How many carbs are in canned whipped cream?

December 25, 2025 •

4 min read

A single two-tablespoon serving of regular canned whipped cream typically contains only 1 to 2 grams of total carbohydrates. While this amount is very low, the final carb count depends heavily on the specific brand and serving size. This makes understanding exactly how many carbs are in canned whipped cream crucial for those tracking their intake, especially on low-carb or keto diets.

Quick Summary

This article examines the carbohydrate content of canned whipped cream, comparing different brands and varieties. It breaks down the nutritional information, explains what to look for on the label, and explores whether this popular topping is suitable for a ketogenic or low-carb lifestyle. Practical serving tips and healthier, homemade alternatives are also covered.

Key Points

Low Carb Content: Most canned whipped creams contain only 1-2 grams of carbs per two-tablespoon serving.
Serving Size Matters: The low carb count is based on a small, two-tablespoon serving, so larger portions will increase your intake significantly.
Check for Added Sugar: Though low in total carbs, regular versions do contain sugar. Sugar-free options are available for those on ketogenic diets.
Homemade Alternatives: Homemade whipped cream is a simple, low-carb alternative, allowing for full control over ingredients and sweetness.
Label Reading is Crucial: Pay close attention to the nutrition label, especially for "Total Carbohydrates" and be aware of rounding practices for small serving sizes.
Aerosol Process: The fluffy, airy texture of canned whipped cream means less actual product is in each serving, contributing to its low carb density.

Understanding the carb count in canned whipped cream

For many, canned whipped cream seems like a diet-busting treat, but the truth is often surprisingly different. Due to its fluffy, aerosolized nature, a standard two-tablespoon serving contains a minimal amount of actual product, resulting in a very low carbohydrate count. The exact number, however, can vary based on the brand, whether it’s a standard or a sugar-free version, and the overall formulation. For example, popular brands like Reddi-Wip report just 1 gram of total carbs per two-tablespoon serving.

Key ingredients that influence carb content

To understand the nutrition, it's helpful to look at the ingredients list found on most cans.

Cream: The primary ingredient, but heavy cream itself is low in carbs, with most of the calories coming from fat.
Sugar: The most significant source of carbohydrates. While most brands use a small amount of sugar, it is the main contributor to the carb count.
Stabilizers and Emulsifiers: Ingredients like carrageenan and mono- and diglycerides are added to maintain consistency. These contribute minimally, if at all, to the carb count.
Propellant Gas: Nitrous oxide is used to pressurize the can and aerate the cream, contributing no calories or carbs.

The crucial factor: serving size

The serving size is perhaps the most important consideration. While a two-tablespoon serving is low in carbs, it’s a relatively small amount. It's easy to use more than one serving, especially when topping a large dessert. This is where hidden carbs can start to add up, so paying attention to how much you're actually using is key for anyone watching their intake.

Reading nutritional labels for accuracy

When evaluating a can of whipped cream, don't just rely on the front-of-pack claims. Turn the can over and read the nutrition facts panel carefully. For those on a keto diet, look for "Total Carbohydrates" and be mindful of the rounding rules. The FDA allows labels to round down to zero if the content per serving is less than 0.5 grams. However, even tiny amounts can accumulate, so it's always best to be aware.

Comparison: Canned vs. Homemade Whipped Cream

DIY Low-Carb Whipped Cream

For those who prefer full control over their ingredients or follow a strict low-carb diet, making whipped cream at home is a simple and rewarding alternative. The basic recipe requires only two ingredients: heavy whipping cream and a low-carb sweetener of your choice.

How to make homemade low-carb whipped cream

Chill a mixing bowl and whisk attachment in the freezer for about 15 minutes. This helps the cream whip faster.
Pour one cup of very cold heavy whipping cream into the chilled bowl.
Add one to two tablespoons of a keto-friendly sweetener, such as erythritol, stevia, or monk fruit.
Whip on high speed until soft peaks form. Be careful not to over-mix, as it can quickly turn into butter.

Choosing the right whipped cream for your lifestyle

Your choice depends on your priorities. For quick and convenient topping, canned whipped cream is an easy and surprisingly low-carb option, provided you stick to the serving size. For those who want to avoid sugar completely, control their ingredients, or need a firmer texture for decorating, homemade is the way to go. Ultimately, both options offer a way to enjoy a creamy, indulgent topping without derailing your health goals.

Conclusion

In summary, canned whipped cream is a low-carbohydrate topping, with most regular varieties containing 1 to 2 grams of carbs per two-tablespoon serving. Its low-carb profile is a result of a small serving size and high air content. For those following strict low-carb diets, sugar-free versions or homemade whipped cream made with sugar substitutes are excellent alternatives that offer more control over ingredients. Always check the nutrition label and be mindful of serving sizes to ensure this tasty treat aligns with your dietary needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, standard canned whipped cream is often considered keto-friendly in moderation, as a typical two-tablespoon serving contains only 1 to 2 grams of total carbohydrates. For stricter adherence, sugar-free or homemade versions are better options.

The primary difference is the sugar source. Sugar-free versions omit the added sugar, often replacing it with non-caloric sweeteners, which further reduces the carbohydrate content. Always check the nutritional information, as some sugar-free labels may still contain trace carbs.

The carb count for a whole can varies widely by brand and can size. For example, a can with 61 servings of 1g carbs each would contain 61g of total carbohydrates. Since most people don’t consume an entire can, the per-serving value is more relevant for tracking.

Yes, different formulations can affect carbs. Whipped toppings that are not dairy-based or contain different stabilizers may have different nutritional profiles than those made with real cream. Brands vary, so comparing labels is essential.

The low carb count is due to the whipped cream's high air content. The aerosolizing process makes the product light and fluffy, meaning a two-tablespoon portion contains very little actual cream and sugar, thus minimizing its carbohydrate impact.

Besides cream and sugar, canned whipped cream typically contains water, stabilizers like carrageenan, and a propellant like nitrous oxide. Some non-dairy versions may contain hydrogenated oils or corn syrup solids.

For maximum control over ingredients, sweetness, and carb count, homemade is the better choice. You can use your preferred low-carb sweetener and avoid any preservatives or stabilizers found in canned versions.