Calories in Half and Half: Full Nutrition Breakdown

Half and half is a dairy product made by blending equal parts whole milk and light cream, resulting in a fat content of about 10 to 12 percent. It is most commonly used as a coffee creamer and in recipes that call for a lighter alternative to heavy cream. Half and half provides moderate amounts of calcium, vitamin A, and small amounts of protein per serving.

Calories by serving size:

Half and half also contains vitamin A due to its cream content and provides small amounts of vitamin D and phosphorus. Because it is typically used in small quantities, the per-serving calorie contribution is relatively modest compared to heavy cream or full-fat creamers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How does half and half compare to heavy cream in calories?

Half and half has about 20 calories per tablespoon, while heavy cream contains approximately 51 calories per tablespoon. Heavy cream has roughly 5.4 grams of fat per tablespoon compared to 1.7 grams in half and half. If you are looking to reduce calories in your coffee or recipes, half and half is a significantly lighter option.

How many calories does half and half add to a cup of coffee?

A single tablespoon of half and half adds about 20 calories to your coffee. Most people use one to two tablespoons, which adds 20 to 39 calories per cup. Over the course of a day with multiple cups of coffee, this can add up, so it is worth accounting for if you are tracking calories closely.

Is fat-free half and half a good alternative?

Fat-free half and half has about 9 calories per tablespoon compared to 20 in regular half and half. However, it typically contains added ingredients like corn syrup solids and artificial thickeners to mimic the texture of the original. If you prefer a more natural ingredient list, using a smaller amount of regular half and half may be a better approach.

How does half and half compare to flavored coffee creamers?

Half and half contains about 20 calories and 0.6 grams of carbs per tablespoon with no added sugar, while flavored creamers can have 35 calories and 5 or more grams of sugar per tablespoon. Flavored creamers also tend to include artificial flavors, preservatives, and hydrogenated oils. Half and half is the simpler, more natural option with a shorter ingredient list.

Is half and half keto-friendly?

Half and half can fit into a ketogenic diet when used in moderation, as one tablespoon contains only about 0.6 grams of carbohydrates. Two tablespoons in your coffee adds just over 1 gram of carbs, which is negligible relative to a typical daily keto limit of 20 to 50 grams. It is a better keto choice than milk, which contains about 12 grams of carbs per cup.