Do you believe that coconut cream and cream of coconut are the same? Let’s solve this mystery today. Coconut cream is simply the top layer of chilled coconut milk with rich buttery-tasting cream.
It does not have any added sweeteners and may be similar to coconut milk, but it’s most definitely not the same thing. On the other hand, cream of coconut is actually coconut cream with added sweeteners. Its uses are vast, especially in desserts and mixed drinks.
Cream of coconut adds the flavor of coconut cocktails such as the ever-popular ‘Pina Colada,’ ‘Painkiller,’ and ‘Blue Hawaiian’. We’ll be taking you through a look at two of the very best cream of coconut products out there.
By the time you’ve gone through all our upcoming info, you’ll know exactly which is best between Coco Reàl vs Coco López.
Coco Reàl vs Coco López Comparison
| Coco Reàl | Coco López | |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Silky Pourable Coconut Cream Intended For Mixology/Bartending & Cooking That’s Supplied In Squeezable Bottle | Canned Coconut Cream Largely Considered To Be The Original Coconut Cream |
| Ingredients | Pressed Coconut Meat Juice, Coconut Milk, Oil And Water (Butylated Hydroxyanisole), Pure Cane Sugar Sugar, Glycerol, Salt, Citric Acid, Mono And Diglycerides, Sorbitan Monostearate, Sodium Alginate, Xanthan Gum, Potassium Sorbate, Natural Rosemary Extract | Coconut Flesh, Coconut Milk, Cane Sugar, Water, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Monostearate, Salt, Propylene Glycol, Alginate, Mono And Diglycerides, Citric Acid, Guar Gum, Locust Bean Gum |
| Quantity | 16.9 Fluid Ounces | 14.39 Fluid Ounces |
| Flavor | Sweet Coconut Pulp Flavor With Mild Hints of Sweetener | Sweet Fresh Bold Pressed Coconut Flavor |
| Texture | Pourable Silky Syrup | Viscous Paste-Like Silky Cream |
| Refrigeration | Not Necessary But Extends Shelf-Life | Not Necessary But Vastly Extends Shelf-Life |
| Shelf Life | Unopened - 12 Months | Opened - 3 Months | Unopened - 12 Months | Opened - 2 to 3 Weeks |
| Best Uses | Italian Sodas, Cocktails And Beer Cocktails, Pina Coladas, Frozen Or Shaken Daiquiris, Alcohol Free Drinks, Desserts, Baked Goods | Coladas, Cocktails, Desserts (Vegan Ice Cream Recommended) |
| Affordability | $8.99 To $13.99 / Squeeze Bottle | $5.99 / Can |
Coco Reàl vs Coco López
They may sound the same, and both contain coconut, but Coco Reàl and Coco López are two very different products. Here’s a complete breakdown of each fine option so that you always know which is best for your needs beyond a shadow of a doubt.
Coco Reàl
There are countless mixologists and home cocktail fans who won’t go for any other coconut cream other than the ever-so-convenient Coco Reàl in its attractive and functional squeeze bottle. Let’s take a closer look at what makes it such a forerunning favorite.
What Is Coco Real?
Coco Reàl is a gourmet processed cream of coconut sauce made from coconut cream, coconut meat, coconut milk, and cane sugar that’s intended for imparting coconut cream flavor into cocktails and other drinks, as well as foods and desserts.
Supplied in a convenient squeeze bottle, it’s the top choice of mixologists around the world and a highly popular ingredient for high-end chefs as well.
Ingredients
Unlike most commercially produced coconut creams which are made from sugar and coconut milk only, Coco Reàl contains real coconut meat as well.
The exact ingredients listed are pressed coconut meat juice, coconut milk, oil and water (butylated hydroxyanisole), pure cane sugar, glycerol, salt, citric acid, mono, and diglycerides, sorbitan monostearate, sodium alginate, xanthan gum, potassium sorbate, and natural rosemary extract.
There’s absolutely no dairy.
Quantity
Each squeeze bottle of Coco Reàl contains 16.9 fluid ounces of cream of coconut syrup which weighs 22 ounces or 623 grams.
What Does Coco Reàl Taste Like?
Expect a rich, sweet coconut flavor that, by itself, tastes similar to coconut pulp sweetened with a combination of natural sugar cane sugar and artificial sweeteners.
Once added to drinks and food, the chemical flavor dissipates and is barely noticeable, leaving nothing but a bold coconut taste. For the best flavor, remember to always shake Coco Reàl first.
Texture
The texture of Coco Reàl is thicker than most syrups but still silky and runnier than ultra-creamy Coco López. Those who prefer it as a coconut cream typically treasure the pourability that makes it extremely easy to use in drinks and for drizzling over food.
