Whipped cream is a popular topping for desserts like pies, cakes, hot chocolate and more. It provides a sweet, creamy flavor that many people enjoy. However, regular whipped cream can be high in sugar and calories. This has led to demand for sugar free whipped cream options for those looking to reduce their sugar intake.
The quick answer is yes, there are sugar free whipped cream options available in a can. Major brands like Reddi-wip and Cool Whip offer sugar free whipped cream made with artificial sweeteners instead of sugar. There are also some smaller specialty brands that sell sugar free whipped cream in a can.
What is whipped cream?
Whipped cream is made by whipping heavy cream until it becomes light and fluffy. Air is incorporated into the cream through the whipping process, which gives it volume. Heavy cream contains at least 36% milk fat.
The whipping process causes the fat molecules in the cream to stick together and expand, creating the characteristic smooth and creamy texture of whipped cream. As air stabilizes the fat, a matrix is formed that traps the air bubbles and allows the whipped cream to hold its shape.
Whipped cream is often sweetened with sugar while it is being whipped. Vanilla and other flavorings are also commonly added. The sweetened whipped cream is then used as a topping or dessert accompaniment.
Types of whipped cream
There are a few different types of whipped cream available:
– Heavy whipping cream – Contains 36-40% milk fat. Produces the firmest whipped cream.
– Whipping cream – Contains 30-36% milk fat. Makes slightly softer whipped cream.
– Light or light whipping cream – 20-30% milk fat. Has a lighter texture when whipped.
– Half and half – 10-18% milk fat. Does not whip up firmly so is not ideal for making whipped cream.
The higher the milk fat content, the easier it is to whip the cream and the firmer the final texture will be. Heavy whipping cream is usually best for making sweetened whipped cream.
Do they make sugar free whipped cream in a can?
Yes, there are a few major brands that make sugar free whipped cream available in a pressurized can:
Reddi-wip Sugar Free
Reddi-wip is one of the most popular brands for whipped cream in a can. They offer a sugar free whipped cream that contains zero grams of sugar per serving. It is sweetened with sucralose, an artificial sweetener also known as Splenda.
A 2 tablespoon serving of Reddi-wip Sugar Free contains 15 calories and 1.5g of fat. It comes in a 12 oz resealable can.
Cool Whip Sugar Free
Cool Whip also makes a sugar free whipped topping. It is sweetened with a blend of sucralose and acesulfame potassium (Ace-K).
Cool Whip’s sugar free whipped topping has 5 calories and 0.5g of fat per serving. It’s available in 8 oz freezer-safe plastic tubs.
Truly Sugar Free Organic Whipped Topping
Truly Sugar Free is a specialty brand that makes an organic sugar free whipped cream. It’s sweetened with erythritol and monk fruit extract.
Their sugar free whipped topping contains 25 calories and 2.5g of fat per serving. It comes in a pressurized 8.5 oz can.
Other brands
Some regional or smaller brands also offer sugar free canned whipped cream options, such as:
– Southern Home Sugar Free Reddi-Whip
– Organic Valley Sugar Free Whipped Cream
– Lucerne Sugar Free Whipped Topping
The specific ingredients and nutrition will vary across brands based on the type and amount of sweeteners added. But all provide a zero or low sugar whipped cream choice in a convenient can format.
What ingredients are used in sugar free whipped cream in a can?
Sugar free whipped cream gets its creamy texture mainly from heavy cream or some type of vegetable fat. To make it sugar free, artificial sweeteners are used for sweetness instead of sugar. Some other common ingredients include:
Heavy cream
Heavy cream gives whipped cream its high fat content and produces a light, fluffy texture when whipped. Sugar free whipped creams are made with heavy cream or a heavy cream alternative like hydrogenated vegetable oil.
Artificial sweeteners
To provide sweetness without sugar, most brands use artificial sweeteners like sucralose (Splenda), aspartame (Equal), and acesulfame potassium (Ace-K). These provide a sweet taste without added calories or carbohydrates.
Natural sweeteners
Some sugar free whipped creams use extracts from natural sweeteners like stevia, monk fruit, and erythritol. These can provide sweetness from plant sources while keeping sugars and calories low.
Emulsifiers
Ingredients like mono- and diglycerides help maintain the texture and keep the whipped cream smooth and stable. They prevent the fat from separating.
Stabilizers and thickeners
Carrageenan, cellulose gel, and vegetable gums are added to improve the whipped cream’s consistency, thickness, and stability over time. This keeps it from watering out or collapsing.
Flavorings
Sugar free whipped creams typically include vanilla extract or other flavorings to enhance the sweetness and taste. Brands may also offer flavors like chocolate or maple.
Propellants
Canned whipped creams use nitrous oxide as a propellant to pressurize the can and force the whipped cream out when the nozzle is pressed.
What are the benefits of sugar free whipped cream in a can?
Sugar free whipped cream offers several benefits:
Lowers sugar and carbohydrate intake
The biggest benefit of sugar free whipped cream is reducing sugar and carbs. This allows people limiting sugar for health, diet, or medical reasons to still enjoy the creamy flavor of whipped cream.
Fewer calories
With little or no sugar, sugar free whipped creams are lower in calories than regular full-sugar whipped cream. This can help support weight management.
Convenience
Canned whipped cream provides an easy, quick way to top desserts and drinks with a nice crowning touch of whipped cream. Sugar free versions provide this same convenience for those avoiding sugar.
