Heavy Cream vs. Half-and-Half: Which Has Fewer Carbs?

November 6, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the USDA, heavy cream contains slightly fewer carbohydrates per 100 grams than half-and-half. The primary reason for this is the difference in fat content; heavy cream is composed of more fat and less lactose, the natural milk sugar that contributes to a product's carb count.

Quick Summary

This article provides a comprehensive comparison of heavy cream and half-and-half, examining their carb content, nutritional differences, and best culinary applications. It details how the higher fat and lower lactose content in heavy cream make it the lower-carb choice, while outlining how both fit into various diets.

Key Points

Heavy Cream is Lower in Carbs: Due to its higher fat concentration and lower lactose content, heavy cream contains fewer carbohydrates than half-and-half per serving.
Lactose Affects Carb Count: Lactose, the natural sugar in milk, is the main source of carbs in dairy; heavy cream has less lactose because it contains less milk.
Half-and-Half Has More Lactose: As a mix of milk and cream, half-and-half has a higher proportion of lactose, making its carb content higher per gram than heavy cream.
Small Servings May Show Zero Carbs: Nutritional labels can round carbs down to zero per serving, but for diet purposes, it's essential to recognize that half-and-half still has a higher carb density.
Label Reading is Crucial: Some brands, especially in low-fat versions, add thickeners and sweeteners that can increase the carbohydrate count, so always check the ingredient list.
Choose Based on Your Diet: Heavy cream is preferable for strict keto diets, while half-and-half can work in moderation for general low-carb plans if consumed sparingly.

Understanding the Core Difference

At its most basic, the key difference between heavy cream and half-and-half lies in their fat content. Heavy cream is the high-fat portion of milk that rises to the top, containing a minimum of 36% milkfat. Half-and-half, as its name implies, is a blend of equal parts whole milk and light cream, giving it a lower milkfat percentage, typically between 10.5% and 18%. This fat percentage directly influences the carbohydrate profile of each product.

The Impact of Lactose on Carbohydrates

Lactose is the natural sugar found in milk, and it is the primary source of carbohydrates in both heavy cream and half-and-half. Because half-and-half is cut with lower-fat whole milk, it contains a higher proportion of lactose compared to heavy cream, which is almost pure milkfat. Heavy cream's higher fat content essentially replaces the higher-lactose milk content, resulting in a lower carb count overall. This is especially important for those following a strict low-carb or ketogenic diet, where every gram of carbohydrate counts. While a single tablespoon of either product might show as '0g carbs' on a nutrition label due to rounding laws, the carbs can add up quickly if consuming larger portions throughout the day.

A Deeper Look at Nutritional Data

Using data from the USDA, we can compare the nutritional breakdown more closely. It’s important to look at serving sizes beyond a single tablespoon to see the actual difference in carbohydrates. While a tablespoon of half-and-half might contain less than 1 gram of carbs, the cumulative effect over several servings can be significant for carb-restricted diets. For example, some sources suggest that half-and-half contains almost four times as many carbs per calorie as heavy cream, highlighting the importance of portion size.

Culinary Applications and Dietary Considerations

When deciding between heavy cream and half-and-half, your culinary intent and dietary goals are critical. Heavy cream’s high-fat content makes it more stable for cooking at higher temperatures, reducing the risk of curdling in sauces and soups. This rich, thick texture is also essential for making whipped cream or creating luxuriously creamy desserts. Half-and-half, with its lighter consistency, is ideal for adding a subtle creaminess to coffee or lightening up sauces without adding the full richness of heavy cream.

Comparison Table: Heavy Cream vs. Half-and-Half


Feature	Heavy Cream	Half-and-Half
Carbohydrates	Lower overall, due to higher fat and lower lactose content.	Higher overall, due to lower fat and higher lactose content.
Milkfat Content	At least 36% milkfat.	Between 10.5% and 18% milkfat.
Calories (per tbsp)	Approx. 51 calories.	Approx. 20 calories.
Texture	Thicker, richer, and creamier mouthfeel.	Thinner, with a lighter consistency.
Heat Stability	Very stable; less likely to curdle when heated.	Less stable; can curdle in high heat unless tempered.
Best For	Whipped cream, rich sauces, thick desserts.	Coffee, lighter sauces, creamy additions.
Dietary Use	Preferred for keto and strict low-carb diets due to lower carb density per calorie.	Can be used in moderation on low-carb diets, but carbs add up quickly.

Choosing the Right Option for Your Needs

For those adhering to a ketogenic or very low-carb diet, heavy cream is the clear winner for minimizing carbohydrate intake. Its high-fat content and very low lactose levels make it a better macro fit. For individuals simply monitoring their overall calorie or fat intake, half-and-half presents a lighter alternative. However, even on a low-carb diet, small amounts of half-and-half in coffee, for instance, are often manageable, as the total carb impact is minimal per serving.

The Importance of Label Reading

Regardless of your choice, it is crucial to read the ingredient labels carefully. Some brands, especially those producing low-fat or fat-free versions of half-and-half, may add thickeners or sweeteners to compensate for the reduced fat content, which can increase the total carbohydrate count. These hidden sugars or modified ingredients can derail a low-carb effort unexpectedly. Opting for pure, unadulterated dairy products is always the safest bet for nutritional accuracy.

Conclusion: Heavy Cream is the Lower-Carb Option

In the direct comparison of heavy cream versus half-and-half, heavy cream contains fewer carbohydrates due to its higher fat and lower lactose concentration. While half-and-half is a lighter, lower-calorie option, its higher proportion of milk means a higher sugar content per serving compared to the dense fat in heavy cream. The best choice ultimately depends on your dietary goals—heavy cream for strict low-carb and keto plans, and half-and-half for those seeking less fat and calories with a lighter texture. Always be mindful of serving sizes, as even trace carbs can accumulate, and check labels for any additives that might increase the sugar content. The right cream for you is the one that best supports your individual health and culinary objectives.

Visit Healthline for more detailed nutritional information and comparisons of dairy products.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, heavy cream is considered keto-friendly because it is very low in carbs and high in fat. It provides an excellent way to increase fat intake on a ketogenic diet without consuming significant carbohydrates.

Half-and-half is acceptable on a keto diet in small, measured quantities, such as a tablespoon in coffee. However, its carbs can add up quickly if used in larger amounts, potentially knocking a person out of ketosis, so it is often used less frequently than heavy cream by strict keto dieters.

Heavy cream is composed of the high-fat portion of milk, while half-and-half is a mixture of cream and lower-fat whole milk. The carbohydrates in dairy come from lactose, and since heavy cream has less of the lactose-rich milk, it has fewer carbs.

While you can use half-and-half to add creaminess to some dishes, it is not a direct substitute for heavy cream, particularly in recipes requiring thickening or whipping. Its lower fat content means it will not whip and is more prone to curdling when exposed to high heat.

A single tablespoon of heavy cream typically contains less than 1 gram of carbs and can be legally labeled as having '0g' on the nutrition facts. For more accurate tracking, particularly on a strict diet, consulting the USDA food database is recommended.

A tablespoon of half-and-half contains approximately 0.6 grams of carbohydrates, primarily from lactose. While this is a small amount, it is still higher than the trace amounts found in heavy cream.

Yes, it is important to read labels, especially for low-fat or flavored versions. Some brands add thickeners like carrageenan or other stabilizers, as well as added sugars, which can affect both nutritional content and overall health goals.