Does Coco Reàl Need To Be Refrigerated?
The convenient squeeze bottle that Coco Reàl comes in is designed to be bartender friendly and features an oxygen barrier that keeps the cream of coconut syrup fresh without any form of refrigeration required. This being said, keeping Coco Reàl in the fridge does extend its life.
How Long Does Coco Reàl Last For?
While unopened, Coco Reàl lasts for at least twelve months. Once opened, Coco Reàl lasts unrefrigerated for up to three months.
Best Uses
While there are technically endless applications for Coco Reàl, the squeezable gourmet coconut cream was specifically developed for use by bartenders, mixologists, and chefs.
It is advertised as the ideal additive for Italian sodas, cocktails and beer cocktails, Pina Coladas, frozen or shaken daiquiris, and alcohol-free drinks. We suggest trying it out to make your own drinks at home or to impart coconut flavor to desserts and baked goods.
Affordability
Expect to pay between $8.99 and $13.99 for a standard 16.9-fluid ounce squeezable bottle of Coco Reàl when shopping online.
Coco López
As one of the very companies to produce a mouthwatering coconut cream that tastes exactly like fresh coconut cream, Coco López is largely considered to be the original.
Let’s see how it holds up against competitors and what those who haven’t yet tried it can expect in terms of texture, taste, and basic composition.
What Is Coco López?
Coco López is a Puerto Rican canned coconut cream that’s largely considered to be one of the best additives available for making piña coladas and other similar drinks. Today, it is largely considered a staple of Caribbean cuisine.
While made for Coladas, this tasty cream is just as useful in appetizers, spreads, main dishes, cakes, and various desserts.
Ingredients
Coco López is made from the flesh of sun-ripened coconuts grown in the Caribbean.
Coconut flesh is combined with coconut milk, cane sugar, water, polysorbate 60, sorbitan monostearate, salt, propylene glycol, alginate, the emulsifiers mono and diglycerides, citric acid, guar gum, and locust bean gum.
While preservatives and thickeners have been included, this favorite coconut cream is Vegan friendly and carries an all-natural flavor. Patients with Celiac disease can use Coco López, too, as the product is gluten-free.
Quantity
There are 15 ounces of coconut cream in a single can of Coco López.
What Does Coco López Taste Like?
Despite containing sugar, Coco López manages to remain neutral and tastes boldly like plain coconut. It’s easily one of the purest coconut cream flavors around that tastes freshly pressed.
Texture
You’ll find that off-white Coco López cream carries a thick, silky consistency. It’s far more viscous than Coco Reàl, with some users comparing the texture to a paste. Some people have found certain cans of Coco López to turn lump.
All that you need to do to guarantee that this doesn’t happen is place the unopened can in a bath of warm water. Leave it to soak for a couple of minutes, shake the can, and you’ll have perfectly textured coconut cream without any lumps.
Does Coco López Need To Be Refrigerated?
As a product designed to be used in commercial practices like bars and restaurants, Coco López does not need refrigeration. It is shelf-stable without cooling but lasts far longer when kept in the fridge.
How Long Does Coco López Last For?
Before being opened, Coco López lasts for up to a year, but after opening, it’ll be safe for consumption for a week or two without refrigeration. We advise storing all coconut cream in the fridge in a clean container. Dispensing it from the can prevents it from spoiling quickly.
Always work carefully with your coconut cream and only use clean utensils. Any cross-contamination ensures rapid spoilage.
Best Uses
Coco López is ideal for creating Coladas and other cocktails, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. It is also a top recommendation for vegan ice cream and for adding coconut flavor to desserts and baked goods.
Affordability
Expect to pay around $5.99 for a single 15-ounce can when shopping online. The price comes down considerably when buying in bulk.
What Is The Difference Between Coco Real And Coco López?
The main difference between Coco Reàl and Coco López is that Coco Reàl comes in a squeeze bottle and is a thin bold coconut cream, whereas Coco López comes in a can and is a thick cream that carries plain coconut sweetness.
Which Is Best, Coco Real vs Coco López?
Having convenient and time-saving items in the kitchen is a must. A Coco Real squeeze bottle is a real lifesaver. It is highly accessible, allowing you to just squeeze out the right amount you need just as you would do with a bottle of ketchup.
Additionally, it reduces the amount of wastage common with metal cans. However, Coco López is much thicker and has a purer coconut flavor. There’s absolutely no hint of anything but coconut.
Ultimately, choosing a winner between Coco Reàl vs Coco López is a matter of personal preference. We suggest trying them both out so that you know which suits your palate.
