A dollop of heavy whipping cream in coffee is an indulgence that everyone should try. But there’s a catch…
Heavy whipping cream can overpower your favorite coffee flavor. We have some tips on how to get the best of both worlds – delicious coffee and rich cream!
Topics Explored
- Can You Use It Coffee?
- Heavy Whipping Cream vs. Whipping Cream
- Tips and Tricks
- How To Use Heavy Whipping Cream In Coffee
- Is It Good In Coffee?
- More Questions
Can You Use Heavy Whipping Cream In Coffee?
Yes, you can use regular whipping cream in coffee. Heavy whipping cream is the creamiest part of the milk, consisting of up to 40% fat.
It has almost double the fat compared to milk, or half and half, and a few percent more than whipped cream.
You can also find heavy whipping cream labeled as heavy cream.
Combining heavy whipping cream and coffee is a relatively new twist.
The keto diet followers add it to coffee because of its high-fat percentage and less than 2 grams of carbs per serving.
Others just enjoy the silky texture it gives to coffee. But beware that some heavy whipping cream brands come with added sugar.
Heavy Whipping Cream vs. Whipping Cream
| Heavy Whipping Cream | Whipping Cream |
|---|---|
| Higher fat content | Slightly lower fat content |
| Sugar (per tbsp): 0.4 grams |
Sugar (per tbsp): 0.4 grams |
| Fat (per tbsp): 5.4 grams |
Fat (per tbsp): 4.6 grams |
| Calories: 51 |
Calories: 44 |
Don’t confuse heavy whipping cream and whipping cream!
Although they’re similar in taste, they have a different consistency due to different fat levels.
As the name implies, heavy whipping cream is more fat and calorie-dense, making it thicker. Whipping cream is a bit more airy and runny.
Why Do People Put Heavy Whipping Cream In Coffee?
Keto Diet
The keto diet focuses on fat as the primary energy source instead of carbs.
At over 36% of fat and less than 2 grams of carbs per cup, heavy whipping cream is a convenient way for keto followers to hit their macronutrient goal.
Acid Reflux
Coffee is an acidic drink with a pH level of around 5(1) and can trigger acid reflux.
Heavy whipping cream, as well as milk, is neutral, so adding it to coffee will help balance the pH level and prevent heartburn.
Don’t Overdo It
They say too much of a good thing can be bad. This is true too with coffee toppers.
Heavy whipping cream is not only calorie-dense, but it can also come with artificial additives and emulsifiers. Don’t forget it’s processed milk!
Lactose Intolerance
Obviously, people with lactose intolerance need to avoid heavy whipping cream.
But research has shown that consuming heavy whipping cream triggered lactose intolerance symptoms even in people with no underlying condition(2).
However, more research is needed on this topic.
Possible Cancer Link
Research has shown that high daily dairy intake leads to increased chances of stomach cancer(2).
Emulsifiers and additives are added to heavy whipping cream to extend shelf life and improve consistency.
Some of them are carrageenan and sodium caseinate, both linked to stomach tissue damage.
Heavy Whipping Cream Tips
So is there any way to safely enjoy it in coffee? Of course! We have a few tips on how to have your cream and drink it too!
1. Check Nutrition Label
Different heavy whipping cream brands may have different carb and sugar content.
While heavy whipping cream is naturally low in sugar, some brands decide to make it sweeter.
If you’re on the keto diet, ensure it doesn’t come with added sugar.
Check the brand and label for added sugar and get the one with the lowest sugar content.
2. Use With Darker Roast
Dark roast on its own might not be your preference, but it stands up great against the creaminess of the heavy whipping cream.
It pairs best with coffee beans with notes of berries and chocolate. If you pick coffee with light, subtle citrusy nuances, they will get lost.
3. Get Creative With Healthy Ingredients
Make heavy whipping cream taste different with healthier ingredients like spices.
Or just whip it up to get a different texture.
You can play with flavorings like cinnamon, cacao powder, or sugar-free syrups to spice it up.
Recipe: How To Use Heavy Whipping Cream In Coffee
If you’ve never had your favorite brew with heavy whipping cream, you might be hesitant to try it. So we’re sharing an easy and tasty recipe that might become your go-to indulgence.
Whipped Chocolate Cream Iced Coffee (Keto-Friendly)
This heavy whipping cream iced coffee has the perfect balance of strong coffee flavor, creaminess, and refreshment. Double the recipe to share with a friend!
Ingredients
- Espresso: 2 shots
- Cold Water: ½ cup
- Heavy Whipping Cream: 3 oz
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: 1 tsp
- Vanilla Extract: 1 tsp (optional)
- Keto-friendly Sweetener (optional): ¼ tsp
- Ice: 1 cup
Instructions
- Start by brewing two shots of a dark roast espresso. It's best to use an espresso machine to get the perfect brew and extract all the flavors.
- Add the brewed espresso to 1/2 cup of cold water. Stir and let it sit aside. Prepare a French press or pitcher.
- Add the heavy whipping cream, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, and sweetener of choice to the French press. If you want it sweeter, add a sweetener of choice at this step.
- Take a tall glass and fill it all the way with crushed ice. Take the diluted espresso and pour it over the ice.
- Froth the mixture with the French press or use a handheld frother if you're using a pitcher. Don't over mix; we're looking for a looser consistency.
- Finally, pour the chocolate heavy whipping cream on top and watch as the fingers start forming through the espresso. Enjoy!
Is Heavy Whipping Cream Good In Coffee?
So is heavy whipping cream good in coffee? The final verdict is here.
While it might not be everyone’s favorite, heavy whipping cream is a good option to switch up your regular cup. Here’s what to expect taste-wise.
Flavor
Heavy whipping cream is just processed milk so it’s not packed with flavor, and it’s less sweet than regular creamer.
Unlike coffee creamers, heavy whipping cream is not flavored on its own. Overall it tastes good in coffee, especially when elevated with cocoa powder.
Appearance
Heavy whipping cream is high in fat, so it might leave a film of oil which can be unappetizing.
It has a thicker viscosity over half and half and regular milk, making the drink heavier and silkier.
Summary
Life’s too short not to add heavy whipping cream in coffee at least once. If you haven’t done it so far, expect a silky drink with dimmed coffee flavor and an overall calories-dense drink.
But don’t overdo it, as heavy cream can be hard on your stomach.
More Questions
Can I use heavy whipping cream in coffee?
Yes, everyone who doesn’t have lactose intolerance can add heavy whipping cream to coffee. It’s been popularized by the keto diet worshipers, but it’s not limited to them.
Make sure to use it in moderation if your diet doesn’t rely on fat as the main energy source.
Does Starbucks use heavy cream?
Yes, Starbucks has heavy whipping cream as an add-on, and you can substitute milk for cream in most drinks.
Before ordering, ask your barista if heavy whipping cream pairs well with your beverage of choice. It’s an overpowering swap, so it might not be the best choice.
Can you put heavy cream in hot coffee?
Yes, heavy whipping cream mixes well with hot coffee when it’s not whipped, but rather used as a milk substitute. Whipped heavy cream won’t stay stabilized for long when piped over a hot drink.
If you want it whipped, add it over iced drinks so it will stay longer.
Wondering where your info comes from? We totally understand. Hey Joe only obtains our information from reputable sources. Contents from this article are sourced from the following publications:
