Can You Freeze Coconut Cream? The Pros & Cons

Coconut cream is great for making desserts and soups. What if you have too much? Can you freeze coconut cream? Let’s find out!

Have you ever found yourself with a surplus of coconut cream and wondered if you could maybe store some for later consumption? Well, you’re not alone! Many home cooks have pondered this very question.

To make it short: YES, you can freeze coconut cream, but keep in mind that freezing can change its texture and consistency.  

While freezing coconut cream is an option, there are other factors to consider. Here, we’ll discuss other storage alternatives, pros and cons, and address frequently asked questions to provide you with all the necessary information. Let’s begin!

Can You Freeze Coconut Cream?

Like I said earlier–Yes, you can freeze coconut cream! Freezing coconut cream is a fantastic way to extend its shelf life up to 2 months.

However, some coconut cream manufacturers discourage consumers from freezing their products. 

Ayam Brand, for instance, recommends not “freezing the coconut cream as lower temperatures will change and affect the product’s physical characteristics and cause oil separation”

Similarly, Kara and The Coconut Company share this perspective, cautioning their customers against freezing their coconut cream to avoid potential irreversible separation of the product.

But the Coconut Company suggests that if you accidentally freeze their cream, it’s advisable to thoroughly shake it after thawing before using it.

How To Freeze Coconut Cream

If you choose to freeze coconut cream, here are a few steps that I would recommend you take for a smooth process and to avoid complications later on:

1. Choose the right container. Use an airtight container or resealable freezer bag to prevent freezer burn and maintain freshness.
2. Portion control. Divide the coconut cream into smaller portions to make thawing easier, as you only need to thaw what you currently need.
3. Leave some space. Leave a small gap at the top of the container or bag to allow for expansion as the cream freezes.
4. Label and date.Label your containers with the freezing date to keep track of the shelf life and storage duration.
5. Freeze. Place the containers in the freezer, and that’s it.

Chew Tip: Coconut Cream can be sensitive to temperature and humidity changes during freezing. To minimize texture changes, store it in the coldest part of your freezer and keep it away from foods with strong odors.

How To Thaw Frozen Coconut Cream

The recommended way to thaw it to preserve its texture and flavor is to thaw coconut cream in the refrigerator. Here’s how to do it:

1. Move the frozen coconut cream to the fridge 24 hours before using.
2. Put it on a plate or bowl to catch drips.
3. Check after 24 hours; it might need more time.
4. Once thawed, gently stir to smooth out the texture. Avoid stirring too hard.

While it’s tempting to speed up the process, microwaving can cause further texture issues, so I suggest avoiding it.

Ways To Use Leftover Coconut Cream

Now that you’ve successfully thawed your coconut cream, it’s time to get creative in the kitchen! Here are some delicious ideas for using it:

• Smoothies. Add coconut cream for a rich and creamy texture to your favorite fruit smoothies.
• Curries. Enhance the flavor of your curry dishes by incorporating coconut cream.
• Desserts. Use it in ice creams, custards, or as a topping for cakes and pies.
• Coffee and tea. Add a tropical twist to your morning coffee or tea.
• Sauces. Create creamy sauces for pasta or seafood dishes.

Pros and Cons Of Freezing Coconut Cream

Here are the advantages and disadvantages of freezing it if you choose to do so:

Pros

• Freezing can keep your coconut cream fresh for several months. 
• Frozen coconut cream is easy to store in the freezer, freeing up space in your fridge.
• You can buy coconut cream in bulk when it’s on sale and freeze the excess for future use.

Cons

• Freezing can make your coconut cream slightly grainy or separated when thawed.
• While it remains safe to eat, the flavor may degrade slightly over time.
• Using a suitable container is crucial to prevent freezer burn and off-flavors.

Other Ways To Store Coconut Cream

Here are other alternative methods to keep your coconut cream fresh, plus their shelf life:

Refrigeration

Once you open your coconut cream, I suggest storing it in the fridge. It will extend its life for 3 to 5 days, which is still limited compared to freezing.

At room temperature

Unopened canned of coconut milk can be stored at room temperature for 2 to 5 years, according to the FoodKeeper. Just make sure to keep it in a cool, dark place like a cupboard or pantry.

The bottom line

Freezing coconut cream is a practical way to extend its shelf life and reduce waste. While it may experience texture changes, the benefits of freezing balance out the downsides.

We don’t recommend freezing coconut cream as well, but if you decide to, ensure you use appropriate containers, thaw it gently, and be inventive with its use in your recipes.

More About Coconut

• Can You Freeze Fresh Coconut?
• Coconut Milk Recipes 
• Coconut Desserts
• Does Coconut Milk Go Bad?
• How To Tell If Coconut Is Bad