health guides

Sweet creams products

In modern dairy production, the cream is separated by centrifugal force. The butterfat content in half-and-half is 10.5 to 18%; in light (coffee) cream, 18% to 30%; in medium cream, 25 to about 30%; in light whipping cream, 30 to 36%; and in whipping cream, 36% or more.

Sour cream products

Various types of sour cream are produced by culturing cream or milk with lactic-acid bacteria. Rennet or nonfat milk solids may be added to provide body. A variety of sour-cream products are available, but true sour cream must by definition contain at least 18% milk fat by weight. Sour half-and-half, low-fat sour cream, and light sour cream are all made with half-and-half. Fat-free sour cream is made from cultured skimmed milk. A cholesterol-free sour cream alternative is made with skimmed milk and vegetable oil.

Whipped cream

A single tablespoon of whipped cream is relatively low in saturated fat; the trick is whether any of us can actually limit ourselves to just one tablespoonful. Here are some potential strategies for reducing the intake of saturated fats:

Make whipped cream from part-skimmed milk or low-fat cream. Chill the milk or cream thoroughly, and use a cold bowl and beaters; serve the whipped cream within an hour. Experiment to find a naturally low-fat product that can be used as a whipped topping.

Try a range of alternatives to whipped cream. Look for unprocessed foods such as fresh yoghurt, crème fraîche, and other natural foods that are low in saturated fat and carbohydrates.