Heavy whipping cream, also known as heavy cream, is a type of high-fat cream used in cooking and baking. It contains between 36-40% milk fat, giving it a thick, rich texture when whipped. But is heavy whipping cream actually dairy free?
No, heavy whipping cream is not dairy free.
Heavy whipping cream is a dairy product made from milk. By definition, it contains a high percentage of milk fat from cow’s milk. This makes it unsuitable for people with dairy allergies or intolerances like lactose intolerance.
There are several reasons why heavy whipping cream cannot be considered dairy free:
It is made from dairy milk
Heavy whipping cream is made by skimming the high-fat cream off the top of whole milk. It undergoes pasteurization and homogenization to create the final product. Without milk from dairy cows, it would not exist in its current form.
It contains milk proteins and lactose
Heavy cream is mostly milk fat, but it also contains milk proteins like casein and whey. These allergenic proteins can cause issues for those with dairy allergies. It also contains lactose, the natural milk sugar, which is problematic for the lactose intolerant.
It lacks dairy-free labeling
If a product is dairy-free, it will be clearly labeled as such. Terms like “nondairy”, “dairy-free”, or “vegan” will be prominently displayed. Heavy whipping cream lacks this kind of labeling because it plainly contains dairy.
Substitutes exist
There would be no need for “dairy-free heavy cream” if regular heavy whipping cream was already dairy-free. The existence of alternative products indicates that standard heavy cream is unsuitable for dairy-free diets.
Ingredients in Heavy Whipping Cream
To understand why heavy cream isn’t dairy-free, let’s look closely at its ingredients:
Cream
Heavy whipping cream is made by skimming the fatty cream off the top of milk. This is what gives it the thick, rich consistency. Without cream from cow’s milk, it wouldn’t exist.
Milk fat
Also called butterfat, milk fat is the fatty portion of milk. Heavy whipping cream contains between 36-40% milk fat. Again, this comes from cows.
Emulsifiers
Heavy cream contains emulsifiers like mono- and diglycerides or polysorbate 80. These help stabilize the emulsion of fat and water molecules.
Stabilizers
Stabilizers like carrageenan or gelatin are sometimes added to improve texture and prevent separation.
Flavorings
Some heavy cream products have natural or artificial flavorings added. These are often milk-derived.
As you can see, all of the primary ingredients in heavy whipping cream come from dairy sources. There are no suitable plant-based alternatives.
Nutrition Facts of Heavy Whipping Cream
Looking at the nutrition facts label provides more evidence that heavy whipping cream is not dairy-free:
| Nutrient | Per 1 tbsp serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 51 |
| Fat | 5g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Protein | 0g |
| Calcium | 5mg |
| Lactose | 0.6g |
The high fat and saturated fat content comes from milk fat. Cream also contains small amounts of milk proteins and lactose. The presence of calcium and lactose clearly indicate heavy cream is a dairy product.
Suitability for Diets and Allergies
Given its dairy-based ingredients, heavy whipping cream is not suitable for:
Lactose intolerance
Lactose intolerant individuals lack the enzyme lactase to properly digest dairy. Heavy cream contains traces of lactose that can cause gas, bloating, and other digestive issues.
Milk allergies
Those with an allergy to milk proteins like casein will react to the small amounts found in heavy cream.
Vegan or plant-based diets
Vegans avoid all animal products, including dairy like cream. Heavy whipping cream relies on milk from cows, so is off-limits for vegans.
Kosher or halal diets
If avoiding mixed meat and dairy is important for religious reasons, heavy cream would not be kosher or halal.
The bottom line is that heavy cream is not suitable for people avoiding dairy for medical, ethical, or religious reasons.
Non-Dairy Heavy Cream Alternatives
Fortunately, several alternatives provide the thick texture of heavy whipping cream without the dairy:
Coconut cream
Made from the fat and liquid of coconuts, coconut cream mimics the consistency of dairy cream. Full-fat coconut milk can be chilled and separated to produce coconut cream.
Cashew cream
Blending soaked, raw cashews with water makes a luscious cashew-based cream. Less water makes it thicker.
Soy creamer
Soy milk products like Silk Heavy Whipping Cream provide the same heft as traditional cream.
