Can you use them interchangeably, or would that ruin your recipe?
But why is this, and how do these dairy products actually differ?
What Is the Difference Between Heavy Cream and Half-and-Half?
Simply Recipes / Photo Illustration by Wanda Abraham
The primary difference between heavy cream and half-and-half is fat content.
By law, half-and-half must contain 10.5% to 18% fat.
Interestingly, both of these foods have legal definitions.
Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm
This is done because producers could easily water down their half-and-half or heavy cream and earn more money.
Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm
What Are the Best Uses for Heavy Cream vs. Half-and-Half?
check that to check the label for the fat percentage.
These alternatives will result in a final product with a lighter, less creamy consistency compared to heavy cream.
Some brands may include ingredients like carrageenan or gellan gum to improve texture or shelf life.
If you prefer fewer additives, look for brands with just milk and cream listed, Thiel adds.
The Best Way To Store Dairy
Proper dairy storage is key to maximum freshness and extended shelf-life.
Thiel recommends always keeping half-and-half and heavy cream refrigerated at a temperature consistently below 40F to slow spoilage.
Avoid housing your dairy products in the door of the fridge as it has the most temperature variation.
And finally, trust your senses when it comes to sussing out dairy freshness.
Dairy products can be finicky, Thiel explains.