Longer shelf life
Kept refrigerated, canned whipped cream lasts for weeks from the production date. This allows keeping some on hand for whenever a whipped cream craving strikes.
Easy to use
Canned whipped cream requires no preparation or effort – just press the nozzle and it dispenses right onto the dessert or drink! Sugar free options provide this same ease of use.
No stabilizers or preservatives needed
Since canned whipped cream is shelf-stable and doesn’t require whipping before use, sugar free versions often have fewer stabilizers and preservatives compared to tub style whipped topping.
What are the drawbacks of sugar free whipped cream in a can?
However, there are some potential downsides to consider:
Artificial sweeteners
The artificial sweeteners may leave an unpleasant aftertaste for some people. There are also mixed opinions on how healthy different sweeteners are.
Not as natural
With more ingredients and processing involved, canned whipped creams are not as fresh or natural as homemade whipped cream. Sugar free versions have added artificial ingredients.
High in fat
Whipped cream is high in fat, even when sugar free. This can be a concern for those limiting overall fat intake for health reasons.
Contains chemical propellants
The nitrous oxide propellant may be undesirable for consumers looking to limit chemical additives in foods.
Not suitable for strict diets
Sugar free canned whipped creams still contain trace sugars and carbohydrates so they may not be suitable for keto, diabetic, or other restrictive diets.
Price
Sugar free whipped cream may cost more than regular varieties, especially smaller brand specialty products.
Limited flavor options
Only vanilla and sometimes chocolate flavors are typically available for sugar free canned whipped creams. More unique or natural flavors aren’t common.
How does sugar free canned whipped cream taste?
The taste of sugar free canned whipped cream can vary depending on the specific brand and ingredients used. Here is an overview:
Sweetness
Artificial sweeteners like sucralose provide sweetness without sugar, but some brands may taste sweeter than others depending on the formulation. Most aim to mimic the sweetness of regular whipped cream.
Creamy texture
When sprayed onto desserts and drinks, sugar free whipped cream has a light, creamy, smooth texture very similar to regular whipped cream. The mouthfeel is hard to distinguish.
Fatty richness
The high fat content from heavy cream provides a rich, indulgent, creamy flavor and feel. This is retained with sugar free versions.
Vanilla flavor
Most brands offer popular vanilla flavor. This provides a complement to the sweetness and a classic whipped cream taste.
Aftertaste
Some artificial sweeteners may leave an unpleasant chemical or bitter aftertaste for some people once the initial sweetness fades.
Aerated texture
Being sprayed from a pressurized can gives sugar free whipped cream a light, airy texture with smaller air bubbles compared to homemade.
Overall, most sugar free canned whipped creams aim to provide as close as possible to a classic whipped cream taste and texture while eliminating sugar. But personal taste preferences for sweeteners make the flavor more subjective.
What desserts and drinks pair well with sugar free canned whipped cream?
Sugar free whipped cream can top off both hot and cold desserts and beverages for a sweet, creamy finish. Here are some of the most popular pairings:
Hot chocolate or coffee
A dollop of whipped cream with zero sugar is a great way to sweeten and lighten up a hot chocolate or coffee drink.
Pies
Top pies like pumpkin, chocolate, banana cream, or coconut cream pie with some sugar free whipped cream for added texture and just a touch of sweetness.
Cakes or cupcakes
For special occasions like birthdays, a spray of sugar free whipped cream is a pretty, low-sugar topping for frosted cakes and cupcakes.
Fruit desserts
Fresh fruit like berries and sliced peaches taste delicious when served with a small cloud of sugar free whipped cream.
Pudding
Fat free sugar free pudding is complemented by a light squirt of sugar free whipped cream on top.
Ice cream
For an extra creamy dessert, top low-sugar ice cream flavors with sugar free whipped cream.
Milkshakes and smoothies
Blend some sugar free whipped cream into milkshakes or fruit smoothies to make them thick and creamy but not too sweet.
The possibilities are nearly endless! Sugar free whipped cream can creatively top most hot or cold desserts and beverages needing a finishing touch of airy sweetness.
What is the best way to make sugar free whipped cream at home?
While less convenient than canned, homemade sugar free whipped cream can allow for greater control over the taste and ingredients. Here is one way to make it:
Ingredients
– 1 cup heavy whipping cream
– 1-2 tbsp powdered sugar substitute (like Swerve or Lakanto Monkfruit Sweetener)
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
Method
1. Chill a mixing bowl and beaters in the fridge for 15-30 minutes before starting. Cold equipment is key to whipping success.
2. Add the heavy cream, powdered sweetener, and vanilla to the chilled bowl.
3. Beat on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes until soft peaks form.
4. Raise speed to high and continue whipping just until stiff peaks form, about 1 minute more. Don’t overbeat.
5. Use immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
6. To use, pipe or dollop onto desserts, drinks, fruit, etc. Enjoy!
The powdered low-carb sweetener integrates smoothly while whipping for a good sugar free substitute. Experiment with different natural options to find your favorite taste.
Conclusion
Sugar free whipped cream provides an indulgent, sweet topping for desserts and drinks without all the sugar. Major brands like Reddi-wip and Cool Whip offer convenient mainstream options for a squirt of sweetness from a can. Or homemade can provide greater control over ingredients and taste.
Overall, sugar free whipped cream enables those monitoring sugar for dietary needs or health reasons to still enjoy the creamy, smooth treat. In moderation, it can be part of an enjoyable diet with less sugar.
