The Difference Between Heavy Cream, Whipping Cream and Heavy Whipping Cream, Explained (2024)

If you're confused by all the various cartons of cream, we're here to help with an easy explanation of the differences and the best ways to use each one, so you know what to reach for whatever recipe you're making.

By

Lauren Salkeld

The Difference Between Heavy Cream, Whipping Cream and Heavy Whipping Cream, Explained (1)

Lauren Salkeld is a New York City-based writer and editor. She spent a decade working for food magazines and websites, and now uses her culinary and editorial background to help chefs and food personalities share their recipes and stories, by writing and editing cookbooks. She's very happy to work from home, with Rosie, her miniature Schnauzer, by her side.

Updated on August 29, 2022

Have you ever stood in the supermarket dairy aisle, debating whether to buy heavy cream, heavy whipping cream or whipping cream? Is there a difference and does it matter? Despite their confusingly similar names, there are subtle differences between heavy cream and whipping cream. Adding to the confusion, heavy whipping cream is actually the same as heavy cream and whipping cream is sometimes called light whipping cream. While it probably won't make or break a recipe, knowing what to expect from each carton of cream will undoubtedly lead to less stress and more success in the kitchen.

The Difference Between Heavy Cream, Whipping Cream and Heavy Whipping Cream, Explained (2)

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration has labeling standards for each kind of cream. Heavy cream and heavy whipping cream must contain at least 36% or more milk fat, while whipping cream, also known as light whipping cream, must contain 30% to 35% milk fat. If you're having trouble keeping that straight, just remember that if you see the word "heavy," you're dealing with a slightly higher fat content.

The Difference Between Heavy Cream, Whipping Cream and Heavy Whipping Cream, Explained (3)

Pictured Recipe: Bourbon Whipped Cream

When to Use Heavy Cream

A few percentage points of fat may seem insignificant and in many instances it won't matter. If you're whipping cream to dollop on pie or an ice cream sundae, heavy cream and whipping cream will both deliver. However, if you want to pipe whipped cream or create a specific topping of some kind, or if you want to fill a cake, opt for heavy cream. Its slightly higher fat content means it whips better and will be more stable. It also has greater staying power, so if you want to whip your cream more than a few hours ahead, again, go for heavy cream.

Heavy cream's higher fat content also makes it a better thickening agent, making it ideal for gratins, bisques or other creamy soups, savory cream sauces, and dessert sauces like butterscotch and caramel. As a bonus, the extra fat also adds richness and flavor.

The Difference Between Heavy Cream, Whipping Cream and Heavy Whipping Cream, Explained (4)

Pictured Recipe: Strawberry Cornmeal Layer Cake

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 also tastes a little lighter and has a more airy, pillowy texture that may be just what you want on top of your apple pie or peach crisp.

The Bottom Line

When it comes to cooking and baking with cream, fat equals versatility, which means heavy cream is the more all-purpose option and will have you covered for just about any recipe.

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The Difference Between Heavy Cream, Whipping Cream and Heavy Whipping Cream, Explained (2024)

FAQs

The Difference Between Heavy Cream, Whipping Cream and Heavy Whipping Cream, Explained? ›

According to the labeling standards of the Food and Drug Administration, heavy cream is a cream with no less than 36% milk fat. It may also be called heavy whipping cream (1). In contrast, whipping cream has a slightly lower milk fat content, 30–36%. It may also be called light whipping cream (2).

Is heavy cream and heavy whipping cream the same thing? ›

Is Heavy Cream the Same as Heavy Whipping Cream? Yes, heavy cream and heavy whipping cream are the exact same thing. The confusion lies in the fact that they're sold by different brands under two different names.

Why is my heavy cream not whipping? ›

You're not chilling your cream. Using room temperature cream is the cardinal sin of whipped creamery and the number one reason for whipped cream not thickening. If it reaches above 10°C, the fat inside the cream will not emulsify, meaning it can't hold the air particles which allow it to maintain fluffy peaks.

Why is cream keto but not milk? ›

Heavy Cream is the best cream to use on a keto low carb diet because it has less than 3 grams of net carbs per 100 grams. Why Is Cream Keto But Not Milk? Milk naturally contains sugar, but when cream is made, the sugar is consumed by the bacteria that curdle the milk. Leaving a high-fat, low-carb mixture.

Why is my heavy cream so thick? ›

Heavy cream, also known as heavy whipping cream, is the thick part of the milk that rises to the top due to its high-fat content. According to the FDA, heavy cream contains 36 percent and 40 percent milk fat. This lends a rich texture and taste to a variety of sauces, soups, and creamy desserts.

Can heavy cream and heavy whipping cream be used interchangeably? ›

Since heavy whipping cream and heavy cream are the same product, you can use them interchangeably. Next time you see them displayed next to each other in the grocery store, you won't have to think twice about which one to pick up.

Can I use heavy whipping cream instead of heavy whipping cream? ›

The main difference between the two is their fat content. Heavy cream has slightly more fat than whipping cream. Otherwise, they are nutritionally very similar. You can use them interchangeably in recipes without affecting the taste, although they may lead to different consistencies.

How to fix whipping cream that won't whip? ›

Why is my cream not whipping?
  1. Cream whips better if you add a pinch of salt at the beginning.
  2. When whipping cream, add sugar and vanilla when the cream is about 1/2 whipped, and it will whip to a thicker consistency. ...
  3. The cream and the bowl should be as cold as possible.

How do you activate heavy whipping cream? ›

Grab a cold bowl, and chill your heavy cream before beginning; cold cream whips better. Once chilled, use a whisk to beat the cream back and forth until soft peaks begin to form. Be patient with the process, and you'll have soft, whipped cream in no time.

How do you know if heavy whipping cream is stiff? ›

Watch for firm peaks (8 to 9 minutes).

If you take your whisk out of the cream, the peaks will be completely stiff. If you whip much more beyond this stage, you'll make butter.

Is heavy cream inflammatory? ›

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.

Does Starbucks have heavy whipping cream? ›

HEAVY CREAM VS HALF AND HALF

One thing I love about Starbucks is that they have heavy cream. Some other coffee places only have half and half, which is fine but has a bit more carbs that pure heavy cream. Starbucks uses their heavy cream to make their whipped cream, so they always have it.

Is half and half the same as heavy cream? ›

The biggest difference between half-and-half and heavy cream is the milk fat content. According to the FDA, half-and-half contains between 10.5 percent to 18 percent milk fat, while heavy cream contains between 36 percent and 40 percent milk fat.

What to do with expired heavy cream? ›

Use Expired Heavy Cream to Make Butter.

But what we really loved was Hamilton's use of expired heavy cream: Turn it into butter for cooking (as opposed to butter you'd use to top bread at the dinner table). Whisk your cream at medium-high speed in a stand mixer.

What can I use instead of heavy cream? ›

The 10 Best Substitutes for Heavy Cream
  • Milk and butter.
  • Soy milk and olive oil.
  • Milk and cornstarch.
  • Half-and-half.
  • Tofu and soy.
  • Yogurt and milk.
  • Evaporated milk.
  • Cottage cheese and milk.

What is heavy cream called in the grocery store? ›

A: Heavy cream is commonly found at grocery stores labeled 'heavy whipping cream.” You might find some products labeled 'heavy cream.” They are the same. Heavy whipping cream is cream that has a milk fat content of 36-40 percent.

What is another name for heavy cream? ›

Heavy cream, also known as heavy whipping cream, is the thick part of the milk that rises to the top due to its high fat content. With about 36-40% fat, it has one of the highest fat contents compared to other dairy products. Whipping cream comes in at a close but lighter second, with about 30% milk fat.

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