Food Cooking Tips & Techniques Heavy Cream and Whipping Cream Are Not the Same—Here's Why While the labels may look similar, do you know what makes each unique? By Kelly Vaughan Updated on December 11, 2023 Medically reviewed by Kristy Del Coro, MS, RDN, LDN Medically reviewed by Kristy Del Coro, MS, RDN, LDN Kristy Del Coro is a registered dietitian nutritionist, RDN, and professionally trained chef with more than 10 years of experience in the field of culinary nutrition. Her strong background in nutrition science, sustainable food systems, and culinary education makes her exceptionally qualified to write about food that is good for us and the planet—while not sacrificing flavor. Learn More Fact checked by Isaac Winter Fact checked by Isaac Winter Isaac Winter is a fact-checker and writer for Real Simple, ensuring the accuracy of content published by rigorously researching content before publication and periodically when content needs to be updated. Highlights: Helped establish a food pantry in West Garfield Park as an AmeriCorps employee at Above and Beyond Family Recovery Center. Interviewed Heartland Alliance employees for oral history project conducted by the Lake Forest College History Department. Editorial Head of Lake Forest College's literary magazine, Tusitala, for two years. Our Fact-Checking Process In This Article View All In This Article Heavy Cream vs. Heavy Whipping Cream Heavy Cream vs. Whipping Cream Uses Recipe Ideas With all the options available in the dairy aisle, it's understandable if you don't know the difference between heavy cream and heavy whipping cream. And where does simple whipping cream fit in? Their similar labels and placement next to each other on store shelves are confusing, even to advanced cooks. Essentially, heavy cream has a slightly higher fat percentage than whipping cream. Below, we elaborate on the differences between heavy cream, heavy whipping cream, and whipping cream; plus, we decode the labels and best uses for each type of cream. Heavy Cream vs. Heavy Whipping Cream Dotdash Meredith Heavy cream and heavy whipping cream are the same product with two different names. According to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), heavy cream and heavy whipping cream must contain at least 36 percent milk fat. Their nutritional info is also the same—both contain about 50 calories, 5 grams of fat, and 3.5 grams of saturated fat per tablespoon. They are both either pasteurized or ultra-pasteurized, and both can be homogenized. Since heavy whipping cream and heavy cream are the same product, you can use them interchangeably. Next time you see them displayed next to each other in the grocery store, you won't have to think twice about which one to pick up. Heavy Cream vs. Whipping Cream Serious Eats / Amanda Suarez Think they're the same? Think again. These seemingly similar varieties of cream contain different amounts of milk fat, which can create very different products. Whipping cream contains between 30 and 35 percent milk fat, which means that it is a lighter product than heavy cream and heavy whipping cream. Whipping cream contains only 45 calories, 4.5 grams of fat, and 3 grams of saturated fat per tablespoon. Most packages list the milk fat content, so if you're not sure which cream is right for your recipe, just read the label. Remember that heavy cream contains at least 36 percent milk fat. The 5 percent difference may not seem like a big deal, but it can drastically change the richness and thickness of soups, sauces, and sweets. The lower fat content in whipping cream means that it won't ever achieve perfectly stiff peaks when whipped. Cooking With Heavy Cream and Whipping Cream Diana Rattray Heavy Cream The versatility of heavy cream makes it best for super creamy, rich recipes like tomato and shrimp bisque, scalloped potatoes, and classic butterscotch sauce. Heavy cream also makes thick and rich whipped cream that holds its shape well due to the added fat. Use whipped cream made from heavy cream for desserts that require a sturdy cream. Think layered desserts like a summer berry trifle with elderflower cream recipe. Whipping Cream Whipping cream can also be used for whipped cream, but the outcome will have a lighter, airier texture than heavy cream whipped cream due to the lower amount of milk fat. The end result will be similar to the consistency of Cool Whip rather than a thick, creamy topping. Whipped cream made with whipping cream is perfect as a light dollop on ice cream, strawberry shortcake, pie, or a garnish for meringues, berries, coconut cream, and more. Heavy Cream and Whipping Cream Recipes Whether you're in the mood for a savory dish or something sweet, we've got you covered. Check out these delicious recipes made with either heavy cream or whipping cream. Toasted Coconut Refrigerator Cake Anna Williams Whipped cream made from your choice of whipping cream or heavy cream is folded into vanilla pudding and spread between layers of fluffy pound cake. Garnished with toasted coconut flakes, this light and airy cake will make its way into your dessert rotation. Make your own pound cake, or take a shortcut with a pre-made frozen one. Get The Recipe Creamy Sweet Potato and Leek Soup Greg Dupree This crave-worthy soup gets its lush, velvety texture from heavy cream. However, the star of the show in this recipe is bacon. Leeks, sweet potato, and chicken broth give bold flavor to the soup. Top with bacon, crushed red pepper, chives, and a swirl of heavy cream before serving. Get The Recipe Peach Cobbler Trifle Greg DuPree You'll only be on your feet for 25 minutes making this confection! Chopped peaches are stirred with a cinnamon, lemon, and sugar mixture. Heavy cream, confectioners sugar, and vanilla are blended into a super-sweet whipped cream. This dessert is tossed into layers with store-bought pound cake and cannot be trifled with. Get The Recipe Creamy Mascarpone Mashed Potatoes Victor Protasio This mashed potato recipe is *chef's kiss* thanks to mascarpone cheese and heavy whipping cream. Smooth and buttery, these mashed potatoes pair perfectly with tender steak and roasted asparagus (or your choice of protein and vegetable.) Plus, it can be made up to two days in advance if you need to get a task off your plate. Get The Recipe Slow Cooker Angel Food Cake Victor Protasio A dollop of homemade whipped cream is simply heavenly on a bed of angel food cake. If strawberries aren't your thing, reach for any fresh fruit that calls your name. Slice the cake with a serrated knife and serve. Get The Recipe Creamy, Cheesy Spaghetti Squash Alfredo Christopher Testani Impress your company with this show-stopping spaghetti squash alfredo made with heavy cream. It can be served as a vegetarian main dish or alongside juicy sausage or grilled chicken. Garnish with Italian parsley or fresh basil. Get The Recipe Sheet Pan Pavlova With Berries and Mangoes Greg DuPree Colorful and bright, this pavlova is an ideal last course for a large gathering. The base of this Australian dessert is a rich meringue, and once cooled, whipped cream tops it for a fluffy foundation of yum. The fruit is macerated with sugar to intensify its flavors and mint is sprinkled on top for contrast. Get The Recipe Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit Sources Real Simple is committed to using high-quality, reputable sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts in our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we fact check our content for accuracy. FDA. Title 21--Food and Drugs, Chapter I--Food and Drug Administration, Department of Health and Human Services, Subchapter B - Food for Human Consumption, Part 131 -- Milk and Cream, Sec. 131.150 Heavy Cream. Accessed March 11, 2023. USDA FoodData Central. Cream, fluid, heavy whipping. Accessed March 11, 2023. USDA FoodData Central. Cream, heavy. Accessed March 11, 2023. FDA. Title 21--Food and Drugs, Chapter I--Food and Drug Administration, Department of Health and Human Services, Subchapter B - Food for Human Consumption, Part 131 -- Milk and Cream, Sec. 131.157 Light whipping cream. Accessed March 11, 2023. USDA FoodData Central. Cream, fluid, light whipping. Accessed March 11, 2023.