Is Heavy Whipping Cream High in Sugar?

November 7, 2025 •

4 min read

Despite its creamy richness, unflavored heavy whipping cream is naturally low in sugar, containing less than 1 gram of natural milk sugar (lactose) per tablespoon. This often surprises those accustomed to thinking of all dairy products as high in carbohydrates, but its high fat content means it has very minimal sugar.

Quick Summary

Raw heavy whipping cream is naturally low in sugar, deriving most of its calories from fat rather than carbohydrates. The primary sugar present is lactose, and the amount is minimal per serving. However, store-bought whipped cream and flavored varieties may contain significant added sugars, which should be checked on the label.

Key Points

Low Sugar Content: Unflavored heavy whipping cream is naturally low in sugar, containing less than 1 gram per tablespoon, which is minimal for most dietary plans.
Primary Sugar is Lactose: The small amount of sugar found in heavy cream is lactose, a naturally occurring milk sugar that is concentrated in smaller quantities than in milk.
Beware of Added Sugars: Pre-packaged, sweetened whipped toppings and other products that taste sweet often contain significant amounts of added sugar, unlike pure heavy cream.
Ideal for Keto: Its high fat and low carbohydrate content make it a highly compatible ingredient for ketogenic and other low-carb diets.
Nutritional Label is Key: Always read the product's nutrition label to verify the sugar content and check the ingredients for added sweeteners.
High in Calories and Fat: While low in sugar, heavy whipping cream is very calorie-dense due to its high fat content, so portion control is important.

Understanding Heavy Whipping Cream's Sugar Profile

Heavy whipping cream is essentially the high-fat portion of milk that is separated during processing. For a product to be labeled heavy cream or heavy whipping cream, it must contain at least 36% milk fat. This high fat percentage is the reason for its low sugar content compared to milk. While milk contains a higher proportion of lactose, the natural milk sugar, the concentration in heavy cream is very low.

The Role of Lactose

Lactose is the simple carbohydrate, or sugar, that occurs naturally in milk and dairy products. During the production of heavy cream, a large majority of the milk's water and sugar-containing components are removed, leaving behind the rich, fatty solids. This process concentrates the fat while simultaneously minimizing the lactose content. For individuals with mild lactose intolerance or those following a low-carbohydrate diet like keto, this makes unadulterated heavy cream a favorable option.

Raw Cream vs. Sweetened Toppings

It's crucial to distinguish between raw, unflavored heavy whipping cream and sweetened, ready-to-use whipped toppings. The latter, which often come in aerosol cans or tubs, contain a significant amount of added sugars, stabilizers, and emulsifiers to create a sweeter taste and a more stable structure. A tablespoon of raw heavy cream may have less than 1 gram of sugar, while an equivalent serving of a sweetened topping can have several grams, making it a less ideal choice for sugar-conscious diets.

Reading the Label for Accurate Sugar Counts

To be certain about the sugar content, always check the nutrition label of the specific product you are buying.

Total Carbohydrates: This number includes both natural and added sugars. For raw heavy cream, the number will be very low.
Sugars: This line item specifies the amount of sugar per serving. In raw cream, this will reflect the natural lactose.
Ingredients List: Look for added sweeteners like sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, or other syrups. If they are listed, the product contains added sugar and should be consumed with awareness.

How Heavy Cream Fits into Low-Carb and Keto Diets

Due to its high-fat and very low-carb profile, heavy cream is a staple for many following ketogenic or other low-carb diets. It provides a source of fat that helps with satiety and can be used to add richness to a variety of dishes and beverages. It's often used as a keto-friendly coffee creamer or as a base for desserts and sauces where a rich texture is desired without the added sugar.

Common Uses of Heavy Whipping Cream

In Coffee and Tea: A splash adds a rich, creamy texture without affecting blood sugar levels significantly.
For Sauces and Soups: It can be used to thicken sauces and add a velvety finish to soups without adding extra carbs.
In Desserts: As a base for homemade whipped cream, mousse, or custards, it allows for control over the type and amount of sweetener used.

Table: Heavy Whipping Cream vs. Sweetened Whipped Topping


Feature	Raw Heavy Whipping Cream	Sweetened Whipped Topping
Fat Content	~36% milk fat	Lower fat content
Sugar Source	Naturally occurring lactose (minimal)	Added sugars (e.g., sugar, corn syrup)
Sugar per tbsp	Less than 1 gram	Several grams, depending on brand
Carbohydrates	Very low	Higher, due to added sugar
Sweetness	Not sweet	Sweetened
Ideal For	Keto, low-carb, and sugar-conscious diets	Occasional dessert topping, not for low-sugar diets

Potential Health Considerations

While low in sugar, heavy whipping cream is very calorie-dense and high in saturated fat. For most people, consuming full-fat dairy in moderation can be part of a healthy diet, and some emerging research even suggests potential benefits. However, those watching their calorie intake or those with certain health concerns should be mindful of portion sizes. Additionally, those with significant lactose intolerance should be cautious, as even the small amount of lactose present might cause discomfort. Heavy cream is not suitable for a low FODMAP diet.

The Bottom Line

If you are looking for a dairy product with minimal sugar, unflavored heavy whipping cream is an excellent choice. It provides a creamy, rich taste with very few carbohydrates, making it a popular ingredient for low-carb and ketogenic recipes. Just be sure to always check the nutritional label to avoid versions with added sugars and be mindful of your overall calorie and fat intake.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the assertion that heavy whipping cream is high in sugar is a common misconception that stems from confusing it with sweetened, ready-made whipped toppings. The truth is that raw, unflavored heavy whipping cream contains very little sugar, consisting primarily of naturally occurring lactose. Its high fat content is the dominant nutritional component, not carbohydrates. This makes it a valuable tool for those managing their sugar intake, particularly for individuals on a keto or low-carb diet. By scrutinizing the product label and opting for the plain, unflavored variety, you can enjoy the rich texture of heavy whipping cream without a significant sugar load.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, in small amounts, pure heavy cream is a low-sugar, low-carb option that does not typically spike blood sugar levels. However, it is high in fat, so portion sizes should be considered as part of a balanced diet.

Yes, heavy cream contains a very small amount of carbohydrates from naturally occurring lactose. A tablespoon has less than one gram, which is why it is often considered a low-carb food.

The difference in sugar content between heavy cream and whipping cream is negligible as both are naturally low in lactose. The primary difference is their fat content, with heavy cream having a slightly higher fat percentage.

Whipped cream from a can or tub often tastes sweet because manufacturers add sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, and other sweeteners to the product for flavor and stability. This is different from homemade whipped cream made from pure heavy cream.

To make sugar-free whipped cream, simply beat cold heavy whipping cream until soft or stiff peaks form. You can add a small amount of a keto-friendly sweetener like stevia, erythritol, or monk fruit extract to taste, and a dash of vanilla extract for flavor.

No, heavy cream is not considered a low FODMAP food, as it is high in lactose, a type of fermentable sugar. Individuals on a low FODMAP diet should use caution.

Heavy whipping cream is high in saturated fat. While the role of saturated fat in heart disease is still debated, it is important to consume high-fat foods in moderation as part of a balanced diet.