Sour Cream

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Like most dairy products, sour cream is available in regular, low-fat, and fat-free versions.

Sour cream is a cultured fresh-cream product widely used in cooking. It is made by culturing cream or milk with lactic acid bacteria. The product may also be processed by adding rennet or nonfat milk solids. By definition, sour cream must contain at least 18% milk fat by weight.

Varieties

Cultured sour cream

Sour cream must contain at least 18% milk fat by weight to carry this designation.

Cultured half-and-half

This version of sour cream is made from half-and-half.

Low-fat and light sour cream

These sour cream versions are made from half-and-half and milk.

Sour cream alternative

This is a designation for fat-free sour cream, which is typically made from skimmed milk.

Nonfat (or fat-free) sour cream

This variety is often labelled “sour cream alternative.”

Cholesterol-free sour cream alternative

This product is made with skimmed milk and vegetable oil.

Buying and storing tips

Like cottage cheese and cream cheese, sour cream should be used within a week or so of purchase.

Availability

Sour cream is widely available in health food stores, specialty stores, and markets.

Preparation, uses, and tips

Sour cream is used in dips and spreads (often with dill and cucumbers), sauces and toppings, as well as in cakes (particularly cheesecake), pies (such as pumpkin), and soufflés, and in such dishes as beef stroganoff.

Nutritional Highlights

Sour cream, 1 Tbsp (12g)
Calories: 26
Protein: 0.4g
Carbohydrate: 0.5g
Total Fat: 2.5g
Fiber: 0.0g