All Starbucks stores carry heavy cream for coffee, and it is used as an ingredient in many Starbucks baked goods, such as pastries.
However, if you’re trying to recreate this taste at home, you may be wondering what heavy cream Starbucks uses in 2022 and how you can purchase it for your own use. Keep reading to find out more!
What Heavy Cream Does Starbucks Use?
Heavy cream is milk that usually contains about 40% fat. Starbucks uses heavy cream to produce their whipped cream, which is why you can taste the full flavors of rich dairy after having one of these beverages.
Starbucks will source the milk and cream used in its stores from local dairy suppliers.
What Type of Heavy Cream Does Starbucks Use?
Starbucks uses heavy cream to add flavor, texture, and nutrients to its drinks.
The exact brand of cream used in Starbucks stores varies by region, as Starbucks uses local suppliers for its dairy products.
For example, in some areas of the United States, Starbucks stores use dairy products such as milk, cream, whole or semi-skimmed milk, and Borden’s cream, while in some areas of Canada, Dairyland’s dairy products are used.
Types of Cream Starbucks Uses
Starbucks uses different types of cream in its drinks, including heavy cream, sweet cream, half and half, and whipped cream.
Heavy cream is the thick layer of cream that is removed from the milk. As the name suggests, it is high in fat.
Half and half is made up of half heavy cream and half milk. It is slightly lighter than heavy cream and also contains less fat.
Sweet cream is made by mixing heavy cream with 2% milk and vanilla syrup. It has a lighter, sweeter taste than heavy cream and contains vanilla syrup.
Starbucks whipped cream is made of vanilla syrup and cream and is used as a topping in many drinks.
Calories in Starbucks Heavy Cream
While Starbucks doesn’t list the calorie content of its heavy whipped cream, you can get an idea of what it might contain by looking at the comparable nutritional values of heavy whipped cream from a serious source.
One tablespoon of cream has 60 calories, and one tablespoon is equivalent to half an ounce.
This information allows you to estimate the number of calories in your drink based on the size of the cream.
How Much Cream is in a Starbucks Grande Drink?
Starbucks baristas use a standard amount of dairy products to make their drinks, whether it’s cream, half-cream, or milk.
The amounts of dairy that Starbucks adds to their different size drinks are the followings: Tall contains 1 ounce, grande has 2 ounces, and a venti has 3 ounces.
When using cream, baristas sometimes reduce the amount because if they use the full amount, the drinks look too milky, and they have to start over.
When placing an order with the Starbucks app, the option for cream, including heavy cream, may appear as a splash and not an exact measurement.
Our Tips to Replace Heavy Cream at Starbucks
Image credit: Starbucks
Heavy cream gives a great taste and richness to any drink, but it is also very caloric. So you can substitute it with a lighter cream. Starbucks offers several milk-based and non-milk-based cream substitutes.
Each substitution changes the calorie content and taste of your drink.
You can use any of these substitutes for heavy cream:
- Half and half
- 2% milk
- Whole milk
- Nonfat milk
- Vegan milk: soy, oat, almond, or coconut milk
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Starbucks Heavy Cream Have Sugar?
Yes, the whipped cream used at Starbucks is full of sugar and carbs. So if you are on a low carb or keto diet, you may want to avoid it.
Is Sweet Cream the Same as Heavy Cream at Starbucks?
Starbucks Sweetened Cream is not the same as Heavy Cream, although Heavy Cream is one of the ingredients in Starbucks sweetened cream.
Starbucks sweet cream is made by mixing heavy cream with 2% milk and vanilla syrup. The sweetened cream tastes very different from the heavy cream with vanilla syrup, which also contains sugar.
Does Starbucks Charge Extra for the Cream?
Generally, Starbucks does not charge extra for adding cream to your drink.
However, if you request that the cream be steamed, you may have to pay extra for the milk, as baristas have to use more cream to cook it properly.
Starbucks’ official policy is to charge for any dairy product over 4 ounces; some baristas may add a surcharge to your total bill.
Takeaway
Starbucks sources the dairy it uses in its stores from local suppliers, so the exact brand of heavy cream varies from region to region.
You will not be disappointed if you add a little heavy cream. On your next visit to Starbucks, try different beverages with heavy cream or ask for extra heavy cream.