Sugar free whipped cream is definitely available and can be a great option for people looking to reduce their sugar intake. Whipped cream is made by whipping cream, typically heavy whipping cream, until it becomes light and fluffy. Regular whipped cream contains no added sugars, but does have naturally occurring sugars like lactose from the dairy. Sugar free whipped cream has no added sugars and uses ingredients to replace the lactose, resulting in a sweet whipped cream with minimal sugars.
What is whipped cream?
Whipped cream is made by whisking or whipping heavy cream until it forms soft peaks. As air is incorporated into the cream, it becomes light, fluffy, and expands in volume. The process of whipping the cream causes the fat molecules to stick together and form a semi-solid structure. Whipped cream is often sweetened with sugar and used as a topping or dessert accompaniment. It provides a light sweetness and creamy texture.
Ingredients in whipped cream
The main ingredient in whipped cream is heavy whipping cream, also known as heavy cream. Heavy cream contains between 36-40% milk fat, giving it a high fat content. The high fat content allows the cream to whip into the characteristic light and airy texture of whipped cream. Heavy cream also contains some naturally occurring sugars in the form of lactose, a milk sugar. When heavy cream is whipped into whipped cream, air bubbles are incorporated into the fat and liquid, creating the fluffy texture.
In addition to heavy cream, whipped cream often contains:
- Sugar – Granulated white sugar is frequently added to sweeten whipped cream. The sugar adds sweetness and helps stabilize the whipped cream.
- Vanilla – Vanilla extract is commonly added for flavoring.
- Stabilizers – Ingredients like gelatin or corn starch may be added to help stabilize the whipped cream and prevent water loss.
- Flavorings – Other flavor extracts, cocoa powder, citrus zest, or other ingredients could be added to create different flavor varieties.
The process of making whipped cream
Whipped cream is made by whisking or whipping heavy cream to incorporate air bubbles and create a light, foamy texture. Here is an overview of the process:
- Heavy cream is chilled – Whipped cream is easiest to make when the cream is thoroughly chilled. Cold cream whips faster since the fat molecules are more solid and can trap air bubbles better.
- Cream is whipped – Using a whisk, stand mixer, or hand mixer, the heavy cream is whipped vigorously to incorporate air and cause the fat molecules to stick together.
- Sugar and flavors are added – As the cream thickens, sugar and any other flavorings are slowly sprinkled in to taste. This helps stabilize the whipped cream.
- Whipping continues – Whipping continues until the cream forms soft peaks and becomes fluffy and spreadable.
- Whipped cream is used or chilled – Freshly whipped cream can be served immediately or chilled again to help stabilize it.
Following proper technique when whipping the cream is important to get the right consistency without over-whipping. Soft peaks form when the whipped cream mounds slightly when the whisk or beater is lifted but the tip still folds over. Overbeaten whipped cream will look grainy and dry.
What is sugar free whipped cream?
Sugar free whipped cream has no added sugars, so it relies on sugar substitutes and low lactose dairy ingredients to minimize sugars while still being sweet. Sugar free whipped creams are a good option for people managing diabetes, watching their sugar intake, or following low carb, keto, or paleo diets.
Ingredients in sugar free whipped cream
There are a few different approaches to making whipped cream sugar free:
- Non-dairy cream – Using plant-based dairy alternatives like coconut cream, cashew cream, or other nut milks can be lactose and sugar free. These may contain natural sweeteners like stevia.
- Low-lactose dairy cream – Some cows produce milk with lower lactose that can be made into cream containing less sugar.
- Sugar substitutes – Sweeteners like stevia, monk fruit, erythritol, or sucralose can replace the sugar to minimize carbs and calories while maintaining sweetness.
- Stabilizers – Additional stabilizers and thickeners may be used to improve the whipped texture when less dairy fat is present.
Reading the ingredient list can give insight into what strategies a brand is using to create their sugar free whipped cream. Key things to look for are non-dairy ingredients, mentions of lactose-free, and sugar substitute sweeteners.
