How much is one serving of Cool Whip?

December 24, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the official nutrition label from Kraft Heinz, one standard serving of Cool Whip Original is two tablespoons. This small scoop is meant to add a light, fluffy finish to desserts, from pies to fruit salads, without overwhelming the dish with excessive calories or fat.

Quick Summary

The standard serving size for most Cool Whip varieties is two tablespoons, with a low calorie count per serving. This article explains the nutritional information for Original, Lite, and Extra Creamy versions, details how to accurately measure a serving, and offers guidance on incorporating it into a balanced diet.

Key Points

Standard Serving Size: A single serving of Cool Whip is two tablespoons across most varieties.
Low Calorie Count: The Original Cool Whip provides only 25 calories per serving, making it a lighter alternative to real whipped cream.
Measuring Accuracy: For the most accurate nutritional tracking, use a standard measuring spoon and ensure the topping is thawed before use.
Variety in Nutritional Content: Different versions like Lite, Extra Creamy, and Zero Sugar have varying calorie and fat content per serving.
Not Real Whipped Cream: Cool Whip is a whipped topping with hydrogenated vegetable oil as a main ingredient, not real dairy cream.
Freezer to Fridge Life: An unopened tub of Cool Whip must be thawed in the refrigerator for four hours and can be kept fresh for two weeks.

Understanding the Standard Cool Whip Serving Size

To correctly answer the question of how much is one serving of Cool Whip, it's essential to check the official product labels provided by the manufacturer, Kraft Heinz. Across most of their whipped topping products, including the popular Original, Lite, and Extra Creamy versions, a standard serving is defined as 2 tablespoons. This measurement corresponds to a weight of approximately 9 grams, which is a key detail for those tracking intake with precision.

The 2-tablespoon standard is a consistent metric across the Cool Whip lineup, making it easy for consumers to manage their portions, regardless of which variety they choose. This small, consistent measure is deliberate, ensuring the topping remains an accent to a dessert rather than the main event. While a user might be tempted to use a larger dollop, sticking to the recommended size is crucial for managing nutritional intake, especially for calories, fat, and sugar.

Nutritional Breakdown by Cool Whip Variety

Cool Whip offers several varieties, each with slightly different nutritional profiles per a standard 2-tablespoon serving. Understanding these differences can help consumers make informed choices based on their dietary preferences or restrictions.

Cool Whip Original

Calories: 25 calories
Total Fat: 1.5g (2% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 1g (6% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrates: 3g (1% Daily Value)
Total Sugars: 2g
Ingredients: Contains water, corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated vegetable oil, skim milk, and less than 2% light cream.

Cool Whip Lite (Reduced Fat)

Calories: 20 calories
Total Fat: 1g (1% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 1g (6% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrates: 3g (1% Daily Value)
Total Sugars: 1g
Ingredients: Shares many ingredients with the original but contains 33% less fat.

Cool Whip Extra Creamy

Calories: 30 calories
Total Fat: 2g
Total Sugars: 2g
Ingredients: This version is made with real cream, giving it a richer, more decadent taste and texture.

Cool Whip Zero Sugar

Calories: 20 calories
Total Fat: 1g
Ingredients: Features a different blend of ingredients to achieve the same taste with zero sugar.

Cool Whip Fat-Free

Calories: 20 calories
Total Fat: 0g
Ingredients: Created to be a fat-free alternative, maintaining a light and airy consistency.

How to Measure a Cool Whip Serving Accurately

While scooping directly from the tub might seem straightforward, the light and fluffy nature of Cool Whip can lead to inaccurate measurements. Using a standard tablespoon is the most reliable method for ensuring you're getting the intended serving size.

Steps for an accurate serving:

Thaw Properly: Ensure the Cool Whip is fully thawed in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, as stirring or measuring it while still frozen will not yield accurate results.
Use a Measuring Spoon: Level off your measuring tablespoon to ensure a precise, standard 15ml volume.
Transfer with Care: Gently scoop the topping to avoid compressing it, which would pack more into the serving than intended.

Cool Whip vs. Heavy Whipping Cream: A Comparison

For those considering alternatives or comparing their dessert options, it is helpful to look at Cool Whip in contrast to heavy whipping cream. While both are used to top desserts, they have significantly different compositions and nutritional values.


Feature	Cool Whip (Original, 2 tbsp)	Heavy Whipping Cream (liquid, 2 tbsp)	Homemade Whipped Cream (using heavy whipping cream)
Calories	25	Approx. 100-110	Approx. 100-110
Main Ingredients	Water, corn syrup, hydrogenated vegetable oil, milk products	Cream (at least 36% milk fat)	Heavy whipping cream, sugar, vanilla
Fat Content	1.5g	Approx. 11.7g	Approx. 11.7g
Lactose	0g per serving	Present	Present
Flavor	Sweet, slightly artificial	Rich, creamy, dairy flavor	Fresh, customized sweetness
Stability	Highly stable (longer shelf life)	Less stable, will weep over time	Less stable, best used immediately

The Role of Cool Whip in a Balanced Diet

With its low calorie and fat count per serving, Cool Whip can be a part of a balanced diet when used in moderation. It serves as a satisfying, sweet topping that provides a pleasant texture without the high caloric load of traditional whipped cream. Its stability also makes it a reliable ingredient for desserts that require a topping that holds its shape longer.

Conclusion

One serving of Cool Whip is consistently measured as two tablespoons, offering a low-calorie way to add a creamy texture to desserts. With several varieties available, including Lite, Extra Creamy, and Zero Sugar options, there is a Cool Whip version to fit various dietary needs. By accurately measuring and understanding the nutritional information, you can enjoy this topping responsibly as part of a balanced and satisfying diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard 2-tablespoon serving of Cool Whip Original contains 25 calories.

Yes, Cool Whip Lite is a reduced-fat version with 33% less fat than the original, containing only 20 calories per 2-tablespoon serving.

The Cool Whip Extra Creamy variety is made with real cream, providing a richer, more decadent texture and flavor than the Original.

Like the Original, the serving size for Cool Whip Extra Creamy is two tablespoons.

Most Cool Whip products, including the Original, state that they contain 0g of lactose per serving, making them generally suitable for those who are lactose intolerant.

One 2-tablespoon serving of Cool Whip Original contains 1.5 grams of total fat.

The main ingredients in Cool Whip include water, corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, and hydrogenated vegetable oil. It also contains skim milk and less than 2% light cream.