Sweet cream cold foam has become an incredibly popular addition to coffee drinks at coffee chains like Starbucks. The light, sweet foam adds a decadent texture and flavor to both hot and iced coffee beverages. But with its rich taste, many coffee drinkers wonder just how many extra calories cold foam contributes.
What is Sweet Cream Cold Foam?
Sweet cream cold foam consists of vanilla syrup and heavy whipping cream blended together until frothy. The vanilla syrup provides sweetness, while the heavy cream contributes rich texture and mouthfeel. The cold foam has a smooth, creamy consistency topped with a slightly foamy layer.
Starbucks first introduced cold foam in 2018 with its signature Cascara Cold Foam Cold Brew. Thecascara-flavored cold foam proved so popular that Starbucks later rolled out sweet cream cold foam for customization in any coffee drink.
Now sweet cream cold foam can be added to lattes, cappuccinos, macchiatos, americanos, and various espresso drinks for an extra creamy boost. It’s most commonly served on top of iced coffee beverages to add sweetness and texture.
Calories in Sweet Cream Cold Foam
So just how many calories come in sweet cream cold foam? Let’s break it down:
- 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream = 51 calories
- 1 tablespoon vanilla syrup = 40 calories
A typical sweet cream cold foam is made with roughly 2 tablespoons heavy cream and 1 tablespoon vanilla syrup. That means one serving of sweet cream cold foam contains approximately:
91 calories
However, the exact number of calories can vary depending on the recipe and portion size. Some coffee shops may use a little more or less cream and syrup when making their sweet cream cold foam.
Calories in Full Drinks With Sweet Cream Cold Foam
While the cold foam itself is under 100 calories, adding it to full coffee drinks can quickly rachet up the calorie count. Here are the approximate calories when adding sweet cream cold foam to popular Starbucks drinks:
Iced Coffee with Sweet Cream Cold Foam
Grande Iced Coffee: 120 calories
Sweet Cream Cold Foam: 91 calories
Total: 211 calories
Iced Caramel Macchiato with Sweet Cream Cold Foam
Grande Iced Caramel Macchiato: 210 calories
Sweet Cream Cold Foam: 91 calories
Total: 301 calories
Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew with Sweet Cream Cold Foam
Grande Cold Brew: 70 calories
Vanilla Sweet Cream: 80 calories
Sweet Cream Cold Foam: 91 calories
Total: 241 calories
As you can see, adding sweet cream cold foam to an already caloric coffee drink can increase the calorie count by 100 calories or more. While the cold foam itself is low calorie, combining it with sugary syrups and creams ramps up the calories quickly.
Ways to Reduce Calories in Sweet Cream Cold Foam Drinks
If you love sweet cream cold foam but want to watch your calorie intake, here are some tips for making your drink healthier:
- Order a small or tall size instead of a large grande or venti.
- Choose sugar-free syrups like cinnamon dolce and sugar-free vanilla.
- Ask for half the pumps of syrup to reduce added sugars.
- Substitute milk for a lower calorie option like almond or coconut milk.
- Request less cold foam on top.
- Opt for cold brew or americano as the coffee base since they are naturally lower in calories.
You can also try making a lighter version at home. Substitute the heavy cream for 2% milk and use just 1/2 tablespoon of vanilla syrup in the cold foam. Then top your coffee beverage with about 1 tablespoon of the foam.
Nutrition Facts of Sweet Cream Cold Foam
Here is the nutrition breakdown for a typical sweet cream cold foam made with 2 tablespoons heavy cream and 1 tablespoon vanilla syrup:
| Nutrition Facts | 1 serving sweet cream cold foam |
|---|---|
| Calories | 91 |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g |
| Trans Fat | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 30 mg |
| Sodium | 10 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 3 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Protein | 1 g |
As you can see, the majority of calories in sweet cream cold foam come from fat, given the high-fat heavy cream ingredient. There are also 3 grams of sugar from the vanilla syrup. So while delicious, sweet cream cold foam is high in calories and saturated fat.
Ingredients in Sweet Cream Cold Foam
Sweet cream cold foam contains just two main ingredients:
- Heavy cream – Heavy cream provides the signature rich, smooth, creamy texture. Most recipes call for heavy whipping cream or heavy cream with around 36-40% milkfat.
- Vanilla syrup – Vanilla syrup gives sweet cream cold foam its characteristic sweet vanilla flavor. Starbucks uses a proprietary vanilla-flavored syrup.
Some locations may also include minor ingredients like:
- Salt – A small pinch of salt can help balance out sweetness.
