The main difference between Cool Whip and whipped cream is that Cool Whip is a combination of light cream, skim milk, high fructose corn syrup and vegetable oil, whereas whipped cream is only made using heavy whipping cream.
In brief, both Cool Whip and whipped cream are two of the most popular and frequently used cream options available on the market today. But, based on their appearance, you might face confusion in identifying these two varieties of cream products. Although they look so similar at first glance, both whipped cream and Cool Whip share a wider range of differences.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Cool Whip
– Definition, Features, Ingredients
2. What is Whipped Cream
– Definition, Features, Ingredients
3. Similarities Between Cool Whip and Whipped Cream
– Outline of Association
4. Difference Between Cool Whip and Whipped Cream
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Cream, Cool Whip, Whipped Cream
What is Cool Whip
Cool Whip is a cream product that can be frozen, refrigerated, and defrosted without making any changes to its components and consistency. Cool Whip is often called a “whipped topping.”
Moreover, Cool Whip is usually made out of vegetable oil, high fructose corn syrup, light cream, and skim milk. Today, Kraft Heinz has the brand ownership of Whip Cool, and it is possible to find Cool Whip in a range of different styles: Original, Extra Creamy, Lite, Free (no fat), Sugar-Free, and Season’s Delight.
What is Whipped Cream
Whipped cream is a heavy cream that is usually whipped to make it airy, light, airy, and fluffy in its consistency. The high-fat content present in heavy cream makes the whipped cream quite soft and light upon beating.
The cream becomes lights and soft like this due to whipping, which incorporates air into the mixture, consequently giving the cream the ability to rise and stay in shape on its own. With stabilization, whipped cream increases its volume little by little, air bubbles forming while whipping. We can use whipped cream for different food items, including as a topping for cakes, pies, and desserts. We can also use it in making soups, sauces, and beverages.
Similarities Between Cool Whip and Whipped Cream
- Both Cool Whip and whipped cream are popular and easily accessible cream products available in the market.
Difference Between Cool Whip and Whipped Cream
Definition
Whipped cream is a cream product made with heavy whipping cream while Cool Whip is made with light cream, skim milk, high fructose corn syrup and vegetable oil.
Ingredients
Whipped cream is only made with heavy whipping cream, which usually consists of a milk fat percentage of 36. This high-fat percentage leads the whipped cream to get the ability to hold up to its shape and texture. Cool Whip, in contrast, contains high fructose corn syrup, light cream, skim milk and vegetable oil. Being a processed food, the vegetable oil is mixed in it to give it a comparatively stable and long shelf period.
Texture
Whipped cream has a more airy, fluffy, and altogether light texture. Further, whipped cream is relatively denser as a result of the air bubbles incorporated during the process of beating or whipping. The air bubbles also give it a steadier and stable form. But, texture-wise, Cool Whip is relatively heavier. Sometimes Cool Whip toppings would share an appearance between that of cream cheese and sour cream.
Conclusion
The main difference between Cool Whip and whipped cream is that Cool Whip is a combination of light cream, skim milk, high fructose corn syrup and vegetable oil, while whipped cream only contains heavy whipping cream. However, if you are not necessarily keen on maintaining your calories and keeping your sugar levels low, Cool Whip will certainly be a great choice. However, if you prefer more natural and fat or sugar-free products, sugar-free and non-fat whipped cream brands are certainly more favorable options for you.
Reference:
1. Beiler, Lydia. “Homemade Cool Whip (or REAL WHIPPED CREAM).” Thrifty Frugal Mom, 5 July 2021.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Cool Whip” By Mike Mozart (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr
2. “Close up of whipped cream and a spoon” By Marco Verch (CC BY 2.0) via Foto.wuestenigel.com
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