Difference Between Heavy Cream and Whipping Cream( With Table)

While walking down the dairy aisle in stores, the debate of heavy cream vs whipping cream is something that goes on inside our heads every time. Are they the same? They definitely look the same.

By the end of this article, you will never see these two with the same eyes again!

Heavy Cream Vs Whipping Cream: An Overview

You might also know heavy cream as heavy whipping cream. The fat content of heavy cream has to be at least 36%. This has the ability to keep its shape for a longer period of time, and it also whips better than other creams.

Light whipping cream, also known as whipping cream, has a fat content of 30%-35%. It has a soft and cushiony structure, but whipping cream has a tendency to turn liquid fairly quickly. The calorie count of whipped cream is also significantly lower.

What Is Heavy Cream?

Heavy cream or heavy whipped cream are essentially the same products under the United States Food and Drug Administration. It is rich in 36% milkfat. The nutritional values of heavy cream are 5 grams of fat, 3.5 grams of saturated fat, and 50 calories per tablespoon.

For the high-fat content, you can count on heavy cream to hold its shape. It also whips better than any other cream. If you want to have your cream whipped three or four hours prior to preparing the dish, heavy cream is the best choice for you.

Heavy cream is also a great thickening agent, and you can prepare creamy and thick soup, fill a cake, or even prepare an ice cream sundae with it. The additional fat ensures excellent flavor to your dish.

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What Is Whipping Cream?

Whipping cream has a lower milk fat (30%-35%). If you are having concerns about the calorie count, it can be a great alternative. A tablespoon of whipping cream has 45 calories, 3 grams of saturated fat, and 4.5 grams of fat.

Whipping cream loses its shape over a long period of time. Since it is low-fat, you will see it becomes liquid fairly quickly. Whipping cream has a lighter taste and a gentle texture.

The best use of whipping cream is simply whipped cream. You can place it on top of apple pies, peach parfaits, and fruit salads.

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Main Differences Between Heavy Cream and Whipping Cream

You might think a 5% fat content difference is not a big deal, but it is. Heavy cream, being richer in fat, can add more richness and thickness in soups, desserts, and sweetmeats compared to whipping cream.

The fat content of Heavy Cream is at least 35% or more, and that of Whipping Cream is 30% to 35%
Due to its high-fat content, Heavy Cream can hold its shape for a few hours. But Whipping Cream easily becomes liquid within an hour.
Heavy Cream has a rich and thick texture, and whipped cream is airy and soft.

A Comparison Table to Summarize

Parameter	Heavy Cream	Whipping Cream
Fat content	At least 35% milk fat or more.	30-35% Milkfat.
Solidity	Remains solid and does not lose its shape over a long period of time.	Loses its shape quickly due to low-fat content.
Ideal Dishes	Ice cream, frozen desserts, gravy.	Tarts, waffles, fruit salad, parfait.
Calorie	High Calorie.	Low calorie.

Conclusion

The rich fat content of heavy cream makes it a better choice in the heavy cream vs whipped cream debate. Heavy cream is versatile, and you can use it anywhere instead of whipped cream.

However, if you have a concern over nutrition and calorie, choose whipped cream.