How many calories are in 50 g of whipped cream? The complete guide

October 20, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutritional data, 50g of heavy whipping cream contains approximately 172 calories, though this can vary significantly depending on the type and preparation. Knowing how many calories are in 50 g of whipped cream is crucial for anyone monitoring their intake or trying to make healthier dessert choices.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for 50g of whipped cream ranges based on the type, with heavy cream versions being higher than lighter or aerosol varieties. Homemade and generic whipping cream can contain around 172 calories, while pressurized toppings are typically lower in density and therefore lower in calories per gram. Factors like added sugar also affect the final nutritional value.

Key Points

Generic Whipping Cream (Liquid): A 50g portion contains approximately 172 calories.
Aerosol Whipped Topping: A 50g portion generally has a lower calorie count, around 129 kcal, due to lower density and fat content.
Homemade Whipped Cream: Calorie content is variable, estimated around 118 kcal per 50g, but increases with added sugar.
Added Sugar Impact: Each teaspoon (4g) of sugar adds approximately 16 calories to the final product.
Healthy Alternatives: Coconut cream and Greek yogurt are popular, lower-calorie substitutes for traditional whipped cream.
Measure Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise portioning to accurately track calorie intake.

Calorie Breakdown: How Many Calories are in 50 g of Whipped Cream?

When it comes to desserts, whipped cream is a popular, creamy topping that adds a delightful touch. However, its nutritional content varies greatly depending on whether it is a homemade version, a store-bought can, or a different type of cream entirely. A direct answer to the question "how many calories are in 50 g of whipped cream?" depends on the density and composition of the product being consumed. For a liquid, generic whipping cream, the calorie count is often cited as around 172 kcal per 50 grams. However, the light, airy texture of aerosol whipped cream means that 50 grams of the final product would be a much larger volume and a very different calorie count, which is a key distinction to understand for accurate calorie tracking.

The Difference Between Liquid Cream and Whipped Topping

Understanding the distinction between liquid heavy cream and a pressurized whipped topping is essential for accurate calorie estimations. Heavy whipping cream in its liquid state is dense, and its calorie count is directly related to its fat content, which is typically 36% or more. Once whipped, air is incorporated, which dramatically increases the volume without adding calories, meaning a scoop of whipped heavy cream will contain fewer calories than the equivalent weight of its liquid precursor. Aerosol cans, meanwhile, are formulated with air and often contain stabilizers and less fat, resulting in a much lower-calorie product per gram.

Comparison Table: Whipped Cream Calories by Type

To illustrate these differences, here is a comparison table showing the approximate calories in 50g of various common whipped cream products.


Type of Whipped Cream	Approximate Calories per 50g	Notes
Generic Whipping Cream (Liquid)	172 kcal	Based on standard nutritional data for liquid whipping cream before whipping.
Heavy Whipping Cream (Liquid)	~172 kcal	Similar to generic liquid whipping cream, with high-fat content.
Aerosol Whipped Topping	~129 kcal	Lower fat and higher air content lead to a lower calorie count per gram.
Homemade Whipped Cream	~118 kcal	Can vary greatly depending on the amount of sugar added during preparation.

How Added Sugar Impacts Your Calorie Intake

The addition of sugar is a major factor that influences the total calorie count of homemade whipped cream. While store-bought varieties have a standardized formula, a homemade version gives you complete control. For every teaspoon of sugar (approximately 4 grams) added, you can expect an additional 16 calories. This means if you are making a large batch and adding several tablespoons of sugar for sweetness, the overall calorie density will increase substantially.

Healthy Alternatives to Traditional Whipped Cream

For those looking to reduce calorie intake without sacrificing a creamy topping, several alternatives exist.

Coconut Cream: A fantastic dairy-free and vegan option, coconut cream can be chilled and whipped just like dairy cream. The fat content is high, but it offers a different flavor profile.
Greek Yogurt: Blending Greek yogurt with a small amount of heavy cream can create a fluffy, high-protein topping that is significantly lower in fat and calories than traditional whipped cream.
Blended Tofu: Silken tofu blended with a sweetener and flavorings can be a smooth, creamy, and low-calorie alternative for a mousse-like topping.
Whipped Cottage Cheese: For a savory alternative or a unique dessert topping, whipping cottage cheese creates a protein-packed, creamy base.

Practical Tips for Calorie-Conscious Consumption

If you want to enjoy whipped cream while keeping an eye on your calorie intake, there are a few practical tips you can follow:

Measure Accurately: Use a kitchen scale to measure your 50g portion precisely. Eyeballing it can lead to underestimation.
Opt for Aerosol: If convenience is key, pressurized whipped toppings generally have fewer calories per gram due to their lighter, airier composition.
Go Homemade with Less Sugar: By making your own whipped cream, you can control the sweetness. Try using a sugar substitute or simply less sugar to reduce the calorie load from added sweeteners.
Use Mindfully: Instead of piling on large dollops, use a small, controlled amount of whipped cream to get the flavor and texture without overdoing the calories.

Conclusion: The Bottom Line on Whipped Cream Calories

Ultimately, how many calories are in 50 g of whipped cream? is a layered question with no single answer. The most common varieties of liquid whipping cream hover around 172 calories for a 50g portion, while lighter aerosol versions are typically lower. The preparation method and the addition of sugar also play a significant role. By understanding these nuances and considering healthier alternatives, you can still enjoy this classic topping while making informed decisions for your dietary goals. For specific product information, always check the nutrition label on the packaging. For a general understanding of whipping cream, the U.S. Dairy industry provides useful resources on dairy products. [https://www.usdairy.com/dairy-nutrition/products/cream]

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, 50 grams is a measure of weight. However, 50 grams of fluffy whipped cream will take up significantly more volume than 50 grams of dense liquid whipping cream, meaning the calorie content per volume (e.g., per tablespoon or cup) is different.

Homemade whipped cream can have more or fewer calories than store-bought, primarily based on how much sugar you add. Store-bought aerosol versions are often lower in calories per gram than homemade because they are mostly air.

Aerosol whipped cream is lower in calories per gram because it has been pressurized with gas, incorporating a large amount of air. This makes the product much less dense, so you are consuming less actual cream and fat for the same weight or volume.

Yes, many brands offer light or reduced-fat whipped toppings. Additionally, low-calorie homemade alternatives can be made using ingredients like Greek yogurt or blended silken tofu.

To reduce calories, you can use less sugar or a non-caloric sweetener when making it. You can also use a lower-fat cream, though this may impact the texture and stability of the whip.

A tablespoon of homemade whipped cream, which is lighter and airier, would contain significantly fewer calories than a tablespoon of liquid whipping cream. A tablespoon (around 3g) of whipped cream might be around 8 calories, but this will vary widely.

Whipped cream made from heavy cream contains fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. However, it is high in calories and should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.