How Much Does Heavy Cream Cost?
Heavy cream is the richest type of liquid cream and is typically used to make whipped cream for topping fruits and desserts as well as for hot beverages.
Also referred to as heavy whipping cream, it is sometimes confused with whipping cream.
Both types of cream can be used to make whipped cream, but heavy cream is often preferred when creating denser and richer whipped cream.
How much does heavy cream cost?
On average, the price of heavy cream will depend on the amount purchased, the brand and where it’s purchased. Most 16-ounce cartons will retail for $3.50 to $7. Refer to our table below to see what the most popular brands will cost:
| Brand | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Horizon | - $7.50 per 16 fluid ounces - $11.75 per 64 ounces |
| Land O Lakes | $5.50 per pint |
| Organic Valley | - $2.50 per 8 ounces - $4.50 per 16 fluid ounces |
| Store Brand (Kroger, Great Value, Publix) | $4 per 16 ounces |
According to FineCooking.com, a pint of heavy cream costs 5 to 10 cents more than whipping cream.
This member on this Paleohacks.com noted she paid about $3 for the Walmart Great Value brand.
Heavy cream overview
Heavy cream has the highest amount of milk fat, which is usually between 36 and 40 percent. Compared with heavy cream, whipping cream has lower butterfat content at 30%. While both heavy cream and whipping cream can be used to make whipped cream, the milk fat content causes significant differences in the results.
When whipping cream is used, the whipped cream produced is lighter, fluffier, and more voluminous since whipping cream doubles in volume when whipped. With heavy cream, the whipped cream will turn out more compact and its consistency holds longer. It also doubles in volume when whipped. Since heavy cream has higher milk fat content, it prevents the whipped cream from transforming back to liquid quickly, allowing it to maintain its texture longer.
Heavy cream is typically packed in cartons and sold in the following size options: 1 pint, 1 quart, 8 fluid ounces, 14 ounces, 16 ounces, 32 fluid ounces, half a pint, and half a gallon. The product can be found in gourmet food stores as well as online.
Heavy cream nutrition
The average one cup will yield the following, on average:
821 calories
88g of fat
54g of saturated fat
25.4g of polyunsaturated fat
326mg of cholesterol
90mg of sodium
6.6g of carbohydrates
7g of sugar
5g of protein
Tips to know:
Since heavy cream has a higher fat content, it is generally more stable for whipping and for making sauces. Using heavy cream to thicken and enrich a sauce also requires less cooking time.
Some heavy cream brands offer ultra-pasteurized varieties. Ultra-pasteurization refers to a process used to produce dairy products that are 99.9% free from bacteria and also to extend the shelf life of these products.
A heavy cream powder is also available. This powder, which usually contains 72% butterfat, are not designed to replace whipping cream, but it can be mixed with water to create a heavy cream similar to liquid heavy cream. Heavy cream powder is added to products dry or reconstituted with water or other liquids.
To tell if the heavy cream is bad, you will want to look for lumps and take note of its smell. Heavy cream, when it goes bad, will have a sour-like scent.
Heavy cream vs heavy whipping cream
Heavy cream is the richest type of liquid with a minimum fat content of 36 percent, while whipping cream will be between 30 and 36 percent. The more fat in a cream, the stabler it will be in sauces and whipping. All products labeled “heavy cream” must be made up of at least 30 percent fat.
Heavy cream will have a thicker consistency when mixed in.
Heavy cream will double in volume when whipped.
Substitutions for heavy cream
A fat-free half-and-half is healthier and has fewer calories and fat. It will also create a fluffy topping while being whipped.
If heavy cream will be used for the top of a pie, for instance, you could mix 1 percent milk with a stick blender or a milk frother.
A combination of milk and butter. To create this substitute, melt 1/3 cup of unsalted butter, and then mix 3/4 cup milk and 1 tablespoon of flour in a bowl.
Greek yogurt is a healthier alternative and is much thicker than a traditional yogurt.
Mixing skim milk and cornstarch can create a similar mixture. To do this, use one cup of milk and add two tablespoons of cornstarch to the mixture.
For vegetarians, blending tofu and unflavored soy milk can create a smooth mixture.
Mixing equal amounts of cottage cheese and non-fat milk power can create a low-calorie substitute.
Adding vanilla to chilled evaporated milk can be used as heavy cream commonly found in soups.
A low-fat cream cheese can provide the same consistency. If you use cream cheese, use half the amount of heavy cream recommended in the recipe.
Brands of heavy whipping cream
Borden’s
Great Value
Horizon
Nestle
Land O Lakes
Organic Valley
Trader Joe’s
Tuscan Dairy Farms
How to make heavy whipping cream
How can I save money?
If you use heavy cream often, consider buying it in bulk to take advantage of discounted rates.
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Average Reported Cost: $0
