Pumpkin spice whipped dairy topping from Friendly Farms is a popular seasonal product that adds a delicious fall flavor to coffees, desserts, and more. As consumers become more interested in understanding what’s in the foods they buy, many want to know the complete ingredients that go into this whipped topping. Looking at the ingredient list provides insight into the different components that give this product its distinctive pumpkin spice flavor, creamy texture, and ability to be piped or dolloped onto favorite foods and beverages.
Complete List of Ingredients
Here is the full list of ingredients contained in Friendly Farms pumpkin spice whipped dairy topping:
| Ingredients |
| Milk |
| Sugar |
| Cream |
| Corn Syrup |
| Pumpkin Puree |
| Natural Flavor |
| Contains Less than 2% of Mono and Diglycerides, Guar Gum, Carrageenan, Dextrose, Annatto (color) |
| Cinnamon |
| Nutmeg |
| Ginger |
| Allspice |
| Clove |
As we can see, the primary ingredients in Friendly Farms pumpkin spice whipped topping are dairy-based, including milk, cream, and sugar. This forms the creamy whipped texture when air is incorporated during processing. Corn syrup acts as a thickener and sweetener.
The pumpkin spice flavor comes from a blend of pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, and clove. Natural and artificial flavors enhance the distinctive notes. Coloring is added with annatto extract. Emulsifiers and stabilizers like mono and diglycerides, guar gum, and carrageenan help maintain the smooth, pipeable consistency.
Now let’s take a closer look at some of the main ingredients and their functions.
Milk and Cream
Milk and cream provide the foundation of the whipped topping. As the first two ingredients listed, milk and cream make up the largest proportion of the product. The milk adds a creamy texture and slight sweetness. The higher fat content of the cream enables the product to whip up into a light, fluffy texture. Combined, the milk and cream create a smooth, rich mouthfeel and appearance.
Sugar
Sugar is the third ingredient. Added sugar provides enhanced sweetness to balance the spices. It also enables the whipped texture to hold stable over time. Sugar acts as a preservative. The lactose natural in the milk also contributes sweetness.
Corn Syrup
Corn syrup is a common ingredient in processed foods, serving multiple functions. It adds sweetness, moisture, and viscosity. The high fructose corn syrup provides an affordable sweetener that is stable at high temperatures during processing. It also slows crystallization to help prevent a grainy texture. The thickness helps stabilize the air bubbles produced by whipping the cream.
Pumpkin Puree
What gives this topping its signature pumpkin spice flavor? Pumpkin puree is the key ingredient providing authentic pumpkin taste. Pumpkin is a thick, dense vegetable often turned into puree for use in recipes. The puree introduces the earthy, squash-like flavor of pumpkin as well as nutrients like vitamin A. The orange hue of the puree also gives the topping its rich color.
Spice Blend
No pumpkin spice would be complete without cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, and clove. This blend of warm, aromatic spices forms the distinctive seasoning we think of as “pumpkin spice.” Cinnamon provides a reddish-brown color, sweet and woody notes. Nutmeg lends a slightly sweet, nutty taste. Ginger adds peppery heat. Allspice contributes a hint of cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and pepper. Clove brings an intense, slightly bitter flavor. Together, they create the comforting, familiar flavor profile that is instantly recognizable as pumpkin spice.
Natural and Artificial Flavors
Natural and artificial flavors build upon the taste from the real food ingredients like pumpkin and spices. Natural flavors could come from sources like plant extracts. Artificial flavors are chemically created in labs to replicate or enhance flavors. The flavors work to ensure a consistent product taste across different production batches. They allow the flavor to come through strongly even when only small amounts of pumpkin and spices are used.
Emulsifiers and Stabilizers
Ingredients like mono and diglycerides, guar gum, and carrageenan are added to make sure the whipped topping holds together well over time. Emulsifiers like mono and diglycerides keep the milk fats evenly dispersed rather than separating out. Stabilizers like guar gum and carrageenan thicken the mixture and reinforce the air bubbles produced by whipping the cream. This prevents whey proteins from separating and maintains the light texture. These ingredients aren’t always necessary but do improve the shelf life.
Annatto Extract
The ingredient list reveals that annatto, a natural food coloring, is added “for color.” Annatto comes from the seeds of the achiote tree. It provides a yellow to orange-red hue. Adding a small amount enhances the orange color from the pumpkin puree to create a richer visual appearance. Consumers often prefer foods with vibrant, natural-looking colors over drab, faded ones. The annatto replaces synthetic food dyes to achieve this effect.
