Heavy Cream In Coffee: Should You Give It A Try?
Are you looking for a way to add extra richness and creaminess to your daily cup of joe? If so, consider adding heavy cream. Yes, that's right - we're talking about introducing dairy into your beloved morning ritual!
Before you instantly dismiss the idea as unappealing or unhealthy, take a few minutes to learn more about the differences between milk and heavy cream in coffee.
Can it really elevate an otherwise ordinary cup of java from average to extraordinary?
We'll dive deep into what makes heavy cream unique and if it's worth considering for 'occasional' or regular use in your coffee-drinking habit. So pour yourself a cup, and let's get started!
What Kind Of Cream Do Baristas Use?
Baristas typically use coffee cream when preparing specialty drinks. Coffee cream, sometimes referred to as half & half, is a blend of equal parts heavy cream and whole milk. The blend of these two components creates a creamy texture that can help enhance the flavor of any drink.
The exact type of cream baristas use will vary depending on the type of specialty drinks being made, what kind of coffee shop they are working in, and customer preference.
For example, some shops may opt to use an natural dairy-free option like coconut or almond milk for those customers who prefer non-dairy options. Others might prefer low-fat creamers and milk or even flavored creams if they create something special for their customers' enjoyment.
Whatever the choice, baristas must choose quality ingredients when crafting each cup, not to compromise quality and flavor regardless of what type of drink is being made. It must also be noted that using too much or too little fat content in your product can affect its consistency (i.e., light/thin vs. rich/thick).
Is Half-And-Half Or Heavy Cream Better For Coffee?
When it comes to choosing a creamer for your coffee, it depends on the desired flavor and texture you are looking for. Half-and-half is made with equal parts milk and cream, whereas heavy cream has more butterfat (around 36%) compared to half-and-half (which contains about 12%).
Half-and-half is typically lighter in both color and texture than heavy cream. It adds a nice mellow flavor to your coffee without being too overwhelming. It does not require any additional sweeteners or other contaminants to give it flavor, making it one of the healthiest options available. The lightness of the half-and-half also makes it easier to mix into your coffee – just stir until blended.
Heavy cream, meanwhile, adds a rich yet slightly tangy flavor to your coffee that can be quite satisfying after only a few sips. Heavy cream also produces an even smoother consistency than half and half while giving off more volume. This can help in specialty espresso drinks like cappuccinos, lattes, and macchiatos, where milkier froth is desired instead of foam, created by air bubbles from using steamers/frothers. (If you’re curious about the difference between cappuccino and latte, check out our blog here!)
Heavy cream's higher fat content gives it an extra touch of indulgence that half-and-half doesn't provide. For those watching their fat content for health reasons, regularly using or overindulging in heavy cream in your coffee could lead to health setbacks and feelings of guilt from it.
Heavy cream would probably be preferred by those who want something more decadent and more indulgent in their cup, while those looking for something slightly lighter might opt for half & half instead.
As far as taste goes, heavy cream may elicit some additional sweetening, depending on individual preference. Overall its smooth, creamy texture offers excellent potential when making artisanal lattes/cappuccinos, etc.
Plus, if you are a dark roast fanatic, the richness from heavy cream pairs exceptionally well with a dark roast’s bold flavor. Our favorite dark roasts to pair with heavy cream are our French Roast and Café Cubano Roast!
So, there's no definitive answer as far as which one tastes better – it's a personal choice! Try them both out and decide for yourself which is your perfect coffee pairing!
Is Heavy Cream In Coffee Healthy?
If we're being frank, it depends on how you look at it and how much of it you have.
Heavy cream in coffee can be considered 'healthy' because of the vitamins and minerals it contains, like vitamins A, D, K, and E, as well as its lack of added sweeteners. Heavy cream is also rich in healthy fats, calcium, and choline, all nutrients your body needs.
Nevertheless, heavy cream's high-fat content, specifically saturated fat, can pose a potential 'unhealthy' habit if overindulged on a regular basis.
A diet high in saturated fat has been studied and linked to higher cholesterol levels which can lead to other health problems. So, if you're someone who likes a little bit of coffee with their cream and sugar- this probably wouldn't be considered a healthy habit.
Typically, though, the small portions of heavy cream you add to your daily coffee shouldn't be of excessive concern to your health and shouldn't be deemed unhealthy just because of the fat content.
Your current weight goals are another factor to consider to see if heavy cream in coffee is healthy for you. Items higher in fat make it much more challenging to shed pounds if that is your preference or if medically necessary. If you want or need to lose weight, using heavy cream consistently in your coffee wouldn't be an ideal choice.
Overall, adding heavy cream to your coffee isn't an unhealthy option. In fact, your body can significantly benefit from the nutrients and vitamins that it provides! But, like all things in life, balance and moderation are essential to extracting the benefits and avoiding overindulgence to where it could become unhealthy.
What's the difference between Heavy Cream vs. Whipping Cream?
Heavy cream and whipping cream are dairy products that contain high amounts of fat but differ in the exact fat content.
Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), heavy cream must contain 36-40 percent milkfat, while whipping cream contains 30-36 percent milkfat.
Whipping cream and heavy cream can both be used as ingredients in baking or cooking to add richness and flavor. Heavy cream is often used when making sauces since it has a higher fat content, making it more stable when heated for lengthy periods.
However, because of its low protein content, it doesn't hold air bubbles very well, so it doesn't work as well for whipped toppings or desserts as whipping cream would.
Due to their luxurious texture and flavor profile, whipping and heavy cream can be used for coffee drinks like lattes or macchiatos.
In addition to varying percentages of milkfat, heavy creams usually have a higher calorie count than their lighter counterparts; one tablespoon of heavy/whipping cream has 52 calories compared to the 41 calories found in one tablespoon of regular/light whipped topping.
Takeaways
All-in-all, adding heavy cream to your coffee is a good choice if you want something more rich and creamy. Whether at home or out in a cafe, the extra natural sweetness that comes with this addition will surely add an extra layer of flavor and character.
Nonetheless, some may want to add extra sweeteners depending on individual preference, but others may find themselves in a dessert-like experience from the exuberant creamy texture and sweeter taste.
Ultimately, this little twist could change your morning cup of joe into a boundless experience.
Lastly, caution must be taken with all that extra dairy fat, as it can be pretty easy to rack up additional calories without realizing it!
Heavy cream in coffee needn't be a concern to your health if enjoyed with some balance, so next time you savor your coffee- add a splash of heavy cream
