthy as the fat get easily metabolised in the body.

Canned or bottled coconut milk comes in various qualities. However, a top-rated coconut milk will have a layer of cream on the surface when the can or bottle is opened. When talking of health benefits, coconut milk and cream of coconut offer the same benefits.

Summary:

1.Coconut milk is a thick liquid but not as thick as cream of coconut.
2.Coconut milk is produced from grated coconut. The milk is produced by simmering one part of the grated coconut with one part of water. Pureeing grated coconut produces the cream of coconut.
3.Unlike coconut milk, cream of coconut is highly dense and hard. Cream of coconut hardens faster than coconut milk.
4.Though both coconut milk and cream of coconut come with fat, the former has a lower fat content.