How To Store Coconut Cream: How To Freeze And More - Eat Quick Healthy (2024)

Love cooking with coconut cream or using it in your skin and hair care products?

Whether you buy it canned from the store or make it fresh in your kitchen, sooner or later you’re going to want to know how to store coconut cream for the best shelf life possible for your cream.

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Storing coconut cream the correct way can make a big difference to how long your coconut cream will last and it’s possible to extend this time from a few hours to six months.

Below, I describe exactly what coconut cream is and discuss whether it can go bad before walking you through how to store coconut cream after opening as well as answering the top question, can I freeze coconut cream?

Let’s start!

How To Store Coconut Cream: How To Freeze And More - Eat Quick Healthy (1)

Contents

  • 1 What Is Coconut Cream?
  • 2 Does Coconut Cream Go Bad?
  • 3 How To Store Coconut Cream
    • 3.1 How To Store Homemade Coconut Cream
    • 3.2 How To Store Canned Coconut Cream
    • 3.3 How To Store Coconut Cream After Opening
  • 4 Can You Freeze Coconut Cream?
  • 5 How To Freeze Coconut Cream
    • 5.1 Step 1: Pour the coconut cream into an ice cube tray
    • 5.2 Step 2: Freeze the coconut cream
    • 5.3 Step 3: Put the coconut cream ice cubes into a freezer bag
  • 6 How Long Does Coconut Cream Last?
  • 7 Conclusion

What Is Coconut Cream?

Coconut cream in its purest form is simply coconut meat and water. That’s it! Some store bought coconut creams can add other ingredients such as guar gum to thicken and stabilize it.

It’s actually quite straightforward to make your own coconut cream. There are multiple ways to do this which end up with the same result.

An easy way to make coconut cream is to place coconut flesh and water in a blender. Blend it as much as possible. Once this is done, strain out the liquid.

The liquid should be placed in some type of jar or container where it can sit and separate. The thicker, creamier and higher fat content coconut cream will float to the top. Coconut milk will sink to the bottom.

In this way, you can make both coconut milk and coconut cream with the main difference being the higher fat content of the coconut cream.

If you don’t want to make your own coconut cream, it’s very easy to buy it here.

Coconut cream is a great cooking ingredient which is used in many Asian dishes. It can also be a yummy additive to smoothies. You can also use it in beauty products like on your skin.

How To Store Coconut Cream: How To Freeze And More - Eat Quick Healthy (2)

Does Coconut Cream Go Bad?

Yes, coconut cream can go bad. It can go bad quickly too if you don’t store it in the correct way (coming up!). Once coconut cream is opened or made fresh, it should be used relatively quickly to help prevent this.

You can tell if coconut cream is bad as it’ll look, smell or taste not right. If you notice any sour or rancid aromas, discoloring or bad tastes, toss out your coconut cream.

You can read more about how you can tell if coconut cream has gone bad here.

How To Store Coconut Cream

It’s easy to learn how to preserve coconut cream. It does differ depending on whether you are wanting to store fresh, homemade coconut cream or canned coconut cream and whether the can has been opened or not.

Don’t ever store your coconut cream on a bench. It won’t last long.

How To Store Homemade Coconut Cream

Fresh coconut cream should be place in an airtight container and placed in the fridge when you are not using it. This can help extend its lifespan from hours to up to five days.

In the fridge, avoid storing it near strong smelling items as the smell can leak into the coconut cream.

How To Store Coconut Cream: How To Freeze And More - Eat Quick Healthy (3)

How To Store Canned Coconut Cream

Unopened cans of coconut cream can be stored in a cool, dark, dry pantry. This can allow them to not just keep in great condition until their best before date but also to be ok after this.

The main thing is to avoid heat and humidity, both of which can damage your coconut cream.

How To Store Coconut Cream After Opening

After you open your coconut cream, it should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

I recommend you move it into a plastic or glass container rather than keeping it in the can as the metal taste of the can is able to seep into the coconut cream.

In the fridge, I also recommend you don’t keep it next to strong smelling items as the smell from them can also seep in.

Can You Freeze Coconut Cream?

There’s also an alternative to the fridge for fresh and opened coconut cream. You can freeze it. This can extend its lifespan by up to six months and is recommended if you won’t use the coconut cream in the fridge quickly.

So the answer to can you freeze coconut cream? Is a big YES!

Once you have frozen it, you can melt some whenever you want to use it either by placing it in the fridge or in the microwave. If you are cooking with heat, you could simply add the frozen coconut cream to the dish.

You can also use cubes of it in smoothies instead of ice.

Note that manufacturers of coconut cream often do not recommend freezing. This is because they want their coconut cream to be at its best when you use it. Freezing and then defrosting it can make changes to your coconut cream, but these are subtle and I don’t notice it at all in cooking.

