Whole Milk vs Heavy Cream
Compared on one consistent basis: per 100 g, from USDA data behind each food page.
Milk (Whole) vs Cream (Heavy): nutrition per 100 g
| Per 100 g | Milk (Whole) | Cream (Heavy) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 60 kcal | 343 kcal |
| Protein | 3.3 g | 2 g |
| Carbohydrate | 4.6 g | 3.8 g |
| Fat | 3.2 g | 35.6 g |
| Fibre | 0 g | 0 g |
| Allergens | Milk | Milk |
Vitamins and minerals per 100 g
| Nutrient | Milk (Whole) | Cream (Heavy) |
|---|---|---|
| Calcium, Ca | 123 mg | 61.21 mg |
| Choline, total | 17.8 mg | 16.8 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0 mg | 0 mg |
| Folate, DFE | 5 ug | 4 ug |
| Folate, food | 5 ug | 4 ug |
| Folate, total | 0 ug | 4 ug |
| Magnesium, Mg | 11.9 mg | 5.97 mg |
| Niacin | 0.11 mg | 0.06 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.36 mg | 0.5 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 101 mg | 57.03 mg |
| Potassium, K | 150 mg | 96.94 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.14 mg | 0.19 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 1.9 ug | 3 ug |
| Sodium, Na | 38 mg | 20.61 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.06 mg | 0.03 mg |
| Vitamin A, IU | 162 iu | 1470 iu |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 32 ug | 411 ug |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.54 ug | 0 ug |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.06 mg | 0.03 mg |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0 mg | 0.6 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.96 ug | 1.6 ug |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.42 mg | 0.22 mg |
Milk (Whole) is higher in protein, and the leaner, lower-calorie choice. Cream (Heavy) is higher in fat. That makes Milk (Whole) more relevant when you want protein for fullness or recovery, and Cream (Heavy) when you want a richer, higher-fat option.
Full nutrition facts: Milk (Whole) · Cream (Heavy)
Bottom line
Per 100 g, Whole Milk provides 60 kcal, 3.3 g protein, 4.6 g carbohydrate, 3.2 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, Whole Milk is the better source of vitamin B12, calcium, while Heavy Cream is the better source of vitamin A, vitamin D (see the vitamins and minerals table below).
Heavy cream is essentially the fat skimmed from milk — about 36% fat versus 3.25% — so a tablespoon of cream carries more calories than a quarter cup of whole milk. Cream contributes almost no protein or calcium by comparison.
In short: for weight loss or a bigger portion at the same calories, Whole Milk; for protein and muscle, Whole Milk. 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.