Understanding Nutrition: What is the nutritional value of 1 tablespoon of sour cream?

November 7, 2025 •

3 min read

A single tablespoon of regular sour cream contains approximately 24 to 30 calories, with the majority of these calories coming from fat. To accurately incorporate this tangy topping into your meals, it is essential to understand what is the nutritional value of 1 tablespoon of sour cream? and how it compares to other options.

Quick Summary

An exploration of sour cream's nutritional profile, analyzing its content of calories, fat, protein, and carbohydrates. This guide also compares regular, light, and fat-free variations to assist with making informed dietary decisions.

Key Points

Low Calorie Per Serving: A single tablespoon of regular sour cream contains only about 24-30 calories, making it a low-calorie garnish.
High in Fat: Most of sour cream's calories come from fat, primarily saturated fat, so moderation is key.
Low in Carbs: Sour cream is low in carbohydrates and sugars, making it suitable for low-carb diets like keto.
Probiotic Potential: Some brands of sour cream contain live probiotic cultures, but you must check the label as commercial products are often pasteurized.
Minimal Micronutrients: While derived from milk, a small serving of sour cream is not a significant source of vitamins or minerals compared to milk or yogurt.
Healthier Alternatives Available: Light and fat-free versions are available and can be healthier alternatives, though they may contain additives.

Sour cream is a beloved creamy condiment, but its rich texture often raises questions about its place in a healthy diet. While it's typically used in small quantities, understanding its basic nutritional content can help you manage your overall intake. A single tablespoon of regular sour cream is primarily a source of fat and calories, with minimal protein and carbohydrates. Its nutritional value is not substantial enough to be considered a significant source of vitamins or minerals, unlike other dairy products such as milk or yogurt.

The Macronutrient Breakdown of 1 Tablespoon of Sour Cream

According to USDA data, a standard 12-gram tablespoon of regular, cultured sour cream offers the following nutritional profile:

Calories: 24 kcal
Fat: 2.3 g
Saturated Fat: 1.2 g
Cholesterol: 7.1 mg
Sodium: 3.7 mg
Carbohydrates: 0.6 g
Sugars: 0.4 g
Protein: 0.3 g

These figures represent a snapshot of the product, and specific values can vary slightly depending on the brand and fat content. However, they provide a reliable baseline for the average serving size.

A Closer Look at the Macros

Fat: The Primary Component

As a dairy product derived from the cream, sour cream is predominantly fat. A large portion of this is saturated fat, which has been linked to increased LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels in some individuals when consumed in excess. The American Heart Association recommends limiting saturated fat intake, suggesting moderation is key when consuming full-fat sour cream. For individuals monitoring their fat intake, choosing light or fat-free varieties is a practical strategy.

Carbohydrates and Sugars

Sour cream is relatively low in carbohydrates and sugar. The fermentation process, which adds the characteristic tangy flavor, helps break down the lactose (the natural sugar in milk). This low-carb profile makes it suitable for various diets, including ketogenic and low-carb eating plans.

Protein and Other Nutrients

While sour cream does contain a small amount of protein, it's not a significant source. It also contains trace amounts of vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, phosphorus, and potassium, but these are not present in high enough quantities to rely on sour cream as a primary source. To reap the full nutritional benefits of dairy, products like milk or yogurt are more nutrient-dense choices.

Potential Health Benefits and Considerations

While not a nutritional powerhouse, sour cream does offer some potential benefits:

Enhances Nutrient Absorption: Pairing vegetables or legumes containing fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) with a fatty condiment like sour cream can help your body absorb those vitamins more effectively.
Probiotic Potential: Traditional sour cream is made with lactic acid bacteria, a type of probiotic. However, most commercially produced sour creams in the United States are pasteurized after fermentation, which kills these beneficial live cultures. Some brands do add the cultures back in post-pasteurization, so checking the label is necessary to ensure you are getting probiotic benefits.

Making the Right Choice: Regular vs. Light vs. Fat-Free

Choosing between sour cream varieties depends on your dietary goals. Here is a comparison to help you decide:


Nutrient (per tbsp)	Regular Sour Cream	Light Sour Cream	Fat-Free Sour Cream
Calories	~24 kcal	~22 kcal	~22 kcal
Total Fat	2.3g	1.7g	0g
Saturated Fat	1.2g	1g	0g
Carbohydrates	0.6g	0.8g	1g
Protein	0.3g	0.8g	1g

As the table shows, light and fat-free versions offer a reduction in fat and calories. However, these versions often contain additives like food starches or gums to maintain a similar consistency. The best choice for you is based on your specific dietary needs and preferences.

Conclusion

In summary, what is the nutritional value of 1 tablespoon of sour cream? It's a small, calorie-dense addition to a meal, with the majority of its calories coming from fat. While it offers minimal protein, carbs, and micronutrients, its tangy flavor and creamy texture can enhance dishes. When consumed in moderation, particularly with other nutrient-dense foods, it can be part of a balanced diet. If you are concerned about fat or calorie intake, light or fat-free varieties can be excellent alternatives.

For more detailed nutritional information and health advice on various foods, consult reliable sources like Healthline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sour cream can be part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation, but due to its high fat and calorie content, it should not be relied upon as a primary source of nutrition.

The 'better' choice depends on your specific dietary needs. Light sour cream has fewer calories and fat, while full-fat is less processed and has a richer flavor. For those managing fat intake, light versions are a good option.

Only if you purchase a brand that explicitly states it contains live and active cultures. Standard commercial sour cream is typically pasteurized, which kills beneficial bacteria.

Plain Greek yogurt is generally higher in protein and lower in fat and calories than sour cream, making it a more nutrient-dense option with more substantial health benefits.

Yes, its fat content can help your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) from other foods, such as vegetables, when eaten together.

Due to its very low carbohydrate content, regular sour cream is compliant with most low-carb and ketogenic diets. However, portion control is still important due to its calorie density.

Full-fat sour cream contains saturated fat, and excessive intake of saturated fats can raise LDL (bad) cholesterol levels in some people. It's best to consume it in moderation.