How To Freeze Coconut Cream

Have some coconut cream about to expire? Freeze it! It’s straightforward to do and then you’ll always have some coconut cream ready for you to use it.

How To Store Coconut Cream: How To Freeze And More - Eat Quick Healthy (4)

Step 1: Pour the coconut cream into an ice cube tray

The easiest way to freeze it is to pour the coconut cream into an ice cube tray. This way, you can easily defrost exactly what you need later.

Step 2: Freeze the coconut cream

Put the ice cube tray into the freezer and leave it until it freezes which will be at least a few hours.

How To Store Coconut Cream: How To Freeze And More - Eat Quick Healthy (5)

Step 3: Put the coconut cream ice cubes into a freezer bag

Place the cubes into a freezer bag or a freezer-proof container.

How Long Does Coconut Cream Last?

How long coconut cream lasts depends on where you store it and whether it is fresh, an unopened can or an opened can of coconut cream.

The following table gives you all the details.

The Coconut Cream Is…It Is Stored In The…It Will Last For…
Unopened CanPantryA few weeks past the expiry date
Opened CanPantryLess than a day
RefrigeratorUp to a week (ideally use in a few days)
FreezerUp to 6 months
Freshly MadePantryLess than a day
Refrigerator3-5 days
FreezerUp to 6 months

Note that the best before date on a can of coconut cream is exactly that – the date that the coconut cream is best before. Manufacturers want you to use their product when it’s at its best and that’s what using the cream before this date will give you.

However, it won’t suddenly go bad the next day. If you are storing your coconut cream in a cool, dark, dry pantry, it’ll likely be good for weeks after this date.

Once your coconut cream is opened or for fresh homemade coconut cream, storing it in the fridge will help it last longer with freezing it a great option when you won’t consume it quickly.

Click here to read our full guide to how long coconut cream lasts.

Conclusion

I hope you have found this guide to how to store coconut cream including how to freeze coconut cream useful. Keeping unopened cans of coconut cream in a cool pantry and opened and fresh coconut cream in the fridge will help ensure your coconut cream is good for as long as possible.

Freezing coconut cream is a great choice when your coconut cream will go bad before you have a chance to use it. This will extend its lifespan again.

You can also find our guide tostoring coconut milk here, storing coconut flour hereor read about usingcoconut cream on your skin here. Want to know the differences between coconut cream and butter? Find them here. Find all our useful coconut product guideshere.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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How To Store Coconut Cream: How To Freeze And More - Eat Quick Healthy (2024)

FAQs

How do you freeze coconut cream? ›

How to Freeze Coconut Cream in a Container. If you've opened a carton of coconut cream, simply pour what's remaining into a freezer-safe container, pop on the lid, label it, and place it in the freezer. It's really that simple.

Can I store coconut cream in the freezer? ›

Coconut cream has a short shelf life once opened, so refrigerate and use within 5 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

Does coconut cream go bad in fridge? ›

Once opened, coconut cream will only keep in the fridge for around 4-5 days. If properly stored, coconut cream in a can or carton will keep for about 3–4 weeks after its expiration date or best by date. It may also be stored in the freezer.

How do you store unopened coconut cream? ›

1. At room temperature: An unopened can of coconut milk can be stored at room temperature for several months. For the best results, store canned coconut milk in a cool, dark place, such as a cupboard or pantry.

How do you preserve fresh coconut cream? ›

If you can't find ways to use up the coconut cream before its expiration date, the best place to store it is in the freezer. Done right, frozen coconut cream can last up to a few months. Freezing coconut cream may change its texture, flavour, or consistency. Still, it's much better than having to throw it out!

Does freezing coconut milk damage it? ›

The quality of the coconut milk will gradually drop, but if you use it within like 2 to 3 months of freezing, it should turn out just fine.

How long does coconut milk last in freezer? ›

Coconut milk will keep in the freezer for up to one month.

Does coconut go bad in the freezer? ›

Once opened, shredded coconut will probably keep in the freezer for 6 to 8 months before turning rancid if you store them properly, in the right circ*mstances, in the freezer.

Can you put coconut cream in coffee? ›

Can you use coconut milk as coffee creamer? Absolutely! We use coconut milk or coconut cream in this recipe and it turns out amazingly creamy and ultra delicious! Coconut milk is my favorite base for coffee creamer!

What is coconut cream good for? ›

Coconut cream is high in healthier saturated fats, which our body is more likely to use as energy and less likely to store as fat. Powerful immune-boosting abilities and a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals make coconut cream a delightfully nourishing base for our superfood snacks.

Is coconut cream good for your face? ›

Gentle application of coconut milk provides an excellent moisturizing effect in dry skin conditions like eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis”, says Dr. Rahul. The natural fatty acids in coconut milk help treat dry and irritated skin and remove harmful bacteria.

