Heavy Cream vs Sour Cream: which is healthier?

Per 100g, Heavy Cream has 343 calories, 2g protein, 0g fiber, and 35.6g fat, while Sour Cream has 196 calories, 3.1g protein, 0g fiber, and 18g fat. Sour Cream wins on both fronts here, with fewer calories and more protein per 100g.

Which has more calories, Heavy Cream or Sour Cream?

Per 100g, Heavy Cream has 343 calories and Sour Cream has 196 calories, a difference of 147 calories. In practical terms, 100g (343 calories) of heavy cream compares with 100g (196 calories) of sour cream.

Which has more protein, Heavy Cream or Sour Cream?

Sour Cream leads on protein with 3.1g per 100g; the gap is 1.1g per 100g (Heavy Cream 2g vs Sour Cream 3.1g). If you are tracking protein targets, that difference compounds quickly across a full day of meals.

Which is better for a low-carb diet, Heavy Cream or Sour Cream?

Heavy Cream has 3.8g of carbs per 100g compared to 5.6g in Sour Cream, making Heavy Cream the easier fit for low-carb or keto plans. Fiber is 0g vs 0g per 100g, which also affects net carbs.

Can I substitute Heavy Cream for Sour Cream?

Often, yes. Swapping sour cream for heavy cream shifts your meal by about 147 calories and 1.1g of protein per 100g, so adjust portions if you are logging macros. Texture and cooking behavior differ more than nutrition in many recipes, so test the swap in small batches first.

Heavy Cream

Sour Cream

All Comparisons

Heavy Cream vs Sour Cream

Sour Cream

Wins in 4 of 6 categories

Compare Heavy Cream and Sour Cream calories, protein, and nutrition. See which fits your diet goals.

Verdict (USDA data)

Per 100g, Heavy Cream has 343 calories vs Sour Cream's 196. Sour Cream has more protein (3.1g vs 2g) and less fat (18g vs 35.6g).

Sources: Heavy Cream (FDC 2346386) · Sour Cream (FDC 2346387)

Nutrition Comparison (per 100g)

Nutrient	Heavy Cream		Sour Cream
Calories	343	vs	196
Protein	2g	vs	3.1g
Carbs	3.8g	vs	5.6g
Fat	35.6g	vs	18g
Fiber	0g	vs	0g
Sodium	21mg	vs	50mg

Winner determined by: fewer calories, more protein, more fiber, less fat, less sodium

Source: USDA FoodData Central. Heavy Cream: FDC 2346386 · Sour Cream: FDC 2346387.

When to Choose Each

Choose Heavy Cream when:

A typical portion is 100g (343 calories)
Heavy Cream fits the dishes you already cook

See full Heavy Cream nutrition

Choose Sour Cream when:

You're cutting calories (196 vs 343 per 100g)
You need more protein (3.1g vs 2g per 100g)

See full Sour Cream nutrition

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: 2026-01-30

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