How Many Calories Are in 1 Tsp of Heavy Whipping Cream? A Nutritional Breakdown

October 19, 2025 •

4 min read

A single teaspoon of heavy whipping cream contains approximately 17 calories, with the vast majority coming from its fat content. Understanding the calorie count and macronutrient composition of heavy whipping cream is crucial for accurate dietary tracking, especially for those on specific diet plans like keto or low-carb.

Quick Summary

A teaspoon of heavy whipping cream has about 17 calories, with most of its energy derived from its rich fat content. It also contains small amounts of carbohydrates and protein along with fat-soluble vitamins, requiring careful portion control due to its caloric density.

Key Points

Calorie Count: One teaspoon of heavy whipping cream contains approximately 17 calories.
Macronutrient Focus: The vast majority of its calories (about 95%) come from its high fat content.
Portion Matters: A single tablespoon contains significantly more calories, around 51-52, so careful portioning is important.
High Fat Content: Defined by its high milkfat percentage (at least 36%), which contributes to its rich texture and flavor.
Dietary Fit: It is a popular ingredient in high-fat, low-carb diets like keto, but its high saturated fat content requires moderation.
Lactose Content: While lower in lactose than milk, those with intolerance should be cautious and may need alternatives.
Versatile Ingredient: Despite its caloric density, it adds richness and flavor to sauces, soups, and desserts and helps create stable whipped cream.

The Small Spoonful: A Detailed Nutritional Look at 1 Tsp

For a small addition to your coffee or a drizzle over dessert, heavy whipping cream packs a caloric punch. According to nutritional data, one teaspoon (tsp) of heavy whipping cream contains approximately 17 calories. This caloric content is not uniform across all macronutrients; a closer look at the nutritional profile reveals that almost all the energy comes from its high fat concentration.

The macronutrient breakdown for one teaspoon is roughly 95% fat, 3% carbohydrates, and 2% protein. This translates to about 1.7 grams of total fat, with minimal amounts of carbohydrates and protein. As a result, this single teaspoon is quite calorie-dense for its size, which makes precise portion control a key factor for those monitoring their calorie intake.

Portion Control: From Teaspoons to Tablespoons

While a teaspoon seems modest, a slightly larger pour can add up quickly. It is helpful to understand the calorie difference between different serving sizes to make informed dietary choices.

One tablespoon (tbsp): Approximately 51-52 calories. This is a threefold increase from a teaspoon, highlighting how quickly calories can accumulate. A tablespoon also contains roughly 5.5 grams of total fat.
One-half cup: Contains about 408 calories. This is a substantial portion, often used in recipes for soups, sauces, or desserts.
One cup: Features a hefty 821 calories. For perspective, this is a significant portion of a daily caloric intake for many individuals.

Heavy Whipping Cream vs. Other Creams

It is easy to get confused by the different types of cream available in the dairy aisle. Heavy whipping cream, also known as heavy cream, has the highest milkfat content of the standard creams. The following table provides a clear comparison of different cream types based on their milkfat percentage and caloric content per tablespoon.


Cream Type	Milk Fat % (Minimum)	Calories (per Tbsp)
Heavy Whipping Cream	≥36%	~52
Whipping Cream (Light)	30-35%	~45
Light Cream	18-30%	~30
Half-and-Half	10.5-18%	~20

How Heavy Whipping Cream Fits into Your Diet

Heavy whipping cream's nutritional profile makes it a useful, though calorie-dense, ingredient depending on your dietary goals.

Benefits for Keto and Low-Carb Diets

Due to its very low carbohydrate content and high fat percentage, heavy whipping cream is a popular choice for those following ketogenic or low-carb diets. It can be used to add richness and texture to recipes without adding a significant amount of net carbs.

Considerations for Weight Management

For those watching their weight, the high caloric density of heavy whipping cream means that portion sizes must be managed carefully. A small amount can provide a satisfying, creamy texture, but overconsumption can lead to a significant increase in daily calorie intake. The high fat content can also contribute to a feeling of fullness, which might help reduce overall food intake when used judiciously.

Saturated Fat Content

Heavy whipping cream is high in saturated fat. While research on saturated fat is nuanced, dietary guidelines often recommend moderation, especially for individuals monitoring their cardiovascular health. Balancing heavy whipping cream with other sources of healthy fats, such as those found in avocados or nuts, is a good approach for a balanced diet.

Potential for Lactose Intolerance

While heavy cream contains less lactose than milk, individuals with lactose intolerance may still experience symptoms. For those with sensitivities, lactose-free cream options or plant-based alternatives might be a better choice.

Practical Uses and Serving Suggestions

Heavy whipping cream's versatility is one of its most valuable traits. Its high fat content allows it to create stable whipped cream, but it also enriches a variety of dishes in its liquid form.

Enhance coffee: A teaspoon or two can add a luxurious richness to morning coffee or tea.
Thicken sauces and soups: A swirl of heavy whipping cream can transform a simple soup into a creamy, indulgent meal without needing flour thickeners.
Create homemade whipped cream: Simply whip chilled heavy cream with a touch of sweetener and vanilla extract for a fresh topping for pies, cakes, and other desserts.
Enrich savory dishes: A splash of heavy cream can finish off pasta sauces or gravies, adding depth and flavor.

Final Thoughts on Heavy Whipping Cream Calories

The 17 calories in 1 tsp of heavy whipping cream serve as a reminder that even small additions to our food can impact our overall caloric intake. While it is a calorie-dense ingredient, its richness and versatility make it a valuable tool in the kitchen. For those concerned with weight management or specific dietary needs like keto, the key lies in mindful consumption and accurate portion control. By understanding its nutritional profile, you can enjoy the flavor and texture of heavy whipping cream as part of a balanced diet.

For more detailed nutritional information on heavy cream, you can refer to resources like Verywell Fit's comprehensive overview.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are approximately 17 calories in one teaspoon of heavy whipping cream, with the energy almost entirely derived from its high fat content.

Heavy whipping cream is composed of roughly 95% fat, 3% carbohydrates, and 2% protein. A teaspoon contains about 1.7 grams of fat and minimal amounts of carbs and protein.

Heavy whipping cream has a higher milkfat percentage (≥36%) and more calories (approx. 52 per tbsp) compared to light whipping cream (30-35% milkfat, approx. 45 calories per tbsp).

Yes, because of its low carbohydrate and high fat content, heavy whipping cream is a suitable ingredient for keto and other low-carb diets. However, due to its caloric density, portion control is still essential.

Yes, heavy whipping cream contains lactose, although in smaller amounts than milk. Individuals with lactose intolerance should exercise caution and may consider lactose-free or plant-based alternatives.

A single tablespoon of heavy whipping cream contains significantly more calories than a teaspoon, with approximately 51 to 52 calories.

While heavy whipping cream can provide satiety and make food more filling, its high caloric density requires mindful portion control for those on a weight loss diet. Overconsumption can easily lead to a caloric surplus.

In most culinary contexts, the terms heavy cream and heavy whipping cream are used interchangeably. They both contain a minimum of 36% milkfat.