What is the difference between coconut cream and cream of coconut? ›

Coconut cream is unsweetened and very thick; cream of coconut is very sweet with a syrupier texture. This means that recipes that call for each are optimized for sugar content. The original piña colada recipe calls for cream of coconut, but some pina colada recipes may call for coconut cream and simple syrup.

Can you eat expired coconut cream? ›

Yes, provided it is properly stored and the can is undamaged - commercially canned coconut milk will typically carry a "Best By," "Best if Used By," "Best Before”, or "Best When Used By" date but this is not a safety date, it is the manufacturer's estimate of how long the canned coconut milk will remain at peak quality ...

How do you preserve cream for a long time? ›

Like milk, cream and half-and-half last the longest in a cool spot in the fridge. Avoid the door! The door is for condiments. You can also freeze cream for longer storage, either in an ice cube tray or in a plastic container.

How do I use leftover coconut cream? ›

  1. Casseroles.
  2. Lasagna & Pasta.
  3. Pizza.
  4. Sauces & Marinades.
  5. Salad Dressings.
  6. Pancakes & Waffles.
  7. Cookies.
  8. Air Fryer.
14 May 2021

How do you instantly freeze milk? ›

You can freeze it in its original storage container as long as it's plastic; glass or cardboard containers pose a risk of cracking or exploding. Another way you could freeze it is by portioning the milk into ice cube trays. This way, you can thaw however much you need quickly without defrosting the whole container.

Can you freeze coconut milk in ice cube trays? ›

Yes, coconut milk does freeze well. I measure my coconut milk and pour it into ice cube trays and silicon bowls. My ice cube trays will have two tablespoons in each cube, and my silicon bowl is one cup. I like having large and small quantities of frozen coconut milk in my freezer for various recipes.

Can you freeze cream? ›

Yes, you can freeze heavy whipping cream straight from the carton. Whether you intend to cook with it or whip it, it will still be good to go with a bit of stirring after it's thawed. As for heavy cream that's already been whipped, you can freeze that, too.

Can expired coconut milk make you sick? ›

Coconut milk is an amazing ingredient to add to your food, just don't forget to smell it before use and you'll ace these recipes. If your coconut milk has gone bad, throw it away and buy a new can or carton. It's not worth the risk of getting food poisoning or an upset stomach!

Can you freeze and reheat coconut milk? ›

Portion it out into airtight containers, seal and freeze. Thaw thoroughly in the fridge overnight before reheating it. Can You Freeze Coconut Milk Drinks? Yes, coconut milk drinks can also be frozen.

Can you freeze coconut milk or almond milk? ›

You try to come up with a way to use it before it goes bad, but you just keep putting it off. Finally, you wonder, can I freeze coconut milk? The short answer is yes, you can freeze coconut milk to extend its usefulness.

Does soup with coconut milk freeze well? ›

Yes! Allow soup to cool completely. Transfer to freezer-safe containers or zip-top freezer storage bags. Coconut soup can be stored up to 3 months in the freezer, or longer if vacuum sealed.

How do you store coconut milk for a long time? ›

Keep the coconut milk in plastic container

Remember, don't try to keep it in a container made of metal because it may affect the coconut milk's taste. This method can help coconut milk last for 4 days. To make it last longer, keep it in a plastic container and in the freezer.

Do dishes with coconut milk freeze well? ›

If coconut milk is used in a curry sauce then generally it should freeze without any major problems as the other ingredients will help to stabilise the milk a bit but there is always a risk it will split slightly when thawed - the risk increases if the coconut milk is a high proportion of sauce ingredients and also the ...

Can you drink coconut water after its been frozen? ›

STORE FROZEN

Try not to drink the coconut water until it is completely defrosted. If drinking in its defrosting stage, the coconut water would taste much sweeter than normal. This is because the natural sugars in the coconut water naturally defrost faster than the water. Once defrosted, do not refreeze.

What happens if you drink coconut cream? ›

Coconut milk and cream are sources of healthy fats called medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). Several studies have found that consuming MCTs promotes weight loss by decreasing appetite and increasing energy.

What is the healthiest creamer to put in coffee? ›

Our top picks
  • Best Rated Creamer: Laird Superfood Non-Dairy Original Superfood Coconut Powder Coffee Creamer.
  • Best Macadamia Nut Creamer: milkadamia Macadamia Milk, Unsweetened.
  • Best Almond Milk Creamer: Silk Sweet & Creamy Almond Creamer.
  • Best Variety Pack Creamer: nutpods Variety Pack, Unsweetened Dairy-Free Creamer.
29 Mar 2022

Is coconut cream good for high blood pressure? ›

Coconut cream is also an excellent source of potassium. Studies show that potassium is critical for maintaining the health of every cell in your body. Getting enough potassium daily is connected to a reduced risk of high blood pressure, salt sensitivity, fatigue, and muscle cramps.

