Cool Whip and whipped cream are two popular whipped toppings used on desserts like pie, cakes, and hot chocolate. Though they may look similar, Cool Whip and whipped cream have distinct differences in ingredients, texture, taste, and nutrition that make them unique products.
While whipped cream is made from dairy cream, Cool Whip is a non-dairy whipped topping made primarily from water, vegetable oil, and sugar. The unique ingredients in Cool Whip lead to a lighter, sweeter, and more stable texture than real whipped cream. Many find Cool Whip has a milder, less rich taste than whipped cream as well.
Understanding the ingredient differences between Cool Whip and whipped cream explains why the two topping options taste different. Looking closely at texture, flavor, nutrition, and best uses provides a full comparison between these two popular whipped toppings.
Ingredients
The primary ingredient difference between Cool Whip and whipped cream is that Cool Whip contains no dairy products. Cool Whip is classified as a “frozen dairy dessert” but does not actually contain milk, cream, or any other dairy ingredients.
Whipped cream, on the other hand, is made by whipping liquid dairy cream with a mixer or whisk. The main ingredients in whipped cream include:
- Heavy cream or whipping cream
- Sometimes sugar
- Optional natural flavors or spices like vanilla
Cool Whip’s primary ingredients include:
- Water
- High fructose corn syrup
- Hydrogenated vegetable oil
- Less than 2% of: natural and artificial flavors, xanthan and guar gums, polysorbate 60, and sodium caseinate
As you can see, the ingredients between whipped cream and Cool Whip are vastly different. Cool Whip contains no actual dairy products, using water, oil, and added sugar instead. It also includes gums, emulsifiers, and artificial flavors to improve texture and taste.
The Role of Fat Content
The fat content in whipped cream versus Cool Whip also differs considerably:
| Topping | Fat grams per serving |
|---|---|
| Heavy whipping cream | 45g |
| Cool Whip | 5g |
Heavy whipping cream is nearly all milk fat, lending it a rich taste and creamy texture when whipped. Cool Whip gets its thick, foamy texture from hydrogenated oil and added thickeners instead of high fat dairy cream. The low fat content gives Cool Whip a lighter, less rich mouthfeel.
Texture
The differences in fat and ingredients lead to whipped cream and Cool Whip having distinct textures:
Whipped Cream
– Rich, smooth, and creamy
– Thick and dense texture
– Can hold medium to stiff peaks
Cool Whip
– Light, foamy texture
– More airy than whipped cream
– Soft, uniform consistency
– Holds consistent peaks
Cool Whip has a lighter, airier texture than the thick richness of whipped cream. It also holds its shape better than real whipped cream. The added thickeners and emulsifiers in Cool Whip prevent water and oil from separating, so it maintains a fairly stable texture.
Whipped cream is denser and wetter, with a smooth, creamy mouthfeel. Since it is just whipped dairy cream, it does not hold its shape quite as stably. Whipped cream will start to melt, deflate, and weep liquid after being exposed to heat or sitting out for a period of time.
Taste
The differences in ingredients and texture lead to whipped cream and Cool Whip having slightly different tastes:
Whipped Cream
– Sweet, creamy dairy flavor
– Rich taste
– Natural flavor, not too sweet
Cool Whip
– Sweeter flavor
– Mild dairy or vanilla tastes from added flavors
– Cooling sensation from vegetable oil
Cool Whip tends to taste sweeter and more artificial than real whipped cream. It has a mild vanilla or creamy flavor from added natural and artificial flavorings. Cool Whip also provides a cooling mouthfeel due to the vegetable oil content.
Whipped cream has a naturally sweet, milky, and buttery taste from being made of pure dairy cream. It provides a rich, indulgent flavor without being overly sweet on its own. The taste can vary based on if sugar was added prior to whipping.
Overall, Cool Whip offers a sweeter, lighter flavor profile compared to the richer, more subtly sweet taste of whipped cream. Cool Whip’s taste stays consistent, while whipped cream can vary based on cream quality and preparation.
Nutrition
There are also nutritional differences between Cool Whip and whipped cream:
| Nutrition Facts per 2 Tbsp | Whipped Cream | Cool Whip |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 52cal | 25cal |
| Fat | 5g | 2g |
| Carbs | 1g | 4g |
| Protein | 0g | 0g |
| Sugar | 0.5g | 4g |
Whipped cream gets nearly all its calories from fat since it is mainly cream. Cool Whip has fewer calories and fat but more carbs and added sugar.
Whipped cream contains no added sugars, while Cool Whip contains high fructose corn syrup. Cool Whip has about 4g of sugar per serving, compared to less than 1g in lightly sweetened whipped cream.
Both toppings contain little protein and no fiber. Overall, whipped cream is higher in calories but provides more natural nutrition from dairy fat compared to Cool Whip’s added sugars and oils. Still, both should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a healthy diet.
Best Uses
Due to their different properties, whipped cream and Cool Whip work best in certain recipes:
Whipped Cream
– Best freshly whipped and served atop hot drinks or desserts
– Ideal for topping cold desserts like ice cream sundaes
– Commonly used in cream-based desserts like trifles or fruit and cream desserts
– Adds rich flavor to coffee drinks
– Provides classic accompaniment to pie
Cool Whip
– Excellent topping for refrigerated desserts like cakes, cheesecakes, or fruit salad
– Ideal as a filling for crushed cookies or graham crackers
– Makes light, fluffy frosting for cakes
– Great for topping chilled desserts brought to potlucks or eaten outdoors since it holds up well
– Can be used to make lower calorie “lightened-up” versions of creamy desserts
Whipped cream is best freshly whipped right before serving, while Cool Whip can be stored in the fridge or freezer. Cool Whip is the better option for desserts served over time or that need to hold their shape.
Conclusion
Cool Whip and whipped cream offer two distinct textural and flavor experiences as dessert toppings. Whipped cream provides an indulgent, rich creaminess while Cool Whip offers a lighter, sweeter, more stable topping.
The differences come down to ingredients – Cool Whip contains no dairy and uses water, oil and sugar for its texture and taste. Whipped cream is made from simple, natural dairy cream ingredients.
Understanding the unique properties of each can help determine which topping fits your dessert needs and tastes best. So whether you prefer a light Cool Whip topping or the decadence of real whipped cream, both can add something special to your favorite dessert or drink.