Vegan whipped topping
Vegetable-oil based whipped toppings replicate the airy texture whipped cream, without dairy.
Tofutti dairy-free cream cheese
Blend softened Tofutti cream cheese with non-dairy milk and sugar for a whipped cream-like topping.
Checking labels for “dairy-free” or “non-dairy” will help identify products designed to replace heavy whipping cream.
Whipping Non-Dairy Cream
Non-dairy creams can still be whipped into soft, billowy peaks, although the techniques may differ. Here are some tips:
– Chill cans of coconut milk overnight, then skim the solidified cream off the top. Whip this like you would dairy cream.
– Use an immersion blender or food processor to whip nut-based creams stiff. Refrigerate whipped cream a bit before serving.
– Soy or grain-based whipping creams can be whipped with electric beaters as you would regular cream.
– Non-dairy creams whip best when very cold. Make sure all equipment and ingredients are properly chilled.
– Add a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to help stabilize plant-based whipping cream.
– Whip in cold bowl for 3-5 minutes until soft peaks form. Do not overbeat or it can separate.
With the right products and techniques, plant-based versions can whip up just as fluffy as the dairy version.
Uses for Non-Dairy Heavy Cream
Non-dairy whipping cream can be used in place of heavy cream for:
– Making dairy-free whipped cream
– Topping pies, cakes or cupcakes
– Adding richness to soups and chowders
– Making creamy non-dairy ice cream
– Adding body to salad dressings or sauces
– Frothing into “cream” based drinks like lattes
– Baking dairy-free creme brûlée or panna cotta
Follow your favorite recipes, simply swapping the heavy cream for a suitable dairy-free alternative.
Cooking Considerations
When cooking with non-dairy cream, keep these tips in mind:
– Avoid boiling plant-based creams as they may curdle or separate. Add at the end of cooking.
– Non-dairy cream has a shorter shelf life. Use opened products within 3-5 days.
– Nut-based creams have a distinct flavor. Coconut and cashew cream work especially well in sweet dishes.
– Plant-based cream is thinner than dairy cream. Chill it well before whipping.
– For a thicker whipped topping, drain the liquid from cans of coconut cream first.
– If whipped cream starts to weep liquid, beat in powdered sugar to stabilize it.
With a bit of trial and error, non-dairy whipping creams can be seamlessly incorporated into all types of recipes.
Nutritional Comparison
Here is how heavy whipping cream compares nutritionally to some common dairy-free alternatives:
| Heavy whipping cream (1 tbsp) | Coconut cream (1 tbsp) | Cashew cream (1 tbsp) | Soy whipping cream (1 tbsp) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 51 | 45 | 39 | 30 |
| Total Fat | 5g | 4.5g | 3.5g | 3g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 4g | 1g | 0.5g |
| Carbohydrates | 1g | 1g | 2g | 1g |
| Protein | 0g | 0g | 1g | 0g |
| Calcium | 5mg | 1mg | 4mg | 4mg |
Overall, dairy-free creams tend to be lower in calories, fat, and saturated fat compared to heavy cream. But they provide fewer nutrients like calcium. Taste, texture, and nutritional needs should guide choice of substitutes.
Cost Comparison
Heavy whipping creams made from plants often cost more than dairy-based. Here is a pricing comparison:
| 16 oz | |
|---|---|
| Heavy whipping cream | $2.99 |
| Coconut cream | $4.49 |
| Cashew cream | $7.99 |
| Soy whipping cream | $3.99 |
| Dairy-free whipped topping | $5.49 |
Pricing can vary widely by brand, but expect to pay $1-3 more for plant-based whipping creams. Buying larger sizes or when on sale can help decrease the costs. Also consider making your own creams from scratch to save.
Conclusion
Heavy whipping cream is not dairy-free due to its high milk fat content and dairy-derived ingredients. Those avoiding milk for dietary, health or religious reasons should not consume it.
Luckily, there are many plant-based alternatives to heavy cream which can be whipped and used similarly in recipes. With some adjustments to methods and expectations, non-dairy whipping creams offer a viable solution for vegan baking and cooking.
Understanding exactly what heavy cream contains makes it easier to select an appropriate substitute and adjust recipes accordingly. With all the new products available, heavy cream can be omitted from diets without sacrificing taste or texture.
