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If you’re cutting down on dairy in your diet, you may be turning to coconut cream as a replacement. But is coconut cream safe to eat while pregnant?

Yes! coconut cream can be included in a healthy pregnancy diet for most people. The key is choosing a product that fits your overall eating pattern (e.g., watching added sugars and saturated fat) and handling it safely once opened.

Why Coconut Cream Is Generally Safe

Coconut cream is generally safe to consume during pregnancy as long as it comes from a reputable manufacturer and is stored properly. Canned coconut cream is usually sterilized during processing, which reduces the risk of bacterial contamination. Freshly made coconut cream can also be safe if prepared hygienically, but it should be consumed quickly to avoid spoilage. Just avoid any can or package that is leaking, bulging, swollen, or dented along the top and side seams, or has rust along seams. These can be indicators of dangerous bacteria lurking inside!

Coconut Cream Nutritional Considerations

Coconut cream contains some medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) that can be oxidized relatively quickly, offering an energy burst. However, this doesn’t change the fact that coconut cream is calorie-dense and high in saturated fat. Dietary Guidelines recommend keeping saturated fat under 10% of calories, so coconut cream is best used in small amounts rather than as a primary “healthy fat.”

You can rely on coconut cream for flavor and calories, but don’t lean on it as a major source of key pregnancy micronutrients (like folate, iron, iodine, etc.). Aim for variety across fruits/vegetables, whole grains, protein foods, and dairy/fortified alternatives.

How to Choose Coconut Cream During Pregnancy

To keep sugars in check, opt for unsweetened coconut cream (or coconut milk) when possible. Sweetened products and “cream of coconut” can add a lot of added sugars. Check the nutrition facts and ingredient list for added sugar—and compare brands if you use coconut cream often.

Coconut Cream Risks and Considerations During Pregnancy

Storage and Food Safety Tips

  • Treat coconut cream as a perishable food—pop it in the fridge within two hours of opening.
  • Trash your can of coconut cream if it’s dented, leaking, or bulging—or if the food inside is discolored, moldy or smells off. Natural separation is common (fat can rise/solidify), but separation alone is not a sign of spoilage!

Allergies and Special Situations

  • Coconut allergies are rare, but if you have a known sensitivity, talk with your clinician before eating coconut cream.
  • If you have gestational diabetes, high triglycerides, or you’re trying to manage pregnancy weight gain, coconut cream’s calories and saturated fat may matter more—use it sparingly and prioritize nutrient-dense foods overall.

How to Safely Eat Coconut Cream While Pregnant

  • Choose reputable, sealed, shelf-stable brands when possible.
  • Check labels for added sugars or preservatives if you’re monitoring your intake.
  • Refrigerate after opening and use within the recommended timeframe.
  • Avoid cans that are dented, rusted, or swollen.
  • Use coconut cream in moderate amounts to avoid excessive calorie and fat intake.

When to Avoid Coconut Cream

  • If the product smells sour or appears separated in an unusual way.
  • If it has been left out at room temperature after opening.
  • If you have a coconut allergy or sensitivity.
  • If your doctor has recommended limiting high-fat foods due to specific health concerns.

The Bottom Line

Coconut cream is safe to eat during pregnancy when properly stored and consumed in moderation. It offers healthy fats and can add rich flavor to meals, but its high calorie content means it’s best used as an accent rather than a staple.

More on Healthy Eating During Pregnancy:

 

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REFERENCES

  • MyPlate.gov: Nutrition Information for Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
  • U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025: Executive Summary
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Weight Gain During Pregnancy
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Added Sugars on the Nutrition Facts Label
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Always Refrigerate Perishable Food Within 2 Hours
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Home-Canned Foods
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Questions and Answers Regarding Food Allergens, Including the Food Allergen Labeling Requirements of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (Edition 5): Guidance for Industry 

Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, please contact your health provider.