

Meanwhile, 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of coffee creamer contains about 20 calories ( 4). Heavy cream contains the most fat and calories of the three, with one tablespoon (15 mL) containing about 51 calories ( 5). Given their varying fat contents, each ingredient contains varying amounts of calories. One tablespoon (15 mL) of coffee creamer contains approximately 1 gram of fat ( 4). While the fat content of coffee creamer can vary by brand, it’s typically less than that of half-and-half. Most types of half-and-half contain less than half the fat of heavy cream, consisting of 11% fat, or about 1.7 grams per tablespoon (15 mL) ( 5). On the other hand, half-and-half is made from a combination of cream and milk, so it contains substantially less fat. It typically contains 36% fat, or about 5.4 grams per tablespoon (15 mL) ( 4). Given that heavy cream is made from the high fat cream found in fresh milk, it’s the highest in fat. One main difference between these three ingredients is their fat content. Coffee creamer is usually made from a combination of water, sugar, and vegetable oil. Heavy cream and half-and-half are dairy products produced through different processes. They may be sugar-free, fat-free, powdered, or flavored. However, there are many varieties of coffee creamer that may contain different ingredients. Other common additives are used to boost the taste and texture of coffee creamers, including carrageenan, cellulose gum, and artificial flavorings. That’s more than 1 teaspoon of sugar.įor reference, the American Heart Association recommends limiting your daily intake of added sugar to no more than 6 teaspoons (24 grams) for women and 9 teaspoons (36 grams) for men ( 3). Some popular types of coffee creamer can contain up to 5 grams of added sugar in a single serving. Plant-based coffee creamers made from almond, oat, soy, and coconut offer an alternative type of coffee creamer for those with milk allergies.Īlthough the ingredients can vary by brand, most coffee creamers are made from a combination of water, sugar, and vegetable oil.Ĭoffee creamer is usually heavily processed and loaded with added sugar. However, it may contain milk derivatives such as casein.

Unlike heavy cream and half-and-half, coffee creamer is typically dairy-free. In addition to milk and cream, half-and-half sometimes contains additives, such as carrageenan, which help enhance the texture of the final product.įat-free varieties of half-and-half are also widely available and typically made by combining skim milk with corn syrup instead of cream, resulting in a fat-free product that’s higher in added sugar. It also has a much lighter taste and mouthfeel, which can be useful in many types of recipes. The FDA requires half-and-half to contain between 10.5% to 18% milkfat ( 2). It’s made by combining equal parts cream and whole milk, resulting in a product that’s thinner and lower in fat than heavy cream. Much like heavy cream, half-and-half is a dairy product. In the US, the FDA defines heavy cream as having no less than 36% milkfat ( 1).Īlthough cream is typically the only ingredient found in heavy cream, it’s also sometimes combined with thickeners like gellan gum to improve its consistency. Many food manufacturers speed this process by using tools called separators, which accelerate the separation of milk and cream.Ĭream is graded according to its fat content, and most countries have specific standards regarding what defines heavy cream. It’s skimmed off during the manufacturing process. Heavy creamĪlso called heavy whipping cream, heavy cream is the thick, high fat cream that rises to the top of fresh milk. If you order at a café, a sweetened Starbucks iced coffee contains 80 calories, and a Grande Starbucks latte has about 140 calories.Heavy cream, half-and-half, and coffee creamer are distinctly different products, but they share some similar contents and uses.

Starbucks coffee can be a tasty breakfast treat or afternoon pick-me-up, but how many calories does it contain? If you brew a pot of Starbucks coffee and drink it black, you’ll find the same calories as any other black coffee - about 1 per 8-ounce cup. Starbucks Coffee Calories Image Credit: sirbusorin, Unsplash Take a look at this chart for more coffee creamer calorie information.Ħ. An ounce of almond milk contains only 3.75 calories! Looking for a low-calorie coffee creamer? A healthy coffee creamer might be made with almond milk or another alternative milk. You can even make your own - see the easy recipe here! An ounce of Coffee-Mate contains 40 calories, while an ounce of heavy cream contains 50 calories. There are many types of coffee creamers, and they’re readily available at grocery stores and online. Coffee Creamer Calories Image credit: Sarah Elizabeth, Unsplash