Is coconut cream good for your heart? ›

Because coconut milk is so high in saturated fat, people may wonder if it's a heart-healthy choice. Very little research examines coconut milk specifically, but one study suggests that it may benefit people with normal or high cholesterol levels.

Is coconut cream good for diabetics? ›

A thicker form is known as coconut cream. It is commonly utilized in rich sauces or desserts. A more fluid form, consisting of more extra water. It may be utilized as a direct alternative to milk and due to this coconut water is also good for diabetes.

Is coconut cream good for wrinkles? ›

Antioxidants in Coconut Oil Delay Aging

Research has shown that coconut oil has positive antioxidants that can help slow down appearance of wrinkles and delay the aging process, better than other oils similar. According to Dr.

Does coconut cream make your hair grow? ›

Together, these can improve the blood circulation in the scalp. Hence, coconut milk, in particular, is one of the easiest and most nourishing forms that can be used to get gorgeous hair. Coconut milk for hair offers a wide range of benefits. It even promotes hair growth.

What happens if I apply coconut water on face everyday? ›

“[Coconut water] also contains vitamin C, which helps with cell turnover and prevents wrinkles.” Staying hydrated also helps to rid the body of toxins, which may lead to clearer skin with a more radiant glow.

Is coconut cream healthier than milk? ›

milk, coconut milk has fewer nutrients than dairy milk. While many brands of coconut milk provide calcium, vitamin A, vitamin B12 and vitamin D, these nutrients are all fortified.

Is coconut cream a superfood? ›

The humble coconut is a superfood for fuelling the body with clean fat, digestible protein, and filling fibre. As with any food, look for organic sources and ask your local healthfood store about coconut products, uses and benefits that may be suitable for your needs.

What is a healthy substitute for coconut cream? ›

Greek Yogurt is a great coconut milk/ coconut cream alternative which also contains probiotics, protein and less calories and saturated fats, offering 21 calories and roughly 1g Protein per Tablespoon. Its thick consistency works well as a replacement.

Can coconut cream give you food poisoning? ›

Coconut cream will spoil if left out overnight; an opened can or homemade batch of coconut cream that's been sitting around awhile could lead to food poisoning symptoms like nausea and diarrhea.

Is coconut cream the same as canned coconut milk? ›

Coconut to water ratio: Canned coconut milk is typically made of one part shredded coconut to two parts water. Coconut cream is made of four parts shredded coconut to one part water. Consistency: Coconut milk has a thinner consistency, while coconut cream has a much thicker and creamier consistency.

Can you reheat coconut cream? ›

Reheating coconut cream (full-fat coconut milk) is quite similar to reheating your other forms of coconut milk. However, in this case, we do not recommend the microwave reheating process. Since coconut cream is a full-fat product that makes it thicker and creamier, the best way to reheat it is on the stovetop.

What can I do with leftover coconut cream liquid? ›

  1. Casseroles.
  2. Lasagna & Pasta.
  3. Pizza.
  4. Sauces & Marinades.
  5. Salad Dressings.
  6. Pancakes & Waffles.
  7. Cookies.
  8. Air Fryer.
14 May 2021

What happens if you freeze coconut milk? ›

The Texture of Coconut Milk Will Change

Once thawed, the flavour of coconut milk will be similar to what it was before freezing. However, the texture may become a little grainy. We recommend using frozen coconut milk in dishes where texture isn't a big issue, such as smoothies or baked goods.

Does coconut milk recipe freeze well? ›

But we found a simple fix: Blend the defrosted coconut milk with an immersion blender for about 30 seconds to re-emulsify; then use it as directed in recipes. When we did this, the recipes were as good as those made with just-opened cans. Coconut milk will keep in the freezer for up to one month.

Can I freeze coconut milk for later use? ›

Canned coconut milk spoils quickly, so pour whatever you don't use into ice cube trays and freeze. Once frozen, pop them out and store in a freezer bag. Add the cubes to the blender when making fruit smoothies, or to flavor a pot of hot soup or stew. The cubes may also be thawed overnight in the refrigerator.

How long does it take to freeze coconut milk? ›

To freeze coconut milk in small amounts, an ice cube tray is perfect. Pour coconut milk into an ice cube tray and freeze for 6 hours. Once solid, pop the frozen coconut milk cubes out of the tray and place them into an air-tight container or Ziploc bag. Seal to keep as much air out as possible.

Is it OK to freeze coconut water? ›

Yes, fresh coconut water can be frozen. You'll need to drain it from the shell before deciding on a portion size to freeze it in. You could freeze the entire contents in a freezer bag or you could choose to freeze it into cubes.

Can you freeze peanut butter? ›

Yes, you can freeze peanut butter for up to 6 months. Either you can put it straight in the freezer without taking it out of its current packaging. Alternatively, you can split it into containers, cover, and freeze.

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