Common food
Half and half is a simple, equal-parts blend of whole milk and light cream, creating a liquid that's richer than milk but lighter than heavy cream. It has a smooth, pourable texture and a clean, mildly sweet dairy flavor that adds a luxurious creaminess without overwhelming a dish. Nutritionally, it's a moderate source of fat and calories, offering a significant calcium boost.
People love half and half for its perfect middle ground—it instantly elevates coffee, soups, and sauces with a rich, velvety texture without the heaviness or high fat content of pure cream. It's a staple of comfort and convenience, beloved in American coffee culture and as a kitchen workhorse for creating creamy dishes.
As a dairy product, it's high in saturated fat and contains lactose, which can be problematic for those with lactose intolerance or watching their saturated fat intake. To enjoy it mindfully, use it sparingly as a flavor enhancer rather than a main ingredient, and opt for lactose-free versions if sensitive. Pairing it with fiber-rich foods like whole-grain toast can help moderate its impact on blood sugar.
The term 'half and half' is legally defined by the U.S. FDA as a mixture containing between 10.5% and 18% milkfat, making its composition a matter of federal regulation.
| Water | 80.6 g |
| Energy | 131 kcal |
| Protein | 3.1 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 11.5 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 4.3 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.00 g |
| Total Sugars | 4.1 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 107 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.05 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 10.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 95.0 mg |
| Potassium, K | 132 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 61.0 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.39 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.01 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 3.2 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.90 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.03 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.19 mg |
| Niacin | 0.11 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.05 mg |
| Folate, total | 3.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 3.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 3.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 18.7 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.19 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 97.0 ug |
| Retinol | 95.0 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 22.0 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.25 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 1.3 ug |
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 7.0 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.25 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.20 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.13 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.30 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.35 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 1.1 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 3.2 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 1.2 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 3.3 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.25 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 2.9 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.02 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.55 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.47 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.04 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.02 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 35.0 mg |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
What is the difference between half and half, light cream, and heavy cream?
The difference is milkfat content. Half and half is 10.5-18% fat, light cream is 18-30% fat, and heavy cream (or heavy whipping cream) is 36% or more fat. This affects richness, whipping ability, and cooking stability.
Can I substitute half and half for heavy cream in a recipe?
It depends. For adding creaminess to coffee, soups, or sauces, yes. However, it won't whip into stiff peaks like heavy cream due to its lower fat content, and sauces may be thinner. For baking, it can alter the texture and moisture of the final product.
Is half and half the same as 'light cream'?
No. In the U.S., 'light cream' typically has a higher fat content (18-30%) than half and half (10.5-18%). Half and half is specifically a blend of milk and cream, while light cream is a single dairy product.