Why Put Heavy Whipping Cream In Coffee? A Secret Pleasure

Last updated on September 13th, 2023 by Catherine Reed

While I’m undeniably a fan of simple, well-brewed, black coffee, sometimes, a bit of creaminess is a real treat. Most people would assume that means I turn to milk, creamer, or half-and-half to add that touch of sweetness and silky texture.

And while I do use those on occasion, I genuinely enjoy heavy whipping cream in coffee.

Yes, heavy whipping cream is a less-common choice, but it’s exceptionally rich and truly decadent, making it a fun option if you want to switch things up.

Here’s a look at heavy whipping cream in coffee, including information about heavy whipping cream, health details, and more.

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What Is Heavy Whipping Cream?

Heavy whipping cream – also known simply as heavy cream – is traditionally a dairy product that contains a minimum of 36 percent milk fat. Most range between 36 and 40 percent milk fat, with most of the rest of the composition mainly being from milk. However, companies may add other ingredients, such as flavorings, sweeteners, and stabilizers.

When it comes to nutritional value, heavy whipping cream is about 405 calories per one-half cup, depending on the brand and exact composition. It contains around 43 grams of fat, 3 grams of protein, and 3 grams of carbs, plus, you’ll find some vitamins and minerals in the mix, including vitamins A, D, E, and K, as well as calcium, choline, and phosphorus.

Making heavy whipping cream involves separating the milk fats that rise to the top of whole milk during the production process. Essentially, pasteurized milk is sent through a separator, the fat is collected, then it’s added back to milk in specific proportions to create the different types of dairy milk and creams.

The difference between milk and heavy whipping cream is just the fat content. During production, less fat is returned to products marketed as milk, and more fat goes into dairy products created as creams.

The precise amount of fat is what determines the product category. For example, whole milk is a little less than 4 percent milk fat, half-and-half contains between 10.5 and 18 percent, and heavy cream has at least 36 percent.

Now, it is critical to note that not all products marketed as heavy whipping cream contain dairy. There are vegan versions on the market, too.

For example, you could try Silk heavy whipping cream in coffee if you’re looking for a vegan option. It has similar nutritional value when it comes to fats, protein, carbs, and calories and can offer a texture that’s close to the dairy version.

Health Pros and Cons of Heavy Whipping Cream

I’m a health-conscious person, so if you’re like me, you’re probably wondering, “Is heavy whipping cream in coffee healthy, or is heavy whipping cream in coffee bad for you?” Generally, that depends on your perspective.

One of the benefits of heavy whipping cream in coffee is that heavy cream contains fat-soluble vitamins in higher quantities than you find in lower-fat dairy. Plus, your body has an easier time absorbing fat-soluble vitamins when they’re consumed with fat. So, if you’re looking for a good source of vitamins A, D, E, and K, heavy whipping cream in your coffee could work.

Fat and Calories

Now, the big concern many people have involves other aspects of the heavy whipping cream nutrition information, particularly the saturated fat. But recent scientific studies indicate that dairy fats have a neutral or positive effect on cardiovascular health. So, moderate consumption can potentially be part of a healthy lifestyle.

When it comes to the coffee with heavy cream calories, heavy whipping cream does add to the calorie count significantly. Heavy whipping cream has more calories than other milk products, though it may have more or fewer calories than sweetened coffee creamers that use sugar.

Weight loss

Some people are curious about heavy whipping cream in coffee for weight loss, especially if they’re on a high-fat, low-carb diet like keto. Research showed that consuming full-fat dairy instead of low-fat versions may reduce obesity risk. Consuming dairy fats may also help protect people against Type 2 diabetes, according to another study.

Now, there’s no scientific evidence that heavy whipping cream in coffee specifically promotes weight loss. Plus, heavy whipping cream is high calorie, so consuming a lot of it could lead to weight gain regardless of your other eating habits.

But if it aligns with your diet plan and you watch your calorie intake and macros, you could potentially use it without harming your weight loss goals.

Enhancing Coffee with Heavy Whipping Cream

Using heavy whipping cream in coffee as creamer can enhance your coffee experience. What I appreciate most is that the flavor is a richer version of milk or half-and-half, and it results in a silky, smooth, and decadent texture.

Usually, heavy whipping cream adds a light touch of sweetness to your coffee, too. But one thing I’ve discovered is that it can have a tendency to coat the tongue a bit. Since that’s the case, you typically want to use it alongside a robust dark roast coffee, ensuring the flavor of the coffee is strong enough to remain present after you mix in the heavy whipping cream.

Prep and Technique

If you’re trying to figure out how to use heavy whipping cream in coffee, it’s reasonably simple. The basic coffee and heavy whipping cream recipe is one or two tablespoons of heavy cream per eight ounces of coffee.

Pour your coffee into your cup, add the heavy cream, and mix it very, very well. I personally prefer to use a handheld milk frother to incorporate the heavy whipping cream into my coffee, as it whirls it around quickly for even dispersion. But you can also try whisking the heavy cream a bit before adding it to your coffee and then giving it a thorough stirring.

And if you’re wondering, “Can you froth heavy whipping cream for coffee?”, similar to frothing with creamer, the answer is “Yes!” Heavy whipping cream can go into electric milk frothers, which is a really convenient approach. You’ll get a rich, stable foam, too, thanks to the high percentage of milk fats.

There are also other ways to froth milk or cream without a frother that we have discussed before. Or if you feel like you coffee creamer is getting chunky, here are some of the possible reasons why.

Since you’re only using a little bit of heavy whipping cream for each cup, you need to store the heavy cream correctly, too. Typically, it’ll last five to seven days in the refrigerator after opening. Make sure the lid is on tight, or transfer it to an airtight container to limit air exposure.

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