Dairy Product | Vegetarian Gluten Free

Half Cream

Bos taurus Allergens: Milk
half cream

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Bovidae (Dairy)
  • Primary Cuisine Western, Global
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Cow's Milk

The Forktionary Angle

"Often called "Half-and-Half" in the US, it's a blend of equal parts whole milk and light cream, offering a balanced richness."

Definition

A dairy product that is a mixture of milk and light cream, typically containing 10-18% milk fat.

Sensory Profile

TasteMildly sweet, Creamy, Dairy
TextureSmooth, Slightly viscous, Lighter than heavy cream
AromaFresh dairy
AcidityNeutral

Technical Metrics

Average Milk Fat Content

10-12%

Primary Culinary Use

Coffee, Sauces, Soups

Refrigerated Shelf Life (Opened)

5-7 days

Nutrition Facts

Per 30ml (2 tbsp)
Calories130
Total Fat12g
Saturated Fat7g
Trans Fat0g
Cholesterol35mg
Protein3g
Total Carbohydrate4g
Dietary Fiber0g
Total Sugars4g
Calcium100mg
Iron0.05mg
Potassium150mg

Chef’s Secret

Half cream provides richness without the heaviness of heavy cream, making it ideal for delicate sauces or coffee.

Substitutions

Best Match

Half-and-Half (US equivalent)

1:1

Direct substitute in North America, identical use in coffee or light sauces.

Whole Milk + Light Cream

1:1 (approx)

Can be mixed at home for a similar fat content, good for custom blending.

Evaporated Milk

1:1 (dilute if needed)

Thicker and slightly caramelized flavor, good for baking and savory dishes.

Plant-Based Creamer (e.g., Oat, Almond)

1:1

Dairy-free alternative for coffee or light cooking, may alter flavor slightly.

Buying Guide

Look for ultra-pasteurized for longer shelf life, but fresh pasteurized may taste better.

Flavor Pairings

Coffee Tea Cream Soups Light Sauces Desserts Berries

Recipes Using Half Cream

Main Ingredient Main Ingredient Shrimp Shellfish

Bbq Shrimp And Cheese Grits Yum

Get ready to be amazed! This BBQ Shrimp and Cheese Grits recipe, adapted from a Light & Tasty magazine submission, is a flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more. Sweet and smoky BBQ shrimp perfectly complement creamy, cheesy grits—a winning combination you won't believe. This easy 30-minute recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

See Complete Recipe