What are the Nutritional Facts about Heavy Cream?
December 22, 2025 | by Sravani Pathakamuri | Posted in Nutrition Facts
Heavy cream, also called heavy whipping cream, is a dairy product made from the high-fat layer of milk. In India, it is commonly used in desserts, gravies, bakery items, and coffee. Heavy cream gives rich taste and texture but is very high in calories and fat.
Nutritional Value of Heavy Cream (Per 1 Tablespoon – 15 ml)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 52 kcal |
| Total Fat | 5.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 0.4 g |
| Sugars | 0.4 g |
| Protein | 0.3 g |
| Cholesterol | 20 mg |
| Calcium | 8 mg |
| Vitamin A | 44 mcg |
| Vitamin D | 0.3 mcg |
Values may vary slightly by brand and fat percentage.
Key Nutritional Highlights of Heavy Cream
1. Very High in Fat
- Contains around 36–40% milk fat
- Rich, creamy texture
- Mostly saturated fat
2. High-Calorie Food
- Small quantity gives many calories
- Can easily increase daily calorie intake
3. Contains Fat-Soluble Vitamins
- Vitamin A supports eye and skin health
- Vitamin D helps calcium absorption
4. Low in Protein and Carbs
- Not a good protein source
- Very low lactose compared to milk
Health Effects of Heavy Cream
May Support Weight Gain
- Useful for people trying to gain weight
- Helpful in high-calorie diets
Heart Health Concerns
- High saturated fat may increase LDL cholesterol
- Should be limited by heart patients
Suitable for Keto Diet
- Very low carbs
- High fat content fits keto macros
Heavy Cream vs Milk (Comparison)
| Feature | Heavy Cream | Full Cream Milk |
|---|---|---|
| Calories (1 tbsp) | 52 kcal | ~9 kcal |
| Fat | Very high | Moderate |
| Protein | Very low | Higher |
| Saturated Fat | High | Lower |
| Best For | Desserts, keto | Daily use |
Is Heavy Cream Good for Weight Loss?
❌ Not recommended:
- Very calorie dense
- High saturated fat
- Can slow fat loss if used often
✔ Can be used occasionally in small amounts.
Best Ways to Use Heavy Cream (In Moderation)
- In desserts like cakes and ice cream
- For creamy gravies
- In coffee or soups
- For whipping and baking
Who Should Limit Heavy Cream?
- People with high cholesterol
- Heart disease patients
- Those on weight loss diets
- Lactose-sensitive people (in large amounts)
Healthier Alternatives to Heavy Cream
- Low-fat cream
- Greek yogurt
- Cashew cream
- Coconut milk (use carefully)
Final Thoughts
Heavy cream is rich, tasty, and calorie dense. It provides fat-soluble vitamins but is high in saturated fat and calories. For good health, it should be used occasionally and in small quantities, especially if you have heart or weight concerns.