Heavy Cream
Dairy
Nutri-ScoreB

Heavy Cream

Bos taurus

Clinical Encyclopedia

SM
Nutri-Score & Health Summary

Heavy Cream provides 340 kcal, 2.1g of protein, 2.9g of carbohydrates, and 0g of fiber per 100g. With a Nutri-Score grade 'B', it is a highly recommended option for nutrient density.

Heavy cream is a rich dairy product with a high fat content, typically used in cooking and baking for its creamy texture and ability to enhance flavors.

Also known as:
Double cream (UK)Whipping cream (US)
Scientific NameBos taurus
Region of OriginUnited States

Macronutrient Ratio

Caloric distribution of primary energy metrics per 100g

Calories340 kcal
Water
60%
Fiber0g
Total41.0g
Protein
2.1g(5%)
Fats
36g(88%)
Carbohydrates
2.9g(7%)

Micronutrient DV% Score

Top vitamins and minerals ranked by percentage of Daily Recommended Value

Vitamins (DV%)
Minerals (DV%)

Complete Micronutrient Breakdown

Detailed concentration of essential micronutrients per 100g serving.

Vitamins

Major Source (≥ 2% DV)
Vitamin A270 µg (30%)
Vitamin D1 µg (5%)
Vitamin b1 (thiamine)0.02 mg (2%)
Vitamin b2 (riboflavin)0.1 mg (8%)
Vitamin b5 (pantothenic acid)0.4 mg (8%)
Vitamin b6 (pyridoxine)0.02 mg (2%)
Vitamin B120.5 µg (21%)
Choline15 mg (3%)
Vitamins with less than 2% DV
Vitamin E: 0.2 mgVitamin K: 0.3 µgVitamin b3 (niacin): 0.1 mgFolate: 5 µg

Minerals

Major Source (≥ 2% DV)
Calcium120 mg (12%)
Magnesium7 mg (2%)
Phosphorus80 mg (11%)
Potassium150 mg (4%)
Zinc0.4 mg (4%)
Selenium1 µg (2%)
Minerals with less than 2% DV
Iron: 0.1 mgCopper: 0.01 mgManganese: 0.01 mg

Health Benefits

Heavy cream is an excellent source of energy due to its high fat content, providing essential fatty acids that are crucial for hormone production and cellular health.
It contains fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, and K, which are important for vision, immune function, and skin health.

Possible Risks & Side Effects

!Heavy cream is high in saturated fat and calories, which may contribute to weight gain and cardiovascular issues if consumed in excess.

How to Prepare & Consume

Heavy cream can be whipped to create a light and airy topping for desserts or used in sauces and soups to add richness.

Smart Selection & Storage

How to Select

Choose heavy cream that is labeled as 'heavy' or 'double' cream for the highest fat content. Check the expiration date and ensure the packaging is intact.

How to Store

Store heavy cream in the refrigerator and use it within a week after opening. If freezing, pour it into an airtight container.

Medicinal Profile & Bioactive Compounds

Therapeutic properties, key bioactive compounds, and clinical applications of this food.

Medicinal Properties
Nutrient-dense, Energy-boosting, Supports skin health.
Main Applications
Culinary uses in sauces and desserts
Nutritional supplementation for high-calorie diets
Bioactive Compounds
Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)

May help in reducing body fat and improving body composition.

How to Consume
Used in cooking, as a topping, or in beverages.
Did you know?

"Heavy cream can be used to make homemade butter by whipping it until the fat separates from the liquid."

Myths vs Realities

MythHeavy cream is unhealthy and should be avoided.
RealityWhile heavy cream is high in calories and fat, it can be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation.
MythWhipping cream and heavy cream are the same.
RealityWhipping cream has a lower fat content than heavy cream, affecting its ability to hold shape when whipped.
MythHeavy cream causes weight gain.
RealityWeight gain is caused by an overall caloric surplus, not by any single food item.

Healthy Recipes

Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Quinoa

A nutritious and hearty dish featuring quinoa, sautéed mushrooms, and spinach, all brought together with a luscious heavy cream sauce.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. Rinse quinoa under cold water and cook in vegetable broth according to package instructions.
  2. 2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, add garlic, mushrooms, and sauté until mushrooms are tender.
  3. 3. Add spinach and cook until wilted, then stir in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper. Combine with cooked quinoa and serve.