Nutrition comparison to regular whipped cream
Compared to regular whipped cream, sugar free varieties will have fewer sugars and carbohydrates. A 1/4 cup (60ml) serving of regular whipped cream has about:
- 25 calories
- 2.5g total fat
- 2g carbohydrates
- 2g sugars
While sugar free whipped cream nutrition can vary based on ingredients, a serving may have:
- 15-25 calories
- 1-5g total fat
- 0-1g net carbohydrates
- 0g sugars
Sugar free alternatives can have 70-90% less sugar than regular whipped cream. However, the fat content may still be similar if using dairy ingredients. Be sure to check nutrition labels to compare products.
What are some brands of sugar free whipped cream?
There are a growing number of brands developing sugar free whipped cream products as the demand for low carb and keto-friendly options increases. Here are some popular sugar free whipped creams:
Reddi-wip Sugar Free
Reddi-wip’s sugar free whipped cream contains cream, water, hydrogenated coconut and palm kernel oils, milk protein concentrate, less than 1% of natural flavors, sucralose, and acesulfame potassium. With 0g sugar and 0g net carbs per serving, it’s a solid mainstream option carried by many grocery stores.
Cascade Whips Sugar Free
Cascade Whips makes sugar free whipped cream using lactose-free milk and cream along with sucralose and monk fruit extract to sweeten. It has only 1g net carbs per serving. They also offer flavors like sugar free caramel and mocha.
Whip’d Sugar Free
Whip’d has a keto-friendly sugar free whipped cream sweetened with allulose, a low glycemic sugar substitute. It’s dairy based and contains only 1g net carbs and 0g sugar per serving. Whip’d uses high fat heavy cream for a clean ingredient profile.
Califia Farms Dairy Free Whipped Cream
For a dairy free option, Califia Farms makes a sugar free whipped cream using coconut cream, sunflower oil, and natural flavors. It relies on monk fruit for sweetness and contains no lactose. At 2g net carbs and 0g sugar per serving, it’s suitable for many low carb lifestyles.
Is sugar free whipped cream keto friendly?
Many sugar free whipped creams can be keto friendly choices, aligning with a ketogenic diet’s emphasis on very low carb and high fat. To determine if a product fits a keto diet, check that it has:
- Total carbohydrates less than 5g per serving
- Net carbs less than 3g per serving
- No added sugars
- High fat from dairy or oils
Avoid sugar free whipped creams with maltodextrin, corn syrup solids, or other starchy additives. Look for short ingredient lists focusing on healthy fats. Products sweetened with erythritol, monk fruit, stevia, or allulose tend to be most keto friendly.
Using sugar free whipped cream on keto
On a keto diet, sugar free whipped cream can be enjoyed in small portions as an occasional treat. Potential ways to use it include:
- Topping for keto coffee drinks or smoothies
- Topping for low carb desserts like cheesecake or chocolate mousse
- Dollop on sugar free gelatin snacks
- Frosting or filling for keto cupcakes or fat bombs
- Garnish for low carb parfaits or custards
When counting carbs and macros, be mindful of portion sizes as even sugar free whipped cream contains calories and fat. But used sparingly, it can be a nice way to add flavor and creamy texture.
What about making your own sugar free whipped cream?
It’s possible to make your own sugar free whipped cream at home with just a few ingredients:
Dairy-based sugar free whipped cream
- Heavy whipping cream – Whip chilled cream until fluffy peaks form.
- Sugar substitute – Sweeten to taste with a granulated zero carb sweetener like erythritol, monk fruit, or stevia blends.
- Vanilla – Add sugar free vanilla to infuse flavor.
Dairy-free sugar free whipped cream
- Full fat coconut milk – Chilled cans will whip best. Refrigerate cans upside down overnight.
- Sugar substitute – Mix in powdered options like monk fruit or stevia.
- Vanilla – Sugar free vanilla provides flavor.
- Lecithin – Add a teaspoon to improve whipping.
Experiment with different dairy-free milk and cream options like cashew or almond cream. Adding extra sweetener, vanilla, or spices like cinnamon can cover any beany flavors. Homemade allows control over the ingredients.
Conclusion
In summary, sugar free whipped cream is readily available for purchase or can be made at home. By using low lactose dairy, dairy alternatives, and sugar substitutes, brands are able to create whipped creams with minimal sugars and carbs. Sugar free whipped cream works for keto and low carb diets when used in moderation. Check labels and ingredients lists to find options that best fit your dietary needs. Enjoy sugar free whipped cream as an occasional treat on desserts, drinks, or other low carb foods.
