Nutrition Diet: How many carbs are in 1 tablespoon of half and half?

October 9, 2025 •

4 min read

Did you know that a single tablespoon of regular half-and-half contains less than one gram of total carbohydrates, making it a surprisingly low-carb option for many dietary approaches? Understanding exactly how many carbs are in 1 tablespoon of half and half is a key detail for those monitoring their intake, whether for weight management or managing blood sugar levels.

Quick Summary

One tablespoon of standard half-and-half typically contains between 0.6 and 0.7 grams of carbohydrates. This low amount allows it to be included in moderation within low-carb and ketogenic diets, provided overall daily intake is carefully monitored.

Key Points

Low Carb Content: A single tablespoon of half-and-half contains approximately 0.6–0.7 grams of carbohydrates.
Keto-Friendly in Moderation: Due to its low carb count per serving, half-and-half can be included in a ketogenic diet, but portion control is essential.
Natural vs. Added Sugars: The carbs in plain half-and-half come from natural lactose, but flavored versions can have significant added sugars.
Higher Carb than Heavy Cream: Per tablespoon, half-and-half contains more carbs but fewer calories and fat than heavy whipping cream.
Low-Carb Alternatives Exist: Heavy cream, unsweetened almond milk, and coconut milk are excellent low-carb alternatives for different dietary needs.
Tracking is Key: For precise control over carb intake, especially on a keto diet, it is important to measure half-and-half carefully and track consumption.

The Nutritional Breakdown of Half and Half

Half-and-half is a dairy product composed of equal parts whole milk and heavy cream. This composition gives it a richer, creamier texture and a higher fat content than milk, but a lower fat content than heavy cream. When examining its place in a nutrition diet, understanding its macronutrient profile is essential.

A single tablespoon (about 15 ml) of half-and-half contains approximately:

Total Carbohydrates: 0.6–0.7 grams
Total Fat: 1.6–1.7 grams
Saturated Fat: 1.1 grams
Protein: 0.5 grams
Calories: ~20 calories

The carbohydrate content primarily comes from lactose, the natural sugar found in milk. Because the amount per serving is so low, it can be a useful tool for adding creaminess to coffee or recipes without significantly impacting your daily carb count, especially compared to sweetened creamers which contain added sugars and higher carb loads.

Half-and-Half and the Keto Diet

The ketogenic (keto) diet requires a very low daily carbohydrate intake, typically between 20 and 50 grams of net carbs. Given that a tablespoon of half-and-half has less than 1 gram of carbs, it is often considered a keto-friendly option in small, controlled quantities. However, the key is moderation. Consuming several tablespoons throughout the day can cause the carbs to accumulate, potentially interfering with ketosis.

For keto followers, here are a few considerations when using half-and-half:

Measure Accurately: Rely on a measuring tablespoon rather than free-pouring, as the small amounts can add up quickly.
Prioritize Fat: The keto diet emphasizes high fat intake. While half-and-half provides some fat, heavy whipping cream is a better option for increasing fat macros due to its significantly higher fat-to-carb ratio.
Avoid Flavored Varieties: Flavored half-and-half products often contain added sugars and other ingredients that can drastically increase the carb count. Always choose plain, unsweetened versions.

Comparison: Half-and-Half vs. Other Dairy

To make an informed decision for your nutrition diet, it is helpful to compare half-and-half to other common dairy options. The following table highlights the key differences per tablespoon, based on nutritional data:


Dairy Product	Fat Content (g)	Carb Content (g)	Calories	Usage Consideration
Half-and-Half	~1.7	~0.7	~20	Adds creaminess with minimal carbs; best used in moderation.
Heavy Cream	~5.4	~0.4	~51	Higher fat, very low carb; ideal for keto and adding richness.
Whole Milk	~0.5	~0.8	~9	Lower in fat and calories, but slightly more carbs than half-and-half per serving.
Unsweetened Almond Milk	~0.5	~0.3	~3	Very low carb, low calorie, dairy-free alternative.
Coconut Milk (Full Fat)	~4.5	~0.7	~45	High fat, low carb, non-dairy; great for coffee and recipes.

Low-Carb Alternatives to Half-and-Half

For those seeking even lower-carb options or following a dairy-free diet, several excellent alternatives can be used in place of half-and-half:

Heavy Cream: As shown in the table above, heavy cream has a lower carb count per tablespoon than half-and-half, while providing a higher fat content, which is beneficial for keto diets.
Unsweetened Almond Milk: A popular, very low-calorie and low-carb option. When blended with a touch of heavy cream, it can mimic a thicker texture.
Unsweetened Coconut Cream or Full-Fat Coconut Milk: This is a fantastic dairy-free alternative that adds a rich, creamy texture and a dose of healthy fats, with a carb count comparable to half-and-half.
Homemade Half-and-Half Substitute: For a low-carb alternative, you can mix 2/3 cup of low-fat milk with 1/3 cup of heavy cream. This ratio keeps the fat higher and carbs lower than standard half-and-half.

Tracking Carbs for Better Nutritional Control

Regardless of your chosen diet, tracking your intake of carbohydrates, fats, and protein is a cornerstone of nutritional control. While the carbs in half-and-half are low per serving, cumulative intake can become an issue for strict low-carb dieters. Utilizing a food tracking app or a digital food scale can provide the accuracy needed to ensure you stay within your daily macronutrient goals.

For those managing blood sugar, especially those with diabetes, carb counting with precision is even more critical. The small, natural sugars in dairy can still affect blood glucose levels, so consulting with a registered dietitian or diabetes care team is recommended to create a personalized plan.

Conclusion

In summary, understanding how many carbs are in 1 tablespoon of half and half reveals that it is a relatively low-carb dairy option. With approximately 0.6 to 0.7 grams of carbohydrates per tablespoon, it can be a suitable addition to many diets, including ketogenic plans, when used in moderation. The key to successful incorporation is careful portion control and avoiding sweetened varieties. By comparing half-and-half with other dairy products and considering low-carb alternatives, you can make informed choices that align with your overall nutritional goals. Remember that precise tracking is crucial for meeting specific dietary targets and maintaining control over your macronutrient intake.

For additional nutritional data, consult the official U.S. Department of Agriculture food database.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, half-and-half can be keto-friendly in small amounts. With less than 1 gram of carbs per tablespoon, it fits into most daily carb limits, but careful portion control is key to avoid exceeding your carb allowance.

Heavy cream is a better option for a strict low-carb or keto diet, as it has a lower carb content per tablespoon (~0.4g) and a higher fat content compared to half-and-half (~0.7g carbs).

Excellent lower-carb alternatives include heavy whipping cream, unsweetened almond milk, and full-fat coconut milk or coconut cream.

Yes, any caloric intake, including the ~20 calories in a tablespoon of half-and-half, will break a fast. For a strict fast, it should be avoided.

The carb content can vary slightly between brands and is significantly higher in flavored or fat-free versions. Fat-free half-and-half, for example, may have higher carbs due to added sugars and starches used to compensate for the removed fat.

One tablespoon of regular half-and-half contains approximately 20 calories. This is less than heavy cream (~51 calories) but more than whole milk (~9 calories).

While it contains calcium, the amount is not substantial in small, one-tablespoon servings. Milk and other dairy products are better sources for a significant calcium boost.