Heavy Cream Avocado Pasta

A creamy, dreamy pasta dish made with ripe avocados and heavy cream, perfect for a healthy yet indulgent meal.

Ingredients
  • 8 oz whole wheat pasta
  • 1 ripe avocado
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
  1. 1. Cook pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
  2. 2. In a blender, combine avocado, heavy cream, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  3. 3. Toss the pasta with the avocado cream sauce and garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

A comforting and healthy tomato soup enriched with heavy cream and fresh basil, perfect for any season.

Ingredients
  • 2 cans diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a pot, sauté onions and garlic until translucent, then add diced tomatoes and vegetable broth.
  2. 2. Simmer for 20 minutes, then blend until smooth.
  3. 3. Stir in heavy cream and basil, season with salt and pepper, and serve warm.

Heavy Cream Chicken Alfredo with Zucchini Noodles

A lighter take on classic Alfredo, using zucchini noodles and a rich heavy cream sauce for a guilt-free indulgence.

Ingredients
  • 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized
  • 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant, then add heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
  2. 2. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
  3. 3. Add zucchini noodles and chicken, cooking until heated through, then season with salt and pepper before serving.

Berry Cream Parfait

A delightful dessert made with layers of fresh berries and a light heavy cream mixture, perfect for a healthy treat.

Ingredients
  • 2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Granola for topping
Instructions
  1. 1. In a bowl, whip heavy cream with honey and vanilla until soft peaks form.
  2. 2. In serving glasses, layer berries and whipped cream alternately.
  3. 3. Top with granola before serving for added crunch.

Creamy Cauliflower Mash

A healthy alternative to mashed potatoes, this creamy cauliflower mash is enriched with heavy cream for a smooth texture.

Ingredients
  • 1 head cauliflower, chopped
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chives for garnish
Instructions
  1. 1. Steam cauliflower until tender, then drain and transfer to a bowl.
  2. 2. Add heavy cream, butter, salt, and pepper, and blend until smooth.
  3. 3. Garnish with chopped chives before serving.

Heavy Cream Coconut Curry

A rich and flavorful coconut curry made with heavy cream, vegetables, and spices for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, peas)
  • 2 tablespoons curry powder
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a pot, sauté onion and garlic until soft, then add mixed vegetables and cook for a few minutes.
  2. 2. Stir in coconut milk, heavy cream, curry powder, and salt, simmering for 15 minutes.
  3. 3. Serve hot with rice or quinoa.

Heavy Cream Chocolate Mousse

A decadent yet healthy chocolate mousse made with heavy cream and dark chocolate, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 oz dark chocolate, melted
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
  1. 1. In a bowl, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form.
  2. 2. Gently fold in melted chocolate, maple syrup, and vanilla until combined.
  3. 3. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.

Creamy Garlic Herb Dressing

A flavorful dressing made with heavy cream, garlic, and fresh herbs, perfect for salads or as a dip.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a bowl, combine heavy cream, garlic, parsley, chives, salt, and pepper.
  2. 2. Whisk until well combined and creamy.
  3. 3. Serve over salads or as a dip for vegetables.

Heavy Cream Lemon Tart

A refreshing lemon tart with a creamy filling made from heavy cream, perfect for a light dessert.

Ingredients
  • 1 pre-made tart shell
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
  1. 1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. 2. In a bowl, whisk together heavy cream, lemon juice, sugar, eggs, and lemon zest until smooth.
  3. 3. Pour the mixture into the tart shell and bake for 25-30 minutes until set. Cool before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is heavy cream?

Heavy cream is a dairy product that contains at least 36% milk fat, making it thicker and richer than regular cream.

Can heavy cream be whipped?

Yes, heavy cream can be whipped to create a stable whipped cream that holds its shape.

Is heavy cream the same as whipping cream?

No, whipping cream typically contains 30-36% milk fat, while heavy cream contains at least 36%.

How should heavy cream be stored?

Heavy cream should be stored in the refrigerator and used within a week of opening.

Can heavy cream be frozen?

Yes, heavy cream can be frozen, but it may separate upon thawing.

Is heavy cream healthy?

In moderation, heavy cream can be part of a healthy diet, providing essential nutrients and energy.

What are the uses of heavy cream in cooking?

Heavy cream is used in sauces, soups, desserts, and as a topping for various dishes.

Can heavy cream be substituted in recipes?

Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk mixed with butter, but the texture and richness will differ.