Cream

Best Cream & Dairy Deals in the US: Where to Buy Coconut Cream, Table Cream, and Crème Fraîche

Why the right cream matters in your kitchen

Think of cream like the secret handshake of many recipes — it can elevate a morning coffee, stabilize a silky sauce, or send a dessert over the finish line. Picking the right type and size matters for taste, texture, and cost. Whether you’re stocking up for a family gathering, running a small catering gig, or just love experimenting with tropical cocktails, knowing where to buy coconut cream, media crema, cream of coconut, and crème fraîche in sensible package sizes (ounces and pounds, of course) can save you time and money.

Walmart: bulk options and everyday finds

If convenience and variety top your priority list, Walmart is a go-to. Their selection ranges from specialty tins of coconut cream to multi-packs of table cream and large containers of crème fraîche. Examples you’ll commonly find include Native Forest Organic Premium Coconut Cream Unsweetened in 5.4 oz cans sold in packs of 12, Nestlé Media Crema table cream offered in bulk packs of 24 or 36, Coco López Cream of Coconut in 15 oz cans sold by the case (24 per case), and Alouette crème fraîche in large 4.5 lb tubs sold in packs of two. Those bulk pack sizes make Walmart helpful for catering or for homes that use cream regularly.

Target and big-box alternatives for smaller households

Prefer smaller trips or stylish in-store displays? Target tends to stock single cans and small cartons, ideal if you don’t want a 24-pack crowding your pantry. You’ll often find single-serve coconut cream cans in the 5–15 oz range and table cream in 8–12 oz containers — perfect for trying a new recipe without committing to bulk. Target is also a great place to pick up specialty single items alongside pantry staples.

Target’s strengths

Target’s advantage is convenience plus curated selections, including organic options and seasonal items. If you want a 15 oz can of sweetened cream of coconut for cocktails or a single 5.4 oz organic coconut cream can to test a vegan dessert, Target often has those on hand.

Kroger, Safeway, and Kroger-family stores: steady value and private labels

Regional grocery chains like Kroger, Safeway, and related stores often carry a reliable lineup of dairy cream in both small cartons and family-size tubs. These stores frequently offer private-label heavy cream and table cream at competitive unit prices, and sometimes larger tubs that make sense for home cooks who use cream weekly. Look for familiar package sizes: 8 fl oz cartons for light creams and 16 fl oz or larger for heavy cream and crème fraîche substitutes.

Private-label perks

Private-label creams usually hit a good balance of quality and price. Brands owned by the store can match name-brand texture and consistency, but at a lower per-ounce cost — especially handy if you’re whipping cream for desserts or making rich pasta sauces.

Costco and warehouse stores: when bulk truly saves money

If you’re feeding a crowd or planning regular baking sessions, Costco and other warehouse clubs shine. Expect to find multi-packs and larger tubs measured in pounds and ounces — for example, big containers of crème fraîche or tubs that weigh multiple pounds. Buying in bulk often drops the per-ounce price significantly, but remember: dairy can spoil. Only go bulk if you’ll use it within a reasonable timeframe or can freeze portions.

How to make bulk purchases work

Divide large tubs into single-use portions — ice cube trays or resealable containers work well — then freeze. Label each portion with the date in Fahrenheit-friendly terms (e.g., “Frozen 02/15 — keeps 3 months”) so you don’t end up with mystery cream in the back of the freezer.

Whole Foods, specialty grocers, and boutique options

Looking for artisan crème fraîche or small-batch cultured cream? Whole Foods and specialty shops cater to cooks chasing flavor nuance. These places carry organic, grass-fed, and European-style crème fraîche in pint and pound sizes, and they often source higher-fat creams for a richer mouthfeel. If a recipe calls for a tangy, spoonable crème fraîche in a 1 lb tub, specialty grocers are where you’ll find it.

When to choose specialty over supermarket

Choose specialty stores when texture and provenance matter. For dishes where the finish is judged — a velvety soup, a delicate mousse, or plated desserts — that extra bit of richness or cultured tang can make a noticeable difference.

Understanding the different types of cream

Not all creams are interchangeable. Here’s a quick tour: heavy cream (aka heavy whipping cream) contains the highest fat and whips into stable peaks; table cream or media crema is lighter and pourable, ideal for coffee and thickening soups; coconut cream and cream of coconut come from coconuts — one’s unsweetened and thick, the other’s sweetened for cocktails; crème fraîche is cultured and slightly tangy, brilliant for finishing hot dishes. Sizes matter too — a 5.4 oz can behaves differently in a recipe than a 15 oz can or a 4.5 lb tub.

Heavy cream vs. table cream

Heavy cream has enough fat to whip and hold structure, whereas table cream (media crema) is thinner and won’t hold stiff peaks. Use heavy cream for desserts and whipped toppings; use table cream for enriching soups or adding silkiness to drinks.

