Whipped cream is a popular topping for desserts like pies, cakes, hot chocolate, and more. It’s light, fluffy, and adds a nice sweet flavor. But with its high fat content, whipped cream is also high in calories. So how many calories are actually in a full can of whipped cream?
What is Whipped Cream?
Whipped cream, also sometimes called whipping cream, is a cream that contains at least 30% milkfat. It’s made by whipping air into cream to turn the liquid into a light, fluffy foam. The air incorporated into the cream is what gives whipped cream its lightness.
Whipped cream can be found in a pressurized can, sold in the dairy aisle of grocery stores. It can also be freshly made by whipping heavy whipping cream. When sprayed from the can, commercial whipped cream holds its shape well compared to freshly whipped cream.
Nutrition Facts for Whipped Cream
The nutrition facts for a typical serving of canned whipped cream are:
- Calories: 52
- Total fat: 5g
- Saturated fat: 3g
- Trans fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 20mg
- Total carbs: 1g
- Dietary fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 0g
As you can see, a 2 tablespoon serving contains just over 50 calories, the majority of which come from fat. This is due to the high fat content of cream.
Calories in a Full Can of Whipped Cream
Now that we know the basic nutrition facts for whipped cream, how many calories are in a whole can?
Typical Can Size
Canned whipped cream is usually sold in 8 oz cans. Some brands may be 6 oz or 12 oz, but 8 oz is standard.
An 8 oz can contains approximately 16 tablespoons, or 240 grams, of whipped cream.
Calorie Calculation
Using the nutrition facts above, we can calculate the calories for a full 8 oz can:
* 2 tablespoons (1 serving) has 52 calories
* There are 16 tablespoons in an 8 oz can
* So there are:
* 52 calories x 16 servings = **832 calories in an 8 oz can of whipped cream**
Therefore, a typical 8 ounce can of whipped cream contains about 830-850 calories.
This is just a rough estimate since nutrition can vary slightly between brands. But it gives a general idea of how many calories are in a whole can.
Fat and Weight Gain
832 calories is a high amount coming from a cream topping. To put it in perspective:
* 832 calories from whipped cream is over 40% of a 2,000 calorie diet.
* The daily recommended limit for saturated fat is 20g. An 8 oz can of whipped cream has 48g saturated fat.
* Gaining 1 pound of body fat requires a 3,500 calorie surplus. An 8 oz can of whipped cream is nearly 25% of the calories needed to gain 1 pound.
So consuming a whole can of whipped cream can easily add excess calories and fat to your diet if you’re not accounting for it. The saturated fat content is more than double the recommended daily value.
Weight Gain
Frequently eating whole cans of whipped cream can cause weight gain over time.
For example, if someone consumes 3 cans per week in addition to their normal diet, that equates to about 2,500 extra calories weekly just from the whipped cream alone.
Over the course of a month, that would mean an extra 10,000 calories, which could potentially cause a 2-3 pound weight gain.
The bottom line is moderation is key. Whipped cream can be enjoyed as an occasional treat, but habitually eating multiple cans per week is not a healthy habit.
Ways to Reduce Calories
Here are some tips to enjoy whipped cream while reducing the calorie count:
Use a Lighter Topping
* **Whipped topping** – Made with vegetable oil and milk proteins, whipped topping has about half the calories of whipped cream. A serving has 20-30 calories.
* **Cool whip** – Cool whip is a brand of whipped topping with 25 calories per 2 tablespoon serving. It has less fat than whipped cream.
* **Greek yogurt** – Mix in a bit of honey for a creamy, protein-filled topping at about 50 calories per 2 tablespoons.
* **Light whipped cream** – Some brands make lighter versions with about half the calories. Or whip heavy cream to soft peaks for a lower calorie whipped cream.
Portion Control
Practice portion control when adding whipped cream:
* Measure out a single serving of 2 tablespoons (52 calories) instead of spraying freely.
* Use a small spoon to scoop out whipped cream instead of spraying it directly.
* Spray whipped cream into a bowl instead of onto the dessert to monitor the portion.
* Share one can among multiple people instead of having your own can.
Low Calorie Desserts
* Focus on low calorie desserts like fresh fruit, plain yogurt, or angel food cake. A small amount of whipped cream can add flavor without excess calories.
* For hot chocolate, use fat free milk and a small amount of light whipped cream.
* Pair whipped cream with strawberries or other fruits that have natural sweetness.
Healthier Whipped Cream Alternatives
Here are some recipes to make whipped cream healthier:
Greek Yogurt Whipped Cream
Ingredients:
* 1 cup Greek yogurt
* 1 teaspoon vanilla
* 1-2 tablespoons honey or powdered sugar
* Pinch of salt
Directions:
1. Mix together Greek yogurt, vanilla, honey/sugar, and salt until well combined.
2. Using a hand mixer, beat mixture on high speed until fluffy and light, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Serve or store covered in fridge up to 5 days.
Nutrition (2 tablespoon serving):
* 50 calories
* 0g fat
* 12g carbs
* 4g protein
Light Whipped Cream
Ingredients:
* 1 cup heavy whipping cream
* 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Directions:
1. Chill bowl and whisk attachments in freezer at least 15 minutes.
2. Add cream, vanilla, and sugar to chilled bowl.
3. Whip on medium-high speed until soft peaks form, about 2-3 minutes. Do not overbeat.
4. Serve immediately or refrigerate up to 4 days.
Nutrition (2 tablespoon serving):
* 105 calories
* 11g fat
* <1g carbs
* 0g protein
Skinny Mocha Whipped Cream
Ingredients:
* 1/2 cup heavy cream, chilled
* 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
* 1 tablespoon instant coffee powder
* 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
* 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Directions:
1. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients.
2. Using a hand mixer, beat until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Serve immediately or refrigerate.
Nutrition (2 tablespoon serving):
* 45 calories
* 4g fat
* 2g carbs
* 1g protein
Conclusion
A full 8 ounce can of whipped cream contains about 830 calories and 48 grams of saturated fat. Consuming multiple cans per week can lead to excessive calories and unhealthy weight gain over time.
To lighten up whipped cream, opt for lighter toppings, practice portion control, focus on low calorie desserts, or make healthier whipped cream recipes. Whipped cream can be integrated into a balanced diet in moderation, but should be a rare treat and not a daily habit.
