Heavy Cream vs. Whipping Cream

One of the most common questions I get is about heavy cream, whipping cream and if they are the same thing or if they are different. Read on to find out the differences……spoiler alert, they are different!

What is heavy whipping cream?

Heavy cream and heavy whipping cream are the same thing. Heavy whipping cream or heavy cream has to have at least 36% fat content. *according to the US FDA.

Heavy cream and whipping cream are not the same thing. Whipping cream (aka. Light whipping cream) has a fat content between 30-36%.

Half and half is equal parts whole milk and heavy cream with a fat content between 10.5-18%.

It is all about the fat content in each product.

Can I interchange each product?

You can interchange heavy cream and whipping cream in recipes. Keep in mind you may notice a consistency difference using one vs. the other due to the fat content difference.

I generally recommend using heavy cream for things like creamy soups, pasta sauces and making whipped topping for cake layers as it is more stable. The higher the fat content the more sturdy or stable whipped topping you get.

Use whipping cream for things like topping cupcakes, milkshakes, pancakes, hot chocolate etc. Places where you may want a lighter fluffier topping. You can also use it in soups and pasta sauces as well.

I hope you find these tips helpful when browsing the dairy aisle for your next baking or cooking adventure!