The refrigerated dairy aisle seems to get more and more complex.
But despite the many choices we have, there are certain products that simply have no substitute.
In that category: heavy cream and half-and-half.
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But what’s the difference between heavy cream and half-and-half?
Can half-and-half and heavy cream be used interchangeably?
And what are the two halves that make half-and-half a whole?
Heavy cream and half-and-half are not the same.
The liquids we’re diving into may be opaque, but we’re determined to make the differences clear.
Whats the Biggest Difference Between Heavy Cream and Half-and-Half?
To answer this, it comes down to chewing the fat … about the fat in these dairy products.
Heavy cream has a milk fat content of at least 36%.
What Is Half-and-Half?
Half-and-half is made of equal parts of whole milk and heavy cream.
This proportion is what gives it its name.
However, adding creaminess to coffee isn’t even half of half-and-half’s utility.
It can form the foundation of custardy or cream-based sweets such as panna cotta and creme brulee.
Or use it to give body tosoupandpasta sauce.
However, in any situation where half-and-half is being added to something hot, watch out.
What Is Heavy Cream?
As we mentioned before, the devil’s in the details.
Or in this case, the fat content.
Heavy cream can also add richness and flavor to hot dishes without risking curdling.
Nutrition Information for Half-and-Half vs.
However, one instance where half-and-half cannot be substituted for heavy cream is when making whipped cream.
Both heavy cream and half-and-half are used to add creaminess to many recipes, from ice cream to soups.
Unfortunately, you might’t.
