Is it healthy? Heavy whipping cream is high in calories but also rich in healthy fat and several vitamins and minerals. It’s generally used in small amounts, such as in coffee or recipes that need a bit of creaminess, so it’s unlikely to add significant calories to your diet.

High-fat dairy such as heavy whipping cream has been linked to a higher risk of dementia and worse breast cancer survival rates. High-fat dairy has also been associated with an increased risk of death from prostate cancer. The more whole-fat milk people consumed, the greater their risk. Heavy cream’s fat content makes it very rich.

Heavy cream offers some health benefits from protein and fat as well as micronutrients, but its greater benefit is in making other healthy foods more palatable and satiating. For example, a bowl of tomato soup is delicious and nutritious, but add a spoonful of heavy cream to it, and it becomes much more indulgent-tasting and filling.