How Many Calories in Sour Cream? Nutrition Facts & Macros
Two tablespoons of sour cream (30 g) have 59 calories
Protein 0.7g · Carbs 1g · Fat 6g
Sour cream is a cultured dairy product made by fermenting regular cream with lactic acid bacteria. It's high in fat (19.87 g per 100 g), making it a rich and creamy condiment popular as a topping for baked potatoes, tacos, soups, and dips. With only 2.44 g of protein per 100 g, it's not a significant protein source. At 198 kcal per 100 g, the calorie count is moderate — but typical portions are small (15-30 g), keeping the calorie impact low. Sour cream is about 71% water.
828 kJ · per 100g · Water: 71.49 g
Calorie Calculator: Sour Cream
30 g Sour Cream contains 59 kcal
Calories by Portion Size
| Portion | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 tablespoon (15 g) | 30 kcal | 0.4g | 0.5g | 3g |
| 2 tablespoons / 1 serving (30 g) | 59 kcal | 0.7g | 1g | 6g |
| 100 grams | 198 kcal | 2.4g | 3.4g | 19.9g |
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Sour Cream — Nutrition Facts
| Sour Cream | per 100g |
|---|---|
| Calories | 198 kcal |
| Protein | 2.44 g |
| Fat | 19.87 g |
| Carbs | 3.41 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 3.41 g |
| Sodium | 31 mg |
| Potassium | 141 mg |
| Magnesium | 10 mg |
| Phosphorus | 76 mg |
| Vitamin C | 0.9 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.019 mg |
| Folate | 6 mcg |
| Manganese | 0.015 mg |
| Water | 71.49 g |
Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC ID: 171257) · Data verified April 2026
Variations
Regular sour cream (full-fat)
198 calories per 100 g with 19.87 g fat. The classic full-fat cultured sour cream. Rich, creamy texture and tangy flavor. Ideal for keto and low-carb diets with only 3.41 g carbs per 100 g.
Light sour cream (reduced fat)
About 135 calories per 100 g with ~12 g fat — roughly 30% fewer calories than regular. Slightly higher in carbs due to thickeners. Less creamy but still a good option for calorie-conscious use. Not ideal for strict keto.
Fat-free sour cream
About 74 calories per 100 g with virtually no fat. Higher in carbs (~15 g per 100 g) due to thickeners like modified starch and gums. Less creamy and different texture. Suitable for strict calorie counting but not for keto due to higher carbs.
Dietary Perspectives
For Weight Loss
At 198 kcal per 100 g, sour cream is calorie-dense — but servings are small. One tablespoon (15 g) has just 30 kcal, and a standard serving of two tablespoons (30 g) has about 59 kcal. As a topping, it adds flavor with relatively few calories compared to cheese or butter. Light sour cream (~135 kcal per 100 g) saves about 30% of calories. For a better substitute, try Greek yogurt (97 kcal, 9 g protein per 100 g) — similar tanginess with more protein and fewer calories.
For Athletic Performance
Sour cream is not a significant protein source — only 2.44 g per 100 g. Its calories come mainly from fat (19.87 g per 100 g). Small amounts as a condiment are fine, but it shouldn't be relied on for recovery or muscle building. Greek yogurt is a far better choice for athletes with 9 g protein at half the calories (97 kcal per 100 g).
For Keto
Sour cream is great for keto — only 3.41 g carbs per 100 g (all from lactose), with a generous 19.87 g of fat. One tablespoon (15 g) has just 0.5 g of carbs. Use it freely as a topping, in sauces, in dips, or mixed into recipes. Always choose full-fat sour cream on keto — light and fat-free versions add thickeners that increase the carb count significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in sour cream?
One tablespoon (15 g) of sour cream has about 30 calories. Two tablespoons (30 g) have about 59 calories. Per 100 g, sour cream contains 198 calories. Light sour cream has about 135 kcal per 100 g, and fat-free sour cream about 74 kcal per 100 g.
How much fat is in sour cream?
Sour cream contains 19.87 g of fat per 100 g, of which 10.07 g is saturated fat. One tablespoon (15 g) has about 3 g of fat. The high fat content gives sour cream its rich, creamy texture. Light sour cream has about 12 g of fat per 100 g.
Is sour cream healthy?
Sour cream is calorie-dense but used in small amounts. It provides some calcium, phosphorus, and potassium. The fermentation process adds beneficial probiotics. However, it's high in saturated fat (10.07 g per 100 g). In moderate portions (1-2 tablespoons), sour cream can be part of a balanced diet. Greek yogurt is a lower-calorie alternative with more protein.
Sour cream vs Greek yogurt — which is healthier?
Greek yogurt is healthier overall: 97 kcal and 9 g protein per 100 g, versus sour cream's 198 kcal and 2.44 g protein. Greek yogurt has about 75% less fat (5 g vs 19.87 g). Both have similar carbs (~3.5-4 g). Greek yogurt offers a similar tanginess with far more protein and fewer calories. Use Greek yogurt as a sour cream substitute in dips and toppings.
Is sour cream keto-friendly?
Yes, sour cream is excellent for keto. It has only 3.41 g of carbs per 100 g (all from lactose), and 19.87 g of fat — a great fat-to-carb ratio. One tablespoon (15 g) has just 0.5 g of carbs. Use it freely in sauces, dips, and as a topping. Stick to full-fat only — light and fat-free versions contain more carbs from added thickeners.
What is the difference between sour cream and cream cheese?
Sour cream: 198 kcal, 19.87 g fat, 2.44 g protein, 3.41 g carbs per 100 g. Cream cheese: 342 kcal, 33.77 g fat, 5.93 g protein, 5.52 g carbs per 100 g. Cream cheese is denser, firmer, and nearly twice the calories. Sour cream is thinner and tangier, better as a topping. Cream cheese is used as a spread or in baking.
Compare with Similar Foods
| Portion | kcal | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sour Cream | 198 | 2.44g | 3.41g | 19.87g |
| Greek Yogurt (Whole Milk) | 97 | 9g | 3.98g | 5g |
| Cream Cheese | 350 | 6.15g | 5.52g | 34.44g |
| Butter (Unsalted) | 717 | 0.85g | 0.06g | 81.11g |
| Yogurt | 61 | 3.47g | 4.66g | 3.25g |
per 100g
Sour cream has 198 kcal per 100 g with 19.87 g of fat but only 2.44 g of protein. Compared to Greek yogurt (97 kcal, 9 g protein), sour cream is much higher in fat and calories with far less protein. It's best used as a condiment in small portions.
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