Nutrition Diet: What percentage of fat is half-and-half?

October 18, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), half-and-half is legally defined as containing between 10.5% and 18% milk fat. So, what percentage of fat is half-and-half? The precise fat content varies by brand but is consistently richer than milk and less fatty than heavy cream.

Quick Summary

Half-and-half is a dairy product with 10.5% to 18% milk fat, a blend of milk and cream. It offers less fat and calories than heavy cream, impacting its culinary applications and role in various dietary plans.

Key Points

FDA Regulation: Half-and-half is legally required by the FDA to contain between 10.5% and 18% milk fat.
Moderate Fat Content: It has less fat and fewer calories than heavy cream, but is significantly richer and thicker than whole milk.
Cooking Considerations: Due to its fat content, half-and-half cannot be whipped and may curdle in hot liquids unless tempered properly.
Dietary Versatility: It can be used in moderation for certain diets, like keto, but alternatives may be more suitable for those seeking lower fat or dairy-free options.
Nutritional Value: Besides fat, half-and-half provides smaller amounts of protein, carbohydrates, and micronutrients like calcium and vitamins A and D.
Fat-Free Alternatives: Some 'fat-free' varieties are made with additives like corn syrup to mimic texture, which can be a less healthy choice than the real product.

What is Half-and-Half and Its Fat Content?

Half-and-half is a blended dairy product, named for its traditional composition of half whole milk and half light cream. While this ratio can vary by manufacturer, the FDA sets a specific standard for the milk fat content. The legal range dictates that half-and-half must contain between 10.5% and 18% milk fat. This moderation is what makes it a popular choice for adding a touch of richness to coffee and recipes without the intensity of a higher-fat cream. For instance, a common fat percentage is around 12%, though some brands might be on the lower or higher end of the legal spectrum. The homogenization process ensures the fat globules are evenly distributed, preventing the product from separating.

Comparing Half-and-Half to Other Dairy Products

Understanding half-and-half's fat content is easier when you compare it to other common dairy products. Its position as a middle-ground product dictates its texture, taste, and use in cooking and baking.


Dairy Product	Typical Fat Percentage	Culinary Uses	Can it be whipped?
Whole Milk	~3.5%	Drinking, cereal, baking, sauces	No
Half-and-Half	10.5%–18%	Coffee, creamy soups, sauces, quiche	No
Light Cream	18%–30%	Dessert toppings, cream soups, sauces	No
Heavy Cream	36%–40%	Whipped cream, rich sauces, thick desserts	Yes

As you can see, the fat content is the key differentiator. This table shows why half-and-half cannot be whipped into stiff peaks like heavy cream; it simply lacks the necessary fat. The higher fat content of heavy cream also makes it more stable when heated, whereas half-and-half can curdle if added directly to very hot liquids.

Nutritional Breakdown and Dietary Considerations

Beyond the fat content, half-and-half offers other nutritional components. A typical tablespoon contains about 20 calories, with approximately 78% of those calories coming from fat. It provides small amounts of protein and carbohydrates, primarily lactose. Additionally, half-and-half can be a source of some essential nutrients.

Nutrients in half-and-half include:

Calcium: Important for bone health.
Vitamin A: Naturally present from the cream content.
Potassium: An essential mineral.
Protein: A small but contributing amount.

For those watching their fat intake, some manufacturers offer low-fat and fat-free versions of half-and-half. However, these products often replace milk fat with thickeners and corn syrup to mimic the original texture, which can increase the sugar content and use more artificial ingredients. This can make them a less healthy alternative than simply using a smaller amount of the real thing.

Cooking with Half-and-Half

Half-and-half's moderate fat level makes it a versatile ingredient for adding creamy texture to a variety of dishes. While it can't be whipped, it excels in many other applications.

Coffee and Tea: Its most popular use, providing a creamy richness without the heaviness of full cream.
Soups and Sauces: A great way to add a creamy consistency to recipes like creamy tomato soup or alfredo sauce.
Baked Goods: Used in scones, pancakes, and quiches to achieve a moist and tender crumb.
Breakfast Dishes: A splash in scrambled eggs or French toast batter creates a richer, more luxurious texture.

To prevent curdling when adding half-and-half to hot liquids, it is essential to temper it. This involves gradually raising the temperature of the half-and-half by whisking in a small amount of the hot liquid before combining it with the rest of the dish.

Half-and-Half and Different Dietary Needs

For those following specific diets, half-and-half requires careful consideration.

Keto Diet: Half-and-half can be incorporated in small amounts, as it contains relatively few carbs per tablespoon (around 0.6g). However, it is not as high-fat as heavy cream, and excessive use can add up carbs, potentially disrupting ketosis. For strict keto, heavy cream is often preferred due to its higher fat-to-carb ratio.
Heart-Healthy Diets: For individuals watching cholesterol and saturated fat, moderate use is key. The American Heart Association recommends opting for lower-fat dairy options where possible. While half-and-half is lower in fat than heavy cream, it is still a source of saturated fat, so portion control is important.
Lactose Intolerance: As a dairy product, half-and-half contains lactose. For those with severe intolerance, it should be avoided. Some alternative plant-based creamers offer a dairy-free option.

Conclusion

In summary, the percentage of fat in half-and-half ranges between 10.5% and 18%, a legal standard set by the FDA. This moderate fat content makes it a versatile ingredient, providing a creamy texture that is richer than milk but lighter than heavy cream. While it offers essential nutrients like calcium and vitamins, its fat and caloric content require moderation, particularly for those on specific dietary plans like keto or heart-healthy regimens. For cooking, its lower fat content means it can curdle in high heat unless tempered, and it is unsuitable for whipping. Understanding these nuances helps consumers make informed choices when incorporating this dairy product into their nutrition plan. For additional information on food definitions, you can consult the U.S. FDA.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream in some recipes, especially soups and sauces, to reduce fat and calories. However, because half-and-half lacks the high fat content, it cannot be whipped and will not create the same rich, thick consistency as heavy cream.

Half-and-half can be included in a ketogenic diet in very small amounts. A single tablespoon contains around 0.6g of carbs, but this can add up quickly. Heavy cream is often a better choice for strict keto followers due to its higher fat-to-carb ratio.

Half-and-half can curdle in very hot liquids because its fat content is lower than heavy cream, making it less stable. To prevent this, you can temper the half-and-half by gradually whisking a little of the hot liquid into it first before adding it to the main dish.

Regular half-and-half is a blend of milk and cream within the 10.5%-18% fat range. 'Fat-free' half-and-half is typically made from skim milk and may include added thickeners and corn syrup to simulate the creamy texture, making it a different and potentially less-healthy product.

No, half-and-half does not have a high enough fat percentage (minimum 30% is needed) to form and hold the peaks required for whipped cream. Heavy cream or heavy whipping cream are the correct ingredients for making whipped cream.

Half-and-half should be stored in the refrigerator, and once opened, it should be used within about a week. Keep the container tightly sealed to prevent it from absorbing other odors.

Some popular dairy-free alternatives for half-and-half include almond milk, coconut milk, soy milk, or a mixture of plant-based milks and creams. These can offer a similar creamy texture, but the flavor and consistency may differ slightly.