Nutrition Facts
To further analyze this product, let’s examine the nutrition facts for Friendly Farms pumpkin spice whipped dairy topping:
| Nutrition Facts | Serving Size 2 tbsp (30g) |
| Amount Per Serving | |
| Calories 80 | |
| Total Fat 8g | |
| Saturated Fat 5g | |
| Trans Fat 0g | |
| Cholesterol 20mg | |
| Sodium 25mg | |
| Total Carbohydrate 7g | |
| Dietary Fiber 0g | |
| Total Sugars 6g | |
| Includes 0g Added Sugars | |
| Protein 1g |
A 2 tablespoon serving contains 80 calories, with 70% of those calories coming from fat. This reflects the high cream content. There are 8g total fat, 5g saturated fat, and 20mg cholesterol per serving.
Carbohydrates make up the other 30% of calories, with 7g total carbohydrate including 6g sugars per serving. The sugar content derives from the added sugar as well as naturally occurring milk sugars.
Protein is minimal at just 1g per serving, as dairy toppings are not a significant source of protein.
The sodium content is low at just 25mg per serving. There is 0g fiber and no vitamins or minerals listed, as dairy-based toppings are not substantial sources of nutrients beyond fat and carbs.
Overall, the nutrition information aligns with expectations for an indulgent, cream-based whipped topping. The ingredients provide creamy texture and sweet pumpkin spice flavor rather than significant nutritional value.
Allergen Information
In addition to the ingredient list, consumers with food allergies need to know that Friendly Farms pumpkin spice whipped dairy topping contains:
– Milk – contains milk, cream
– Soy – may contain soy lecithin
The product does not contain any wheat, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, or shellfish. However, it is produced in a facility that also processes tree nuts and wheat, so there is a small chance of cross-contact.
Those with dairy or soy allergies need to avoid this product. For others with food allergies, the lack of advisory warnings for common allergens indicates a low risk of allergic reactions.
Where to Buy
Friendly Farms pumpkin spice whipped dairy topping can be purchased exclusively at Aldi grocery stores in the refrigerated section. It is stocked seasonally as a fall limited-edition product. Available in 8-ounce tubs, the whipped topping typically retails around $1.89 per container.
Some Aldi locations may carry it year-round while supplies last. But the best availability is in September and October leading up to Thanksgiving, when demand for pumpkin-flavored foods peaks.
How to Store
To retain optimal texture and flavor after opening, properly storing this whipped topping is important:
– Keep refrigerated at all times at 40°F or below
– Store in original tub with lid sealed
– Use within 5-7 days for best quality
– Do not freeze, as freezing could cause separation
The cold temperature prevents bacterial growth and keeps the whipped topping chilled. Airtight storage prevents drying out, oxidation, and absorption of fridge odors. Use within a week once opened for freshest taste and texture. Freezing is not recommended, as the emulsion could break down.
Pumpkin Spice Whipped Topping Uses
This seasonal whipped topping can be used in any recipe calling for whipped cream or as a topping for popular fall treats like:
– Pumpkin spice lattes
– Pies – pumpkin, apple, pecan
– Cupcakes or muffins
– Pancakes or waffles
– Milkshakes
– Hot chocolate
– Fresh fruit
– Ice cream sundaes
The smooth, fluffy texture and sweet pumpkin spice flavor complement both sweet and savory dishes. Get creative with dolloping it onto your favorite foods and beverages for a seasonal flavor boost.
Comparison to Other Whipped Toppings
How does Friendly Farms compare to other whipped dairy toppings? Here is a comparison:
| Brand | Calories | Fat | Carbs | Protein |
| Friendly Farms | 80 | 8g | 7g | 1g |
| Reddi Wip | 50 | 5g | 2g | 0g |
| Cool Whip | 25 | 2g | 3g | 0g |
Reddi Wip and Cool Whip are lower in calories and fat with fewer carbs than the Friendly Farms version. This is expected, as the Friendly Farms product contains cream as the second ingredient while the others use more milk and corn syrup solids. But Friendly Farms may provide closer to the taste and texture of homemade whipped cream.
Homemade Whipped Cream Comparison
For an even closer match to homemade, try making your own sweetened whipped cream:
| Ingredients |
| 1 cup heavy whipping cream |
| 2 tbsp granulated white sugar |
| 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice |
Whip the cream with sugar and spice blend until fluffy peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip. Add more sugar to taste if desired.
The simplicity of homemade whipped cream means fewer ingredients and preservatives than commercial versions. But the tradeoff is a shorter shelf life of just 2-3 days. Overall, homemade can provide possibly better flavor and texture than store-bought brands.
Conclusion
Friendly Farms pumpkin spice whipped dairy topping contains common processed ingredients like milk, cream, sugar, corn syrup, natural and artificial flavors, emulsifiers, and stabilizers to create its signature texture and flavor. Pumpkin puree and a blend of warm spices give it the taste of fall. Added annatto provides color. With 8g fat and 80 calories per serving, it provides the rich indulgence of whipped cream with convenience and a longer shelf life than homemade. This seasonal treat can add a festive pumpkin spice kick to favorite hot and cold treats. Check the dairy and soy allergen cautions, and look for it in the fall at Aldi stores. Then get creative with ways to dollop this topping onto your favorite foods and beverages.