Sour Cream vs Heavy Cream
Compared on one consistent basis: per 100 g, from USDA data behind each food page.
Cream (Sour) vs Cream (Heavy): nutrition per 100 g
| Per 100 g | Cream (Sour) | Cream (Heavy) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 196 kcal | 343 kcal |
| Protein | 3.1 g | 2 g |
| Carbohydrate | 5.6 g | 3.8 g |
| Fat | 18 g | 35.6 g |
| Fibre | 0 g | 0 g |
| Allergens | Milk | Milk |
Vitamins and minerals per 100 g
| Nutrient | Cream (Sour) | Cream (Heavy) |
|---|---|---|
| Calcium, Ca | 107.2 mg | 61.21 mg |
| Choline, total | 19.2 mg | 16.8 mg |
| Folate, DFE | 6 ug | 4 ug |
| Folate, food | 6 ug | 4 ug |
| Folate, total | 6 ug | 4 ug |
| Magnesium, Mg | 10.11 mg | 5.97 mg |
| Niacin | 0.1 mg | 0.06 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.47 mg | 0.5 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 102 mg | 57.03 mg |
| Potassium, K | 153.8 mg | 96.94 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.17 mg | 0.19 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 3.7 ug | 3 ug |
| Sodium, Na | 50.04 mg | 20.61 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.04 mg | 0.03 mg |
| Vitamin A, IU | 447 iu | 1470 iu |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 124 ug | 411 ug |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.06 ug | 0 ug |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.04 mg | 0.03 mg |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.9 mg | 0.6 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0 ug | 1.6 ug |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.39 mg | 0.22 mg |
The 100 g comparison has meaningful differences in protein and sodium. Choose Cream (Sour) when a higher-protein option fits the meal. Choose Cream (Heavy) when limiting sodium. It also provides more calcium per 100 g.
Full nutrition facts: Cream (Sour) · Cream (Heavy)
Bottom line
Per 100 g, Sour Cream provides 196 kcal, 3.1 g protein, 5.6 g carbohydrate, 18 g fat and 0 g fiber; Heavy Cream provides 343 kcal, 2 g protein, 3.8 g carbohydrate, 35.6 g fat and 0 g fiber.
Looking beyond the macronutrients, Sour Cream is the better source of calcium, potassium, while Heavy Cream is the better source of vitamin D, vitamin A (see the vitamins and minerals table below).
Heavy cream has double the fat and calories of sour cream. Sour cream keeps more of the milk minerals — calcium, potassium — because it is less concentrated.
In short: for weight loss or a bigger portion at the same calories, Sour Cream; for protein and muscle, Sour Cream. If none of those goals applies, pick by taste, price and what the recipe needs.
Want a different pair? Use the food comparison tool to compare any two foods from the same category.
Values are per 100 g from the USDA FoodData Central records behind each food page and are rounded; brands and preparation change the numbers. This comparison is educational, not medical advice.