Coconut cream vs. cream of coconut

Coconut cream (unsweetened) is dense coconut milk, usually sold in 5.4 oz to 15 oz cans — great in curries and vegan desserts. Cream of coconut is a sweetened product designed for cocktails like piña coladas and often comes in 15 oz cans or larger. Don’t swap them blindly: one adds sweetness, the other adds richness without sugar.

How to compare cream products online like a pro

Shopping online can feel like a gold rush of options. Compare per-ounce price rather than sticker price; a 24-pack of 5.4 oz cans might sound cheap if you don’t calculate the cost per ounce. Check the ingredient list for stabilizers or added sugar if you want pure cream. Look at pack sizes (single 15 oz can vs. 24 per case) and consider storage space. If organic, grass-fed, or non-GMO matters to you, filter by those attributes early.

Key comparison metrics

Always check ounces and pounds, check whether the product is refrigerated or shelf-stable, and note whether the cream is sweetened. For multi-packs, divide total ounces by the total price to get per-ounce cost — that’s the fairest comparison.

Storage best practices and shelf life

Store dairy cream in the coldest part of your refrigerator, ideally at or below 40°F. Once opened, most dairy creams will keep for around 5–7 days if stored correctly. Unopened shelf-stable coconut cream can sit in the pantry until the date on the can, but once opened transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. If you buy a 4.5 lb tub of crème fraîche, portion it into smaller containers to maintain freshness; frozen portions can keep for about 2–3 months and will thaw neatly for cooking uses.

Freezing tips

Freeze cream in smaller portions for convenience. For whipping later, frozen-and-thawed heavy cream may lose some structure, so reserve frozen cream for cooking (sauces, soups, baking) rather than topping desserts unless you re-stabilize it with a bit of powdered sugar or gelatin.

Cooking and cocktail ideas to try

Cream unlocks a world of culinary possibilities. Stir a spoonful of crème fraîche into roasted tomato soup for instant silkiness, or add unsweetened coconut cream to a curry for body and tropical flavor. Cream of coconut is already sweet and perfect for piña coladas and tropical desserts. Heavy cream can be reduced into a luscious sauce for steak or whipped into clouds for topping pies. If you’ve bought a bulk pack of table cream, use it to make creamy salad dressings, coffee additions, or to temper spicy chiles in stews.

Simple recipes to experiment with

Try a quick coconut curry: sauté onions, add 8 oz of coconut cream (about half of a 15 oz can), curry paste, and vegetables — simmer until tender. For dessert, whip 1 cup (8 fl oz) of chilled heavy cream with a couple tablespoons of powdered sugar for an easy topping.

Buying in bulk: practical advice and when to avoid it

Bulk buys like a 24-pack of 5.4 oz coconut cream cans or a 36-pack of table cream can be great value, but only if you’ll use them before they spoil. For occasional cooks, buy single cans or smaller tubs. If you entertain often or run a small food business, bulk purchases from retailers like Walmart or Costco can lower per-ounce costs and cut down on shopping frequency.

When bulk is a smart move

Choose bulk when you have a plan: scheduled events, weekly meal-prep routines, or known recipes that use large volumes. Otherwise, smaller packages reduce waste and keep flavors fresh.

Sustainability and dietary considerations

Many shoppers now look beyond price to environmental and dietary impact. If sustainability matters, seek organic or grass-fed dairy; look for responsibly sourced coconut products if you’re buying coconut cream. For dairy-free diets, unsweetened coconut cream acts as a versatile substitute measured in ounces instead of cups, and plant-based creams made from almond or oat milk can step into recipes that don’t require whipping.

Lactose and allergy notes

People with lactose intolerance can often tolerate small amounts of high-fat dairy, but coconut cream and other plant-based creams are lactose-free alternatives. Always check ingredient labels for hidden dairy in cream-of-coconut products, which sometimes include milk-derived stabilizers.

How to get the best deals on cream

Want to save? Compare per-ounce prices across retailers, watch for multipack discounts, and use store circulars or app coupons. Buying seasonal items or watching for holiday sales can net you good deals, especially for items sold by the case like a 24-count of 15 oz cream of coconut cans. If you shop online, check shipping thresholds and free pickup options to avoid extra fees.

Smart shopping moves

Sign up for retailer emails to catch flash sales, buy slightly ahead of peak seasons to avoid price hikes, and split large tubs into portions to prevent waste. Those little habits add up to real savings over time.

Conclusion

From Walmart practical bulk packs to specialty shops offering artisanal crème fraîche, the U.S. retail landscape gives you plenty of options for buying cream in the sizes that suit your lifestyle. Consider how you’ll use the cream, the package sizes you can store, and whether you need organic or dairy-free alternatives. Compare per-ounce costs, store wisely at 40°F or below, and don’t be afraid to experiment with coconut cream, cream of coconut, table cream, and crème fraîche — each brings its own personality to the plate or glass.