- Vanilla extract – For extra vanilla flavor.
- Cane sugar – If made with simple syrup instead of flavored vanilla syrup.
However, heavy cream and vanilla syrup remain the two core ingredients used to make sweet cream cold foam.
How to Make Sweet Cream Cold Foam at Home
While you can easily get sweet cream cold foam at your favorite coffee shop, it’s also simple to whip up at home. Here’s a basic recipe and instructions for making DIY sweet cream cold foam:
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream or heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon vanilla syrup or vanilla bean paste
- Pinch of salt (optional)
Directions:
- Combine heavy cream, vanilla syrup, and a pinch of salt (if using) in a mason jar or container.
- Close lid securely and shake vigorously for about 20-30 seconds until frothy.
- Open jar and scoop sweet cream cold foam with a spoon.
- Top your favorite hot or iced coffee beverage and enjoy!
Be careful not to over-shake, as it can cause the foam to take on a buttery texture. Sweet cream cold foam is best fresh, but you can store any leftovers in the fridge for 2-3 days.
Storing and Reheating Sweet Cream Cold Foam
Sweet cream cold foam is perishable due to the heavy cream ingredient. For food safety, it’s best to consume any sweet cream cold foam on the same day it’s made.
However, you can store leftover cold foam in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. Give it a quick stir or re-blend before using to reincorporate any separated liquid.
Sweet cream cold foam is meant to top cold coffee drinks. Reheating risks curdling the dairy in the foam. But if you do need to reheat it, do so very gently either in the microwave or on the stove.
Buying Pre-Made Sweet Cream Cold Foam
While making your own sweet cream cold foam is simple, some grocery stores now sell ready-made cold foam options for convenience:
- Starbucks – Starbucks recently began selling bottles of their Sweet Cream Cold Foam in the refrigerated section. One 4 oz serving has 60 calories.
- International Delight – International Delight offers a shelf-stable Sweet Cream Coffee Creamer designed specifically for making cold foam. Just add it to a mason jar and shake for DIY foam.
- Califia Farms – Califia Farms makes a shelf-stable almondmilk-based Better Half foamable creamer for a dairy-free foam option.
Check your local grocery store or coffee section for these and other bottled sweet cream cold foam products.
Uses for Sweet Cream Cold Foam
While sweet cream cold foam is most commonly served atop coffee beverages, you can also utilize it in other creative ways:
- Fold into blended coffee frappuccinos or milkshakes
- Dollop on top of ice cream sundaes
- Use as a garnish for pies and cakes
- Add a spoonful into hot chocolate or chocolate milk
- Spoon over fresh fruit like bananas, berries, and mango
- Blend with cream liqueurs for cocktail foams
- Swirl into oatmeal or chia pudding
Sweet cream cold foam can give a rich, decadent topping to both sweet and savory treats. It’s a delicious way to use leftover foam beyond your morning coffee.
FAQs About Sweet Cream Cold Foam
Is sweet cream cold foam keto?
Sweet cream cold foam is not keto-friendly, given the high carb and sugar content. The vanilla syrup contains around 3g net carbs and 3g sugar per serving. Heavy cream is low carb but the added syrup increases the carb count.
Is sweet cream cold foam healthy?
Sweet cream cold foam is high in calories, fat, and sugar, so it is not the healthiest choice. But it can be an occasional treat. Some ways to make it healthier include reducing portion size, using sugar-free syrup, or substituting the heavy cream for 2% milk.
Does sweet cream cold foam have dairy?
Yes, sweet cream cold foam contains dairy as it’s made with heavy cream. For a non-dairy alternative, try substituting full-fat coconut cream and your favorite sugar-free syrup.
Is sweet cream cold foam vegan?
No, standard sweet cream cold foam is not vegan because it contains heavy cream. For a vegan version, use canned full-fat coconut cream instead of heavy cream, plus vanilla syrup or vanilla extract and cane sugar.
Is cold foam the same as sweet cream cold foam?
“Sweet cream cold foam” refers to the specific vanilla-flavored cold foam popularized by Starbucks. Plain cold foam without added syrup can be used on any drink, but won’t have the signature sweet cream taste.
The Bottom Line
Sweet cream cold foam adds a luscious, creamy sweetness to coffee drinks. While the cold foam itself is low calorie, sweet cream versions made with heavy cream and sugary syrup quickly add calories, fat, and carbs. Enjoy sweet cream cold foam as an occasional treat, but opt for smaller portions or “light” versions to keep your coffee drink feeling like a splurge without going overboard.
