Nutrition Comparison: Whipping Cream Vs Milk (2024)

FAQs

Is whipping cream better for you than milk? ›

High-fat dairy such as heavy whipping cream has been linked to a higher risk of dementia and worse breast cancer survival rates. High-fat dairy has also been associated with an increased risk of death from prostate cancer. The more whole-fat milk people consumed, the greater their risk.

Heavy cream: Heavy cream is made by skimming the fat off the top of milk. Although it is much lower in carbs than milk, it's not a zero carb food. Heavy cream contains about 3 grams of carbs per 100 grams (about 0.5 gram per tablespoon).

You can substitute heavy cream for milk by diluting it with a little water. Use half a cup heavy cream and half a cup water for every cup of whole milk. 1 cup whole milk: combine ½ cup heavy cream and ½ cup water.

One half-cup of liquid cream is equivalent to 1 cup whipped cream (120 grams) and contains ( 10 ): Calories: 408. Protein: 3 grams. Fat: 43 grams.

Is Heavy Cream Healthy? While heavy cream is high in calories and saturated fat, it also contains essential nutrients like calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin D. Consuming heavy cream in moderation can contribute to a balanced diet, but excessive consumption may lead to weight gain and increased risk of heart disease.

Dairy products such as heavy cream, butter, whole milk and cheese should also be avoided as they contain high amounts of trans fat and cholesterol, which causes inflammation. Many dairy products aren't considered anti-inflammatory and should not be consumed if already suffering from any inflammation causing disease.

With only 1.75 grams of carbs per 1/4 cup (59 mL), both heavy and whipping cream can be considered keto-friendly ( 3 , 4 ). For this reason, many people on keto diets rely on whipping cream or heavy cream as a sugar-free coffee creamer or to make keto-friendly desserts, such as chocolate mousse.

But it's the high-fat content that makes heavy cream the perfect keto milk for those following intensive therapeutic ketogenic diets where only 20 grams of carbohydrates per day are allowed.

In keto, you want to eat mostly fat, some protein, and very few carbs. Milk is high in carbs-about 12 grams per cup. But heavy cream has only about 1 gram of carbs per tablespoon. So it's a much better choice for keto.

Keep in mind that flavor and fat content will determine where you can successfully make a substitution. For example, because milk doesn't have enough fat, it won't maintain a structure when whipped. So it wouldn't be ideal as a dessert topping, nor will it hold up in a pan sauce.

What is a healthy alternative to heavy cream? ›

Similarly to half-and-half, milk makes a good heavy cream substitute when it's combined with melted butter. Combine 3/4 cup milk and 1/4 cup melted butter for every cup of heavy cream. This mixture is not suitable for whipping. Best for: cooking and baking.

You're probably sensing a trend here: foods that contain lots of extra sugars are not the best choice for someone with diabetes. Those tempting coffee beverages are tempting for a reason — they're full of syrups, whipped cream and sugar that could send your blood sugar through the roof.

When to Use Whipping Cream. If you have nutrition concerns and want a lighter option, go for whipping cream. Per tablespoon, it has 45 calories, 4.5 grams of fat and 3 g of saturated fat, whereas heavy cream has 50 calories, 5 g of fat and 3.5 g of saturated fat per tablespoon.

Whipping cream

Here's the thing: Milk isn't a great option on the keto diet, says Jalali. Whole milk has 12 grams of carbs per cup, and low-fat or skim has even more. And don't even get me started on ice cream (way too much sugar). Cream, on the other hand—whipping or whipped—is totally doable on the keto diet.

Healthy substitute for heavy cream can be found in various dairy-free options such as coconut cream, almond milk, or cashew cream. These alternatives provide a lower calorie and fat content while still maintaining a creamy texture and flavor.

Cottage cheese and milk

It's high in protein and many micronutrients, making it a healthy substitute for heavy cream. Cottage cheese alone can be a good substitute for heavy cream to help add thickness to recipes like sauces. Simply remove the lumps by blending it with an immersion blender or food processor.