How Many Calories in Heavy Cream? Nutrition Facts & Macros
One tablespoon of heavy cream (15 g) has 51 calories
Protein 0.4g · Carbs 0.4g · Fat 5.4g
Heavy cream (heavy whipping cream) is a high-fat dairy product with about 36% fat — making it one of the most calorie-dense dairy items at 340 kcal per 100 g. However, typical portions are tiny: a single tablespoon (15 g) has just 51 kcal and 5.4 g of fat. It's a staple in coffee, sauces, soups, and keto desserts, prized for its rich texture and ability to whip into stiff peaks. With only 2.84 g of carbs per 100 g, it's ideal for low-carb and ketogenic diets. Heavy cream is approximately 58% water.
1423 kJ · per 100g · Water: 57.71 g
Calorie Calculator: Heavy Cream
15 g Heavy Cream contains 51 kcal
Calories by Portion Size
| Portion | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 tablespoon (15 g) | 51 kcal | 0.4g | 0.4g | 5.4g |
| 1/4 cup (60 g) | 204 kcal | 1.7g | 1.7g | 21.6g |
| 100 grams | 340 kcal | 2.8g | 2.8g | 36.1g |
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Heavy Cream — Nutrition Facts
| Heavy Cream | per 100g |
|---|---|
| Calories | 340 kcal |
| Protein | 2.84 g |
| Fat | 36.08 g |
| Carbs | 2.84 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 2.92 g |
| Sodium | 27 mg |
| Potassium | 95 mg |
| Magnesium | 7 mg |
| Phosphorus | 58 mg |
| Vitamin C | 0.6 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.035 mg |
| Folate | 4 mcg |
| Manganese | 0.006 mg |
| Water | 57.71 g |
Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC ID: 170859) · Data verified April 2026
Variations
Heavy whipping cream (~36% fat)
340 calories per 100 g with 36.08 g fat. The standard heavy whipping cream with ~36% fat content. Rich, thick, and whips into stiff peaks. Ideal for keto coffee, sauces, and desserts with only 2.84 g carbs per 100 g.
Half-and-half (~12% fat)
About 130 calories per 100 g with ~12 g fat. A lighter alternative — a mix of whole milk and cream. Won't whip, but works well in coffee and cooking. About 60% fewer calories than heavy cream. Slightly higher in carbs (~4.3 g per 100 g) due to the milk content.
Whipped cream (~257 kcal/100 g)
About 257 calories per 100 g. Whipping incorporates air, reducing the density per volume — so a cup of whipped cream weighs less than a cup of liquid heavy cream. The macros per gram are identical to heavy cream, but you get a larger volume for fewer calories. Homemade whipped cream (no sugar) is keto-friendly. Store-bought versions often contain added sugar.
Dietary Perspectives
For Weight Loss
Very calorie-dense at 340 kcal per 100 g, but portions matter — one tablespoon (15 g) in coffee has just 51 kcal. That's only 11 kcal more than a splash of whole milk (40 kcal per 30 ml). Problems start when you pour freely — 60 ml (1/4 cup) in coffee or cooking adds 204 kcal. For weight loss, measure precisely or switch to half-and-half (~130 kcal per 100 g) for roughly half the calories.
For Athletic Performance
Not a significant source of protein or micronutrients. Very high in saturated fat (23.03 g per 100 g). Not recommended as a primary food for athletes. Small amounts in cooking or coffee won't impact performance, but athletes are better off getting fats from olive oil, nuts, or avocado which provide more unsaturated fats and additional nutrients.
For Keto
A perfect keto staple — only 2.84 g carbs per 100 g. One tablespoon (15 g) has just 0.4 g carbs with 5.4 g fat. Use in coffee (bulletproof coffee), cooking, sauces, and desserts. The high fat/low carb ratio is ideal for reaching keto fat targets. Much better than milk (4.8 g carbs per 100 g) for keto. Whip into whipped cream with no sugar for a keto dessert topping.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in heavy cream?
One tablespoon (15 g) of heavy cream has about 51 calories. A quarter cup (60 g) has about 204 calories. Per 100 g, heavy cream contains 340 calories. The high calorie count comes almost entirely from fat (36.08 g per 100 g). Since portions are usually small (a splash in coffee = 15-30 g), the actual calorie impact is modest — 51 to 102 kcal.
How much fat is in heavy cream?
Heavy cream contains 36.08 g of fat per 100 g, of which 23.03 g is saturated fat. One tablespoon (15 g) has about 5.4 g of fat (3.5 g saturated). The high fat content is what allows heavy cream to whip into stiff peaks. Half-and-half has only about 12 g of fat per 100 g — roughly a third of heavy cream.
Is heavy cream healthy?
Heavy cream is nutrient-poor relative to its calories — mostly fat with minimal protein (2.84 g per 100 g) and few vitamins or minerals. It's very high in saturated fat (23.03 g per 100 g). In small amounts (1-2 tablespoons), it adds richness without excessive calories. It provides some phosphorus (58 mg), potassium (95 mg), and calcium. For a healthier alternative with more protein, consider Greek yogurt or cottage cheese.
Heavy cream vs half-and-half — what's the difference?
Heavy cream has about 36% fat (340 kcal per 100 g), while half-and-half has about 12% fat (~130 kcal per 100 g). One tablespoon of heavy cream has 51 kcal vs about 20 kcal for half-and-half. Half-and-half is a mix of whole milk and cream — lighter, thinner, and won't whip. For coffee, half-and-half saves about 60% of the calories. For cooking and whipping, heavy cream is necessary.
Is heavy cream keto-friendly?
Heavy cream is one of the best keto dairy products. With only 2.84 g of carbs and 36.08 g of fat per 100 g, the fat-to-carb ratio is excellent. One tablespoon (15 g) has just 0.4 g of carbs and 5.4 g of fat. Use it in bulletproof coffee, cream sauces, keto desserts, and whipped cream (no sugar added). It's far better than milk (4.8 g carbs per 100 g) for keeping carbs low.
How many carbs are in heavy cream?
Heavy cream has 2.84 g of carbs per 100 g, all from lactose (milk sugar). One tablespoon (15 g) has just 0.4 g of carbs. A quarter cup (60 g) has about 1.7 g of carbs. This makes heavy cream very low-carb compared to milk (4.8 g), half-and-half (~4.3 g), or flavored creamers (up to 35 g per 100 g).
Compare with Similar Foods
| Portion | kcal | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy Cream | 340 | 2.84g | 2.84g | 36.08g |
| Butter (Unsalted) | 717 | 0.85g | 0.06g | 81.11g |
| Sour Cream | 198 | 2.44g | 3.41g | 19.87g |
| Milk (Whole) | 61 | 3.15g | 4.8g | 3.25g |
| Coconut Milk (Canned) | 197 | 2.02g | 2.81g | 21.33g |
per 100g
Heavy cream has 340 kcal per 100 g — nearly all from its 36.08 g of fat. Compared to whole milk (61 kcal, 3.25 g fat), heavy cream is over 5 times more calorie-dense. Compared to sour cream (198 kcal, 19.87 g fat), heavy cream has nearly double the fat and calories.
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