Cream, half and half, lowfat
Whole food · Dairy and Egg Products
Half and half is the classic middle ground between whole milk and heavy cream, offering a rich, velvety texture without the full weight of heavy cream. With a mild, sweet dairy flavor, it’s the secret behind the perfect cup of coffee and a silky base for countless desserts. Nutritionally, it provides a balanced dose of protein and fat, making it a more substantial addition than simple milk.
Calorie split: 19% protein · 19% carbs · 63% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love it for its ability to transform a simple cup of coffee into a luxurious experience, adding just the right amount of creaminess without the heaviness of pure cream. It’s a kitchen staple that bridges the gap between light and rich, making it incredibly versatile for both sweet and savory recipes.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
For those managing blood sugar or lactose intolerance, half and half can cause spikes or digestive discomfort due to its lactose and sugar content. To counteract this, pair it with high-fiber or high-protein foods to slow absorption, or opt for lactose-free versions if sensitive. Portion control is key, as its fat content can add up quickly in large servings.
Key benefits
- Rich source of calcium for bone health
- Provides high-quality protein for muscle maintenance
- Contains fat-soluble vitamins like A and D
- Offers a creamy texture with fewer calories than heavy cream
- Adds satiety to coffee and soups
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
Half and half is exactly what its name suggests: a 50/50 blend of whole milk and light cream, a ratio standardized by the U.S. dairy industry to ensure consistent fat content.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 87.8 g |
| Energy | 72.0 kcal |
| Energy | 300 kj |
| Protein | 3.3 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 5.0 g |
| Ash | 0.51 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 3.3 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.00 g |
| Total Sugars | 3.3 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 133 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.00 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 10.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 95.0 mg |
| Potassium, K | 132 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 50.0 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.39 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.01 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 3.2 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 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 | 47.0 ug |
| Retinol | 46.0 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 11.0 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 170 iu |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.12 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3), International Units | 1.0 iu |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 0.60 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 3.3 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.12 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.10 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.06 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.15 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.17 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.55 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 1.5 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.59 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 1.5 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.12 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 1.4 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.01 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.26 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.22 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.02 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 17.0 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
Estimated from Cream, fluid, light (coffee cream or table cream) — USDA does not publish this profile for Cream.
| Tryptophan | 0.07 g |
| Threonine | 0.13 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.15 g |
| Leucine | 0.24 g |
| Lysine | 0.13 g |
| Methionine | 0.07 g |
| Cystine | 0.01 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.14 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.14 g |
| Valine | 0.18 g |
| Arginine | 0.07 g |
| Histidine | 0.07 g |
| Alanine | 0.09 g |
| Aspartic acid | 0.22 g |
| Glutamic acid | 0.59 g |
| Glycine | 0.07 g |
| Proline | 0.31 g |
| Serine | 0.10 g |
FAQ
What is the difference between half and half and heavy cream?
Half and half has a lower fat content (about 10-12%) compared to heavy cream (about 36%), making it lighter and less rich.
Can half and half be used in coffee?
Yes, it's a popular coffee creamer, adding creaminess without the heaviness of full cream.
Is half and half suitable for cooking?
Absolutely, it's used in soups, sauces, and desserts to add a creamy texture without overwhelming richness.
Does half and half contain lactose?
Yes, it contains lactose, so those with lactose intolerance should use lactose-free alternatives.
How should half and half be stored?
Keep it refrigerated and use within a week of opening for best quality.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 0.72 kcal/g · 19% calories from protein · 0.0 g fiber · 3.3 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 0.38 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.