How many calories are in a squirt of cream?

December 9, 2025 •

4 min read

An average one-tablespoon serving of pressurized whipped cream contains a surprisingly low number of calories, typically ranging from just 3 to 20 calories. The precise number of calories in a squirt of cream is highly dependent on the brand, serving size, and whether it is a real cream or whipped topping product. Understanding the factors that influence this calorie count can help you make more informed dietary choices.

Quick Summary

A squirt of aerosol cream contains significantly fewer calories than other cream types due to its air content. The calorie count varies by brand, but is generally low per tablespoon serving. Calorie-conscious consumers should check nutrition labels for exact figures, as ingredients and density impact the final count.

Key Points

Aerosol Cream is Low-Calorie: A standard serving (1-2 tbsp) of pressurized whipped cream usually contains between 8 and 20 calories due to its high air content.
Fat and Sugar Content Varies: The exact calorie count depends on the brand's fat and added sugar levels; check the nutrition label for specifics.
Less Dense than Liquid Cream: Because it's whipped with air, a squirt of cream is far less dense and thus much lower in calories than an equivalent volume of liquid heavy cream.
Higher Fat Creams Are More Caloric: Denser cream products like heavy cream or clotted cream contain significantly more calories per tablespoon due to their higher milkfat content.
The "Squirt" is Not a Standard Measure: The caloric intake from a "squirt" depends on its size, so it is best to refer to a measured tablespoon on the nutrition label.

Decoding the Calories in a Squirt of Cream

Determining the exact calorie count for a "squirt" of cream can be tricky due to the variables involved. The most common type of squirtable cream comes from an aerosol can and is primarily a mix of cream, sugar, and air. This pressurization process creates a light, fluffy product that is mostly air, dramatically reducing the caloric density compared to liquid cream poured from a carton. For instance, a single teaspoon of pressurized whipped cream might contain as few as 3 calories, while a tablespoon from the same can could contain around 15-20 calories.

Factors Influencing Calorie Content

Several factors play a significant role in the number of calories in a squirt of cream. Understanding these can help you better estimate the nutritional impact of your dessert topping.

Fat Content: The fat percentage is the biggest determinant of calorie density. Heavy whipping cream, for example, must contain at least 36% milkfat and is consequently much higher in calories than an aerosol product which has a lower fat percentage and is mostly air.
Added Sugars: Aerosol whipped creams often contain added sugars for flavor. This adds to the overall carbohydrate and calorie count. Diet-friendly versions with artificial sweeteners are available, which typically have a lower sugar and calorie count.
Product Type: The term "cream" is used broadly, but different products have very different nutritional profiles. True aerosol whipped cream made with real dairy cream will differ from non-dairy whipped toppings, which use vegetable oils and stabilizers and have their own unique calorie counts.
Serving Size and Density: A "squirt" is not a standardized measurement. A short, small squirt will have fewer calories than a long, generous one. The fluffy nature of aerosol cream means its volume is mostly air, so a spoonful of it weighs far less than a spoonful of liquid heavy cream.

Calorie Comparison: Aerosol vs. Other Creams

To put the calories of an aerosol squirt into perspective, consider the nutritional differences between various cream products. The comparison table below highlights just how much a small change in product type can affect the calorie count per tablespoon.


Cream Type	Calories per 1 Tbsp	Fat per 1 Tbsp (approx.)	Notes
Aerosol Whipped Cream	8–20 calories	< 1–2g	Light and airy, containing stabilizers and sugars.
Half-and-Half	~20 calories	1.7g	A mixture of milk and cream, lower in fat.
Light Cream	~30 calories	2.9g	Higher fat than half-and-half but less than whipping cream.
Light Whipping Cream	~44 calories	4.6g	Lower milkfat percentage than heavy cream.
Heavy Whipping Cream	~52 calories	5.5g	High fat content, more dense and calorie-rich.
Clotted Cream	~67–88 calories	7.2–8.8g	Very thick, high-fat cream, a significant calorie source.

Practical Implications for Portion Control

Understanding these differences is key for anyone monitoring their caloric intake. While a dollop of clotted cream on a scone is a delicious treat, the same visual amount of aerosol cream contains a fraction of the calories. For example, a single tablespoon of heavy cream contains over 50 calories, whereas a typical squirt from a can is closer to 15 calories. When adding a topping to coffee, hot chocolate, or fruit, an aerosol version offers a low-calorie way to add flavor and texture. This makes it an ideal option for those who want to indulge without a heavy calorie penalty.

The Role of Air in Aerosol Products

The low calorie count of aerosol whipped cream is largely due to its composition. The can is pressurized with a propellant that whips the liquid cream into a foam as it is dispensed. This process injects a significant amount of air, increasing its volume without adding any calories. A single tablespoon of this airy foam is not dense with cream, which is why it collapses shortly after being squirted. This is a primary reason why a "squirt" of cream is a much more forgiving choice from a calorie perspective than a solid spoonful of its liquid counterpart.

Conclusion

In summary, the calorie content of a squirt of cream from an aerosol can is relatively low, typically ranging from 8 to 20 calories per tablespoon, making it a low-impact indulgence. The exact number depends on the brand's formulation, particularly its fat and sugar content. It is significantly less caloric than other, denser forms of cream like heavy cream or clotted cream. For calorie-conscious consumers, checking the nutrition label on the product is the most reliable way to get an accurate figure. This understanding allows for informed and satisfying dietary choices without unnecessary guesswork. For more detailed nutritional breakdowns of various dairy products, a resource like the U.S. Dairy industry website can provide further information.

Frequently Asked Questions

A small, one-tablespoon serving of canned whipped cream typically contains between 8 and 20 calories. This low number is because the product is mostly air, which is whipped in during the pressurization process.

Aerosol cream has significantly fewer calories than heavy cream. A tablespoon of heavy cream contains over 50 calories, while the same volume of aerosol whipped cream has only a small fraction of that amount.

The primary reason is the high air content. The pressure inside the can whips the liquid cream into a fluffy foam, dramatically increasing its volume without adding any calories, so each serving is mostly air.

The calorie count of a non-dairy whipped topping can vary depending on its ingredients, which often include vegetable oils and sweeteners. Some can have similar or slightly different calorie profiles compared to dairy-based aerosol cream, so always check the specific product label.

No, the calorie content can differ between brands. Factors like the specific fat content, amount of added sugar, and stabilizers used in the formulation cause variations in the nutritional values.

A "squirt" is not a reliable serving size. The volume and resulting calories can vary widely based on how long you press the nozzle. For accurate calorie counting, it's best to measure out a standard serving size, such as a tablespoon, and use the nutrition facts label.

Aerosol whipped cream is lower in calories than light whipping cream. A tablespoon of light whipping cream typically contains around 44 calories, while a tablespoon of aerosol cream is usually 20 calories or less.