Calories in Sour Cream: Full Nutrition Breakdown
How many calories are in sour cream? Serving-by-serving breakdown with full nutrition facts and FAQ.
Sour cream is a dairy product made by fermenting regular cream with lactic acid bacteria. It has a thick, tangy texture that makes it a staple topping for baked potatoes, tacos, and soups. Here is a complete breakdown of sour cream nutrition by serving size.
Calories by serving size:
| Serving | Weight | Calories | Total Fat | Saturated Fat | Cholesterol | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 tablespoon | ~12 g | 23 kcal | 2.4 g | 1.4 g | 6 mg | 0.3 g |
| 2 tablespoons | ~24 g | 46 kcal | 4.7 g | 2.8 g | 13 mg | 0.6 g |
| 1/4 cup | ~58 g | 111 kcal | 11.4 g | 6.8 g | 30 mg | 1.4 g |
| 1/2 cup | ~115 g | 222 kcal | 22.6 g | 13.5 g | 60 mg | 2.8 g |
| 1 cup | ~230 g | 444 kcal | 45.3 g | 27 g | 120 mg | 5.6 g |
| 100 g | 100 g | 193 kcal | 19.7 g | 11.7 g | 52 mg | 2.4 g |
Sour cream provides small amounts of vitamin A, calcium, and riboflavin. The fermentation process also contributes beneficial bacteria that may support digestive health.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many calories are in a tablespoon of sour cream?
A tablespoon of regular sour cream weighing about 12 grams contains approximately 23 calories. Most of the calories come from fat, with 2.4 grams of total fat per tablespoon and only trace amounts of carbohydrates and protein.
What is the difference between light and regular sour cream?
Regular sour cream has about 23 calories and 2.4 grams of fat per tablespoon, while light sour cream typically has about 15 calories and 1.2 grams of fat per tablespoon. Light versions achieve this reduction by using a combination of skim milk and cream, resulting in a slightly thinner consistency.
Can Greek yogurt be used as a substitute for sour cream?
Plain Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute for sour cream, offering a similar tangy flavor with significantly more protein and fewer calories. A tablespoon of full-fat Greek yogurt has about 15 calories and 3 grams of protein compared to sour cream's 23 calories and 0.3 grams of protein.
Is sour cream high in cholesterol?
Sour cream contains a moderate amount of cholesterol, with about 6 milligrams per tablespoon. This is relatively low compared to other dairy fats like butter, which has about 31 milligrams per tablespoon, making sour cream a reasonable choice for those monitoring cholesterol intake.
What are common uses for sour cream?
Sour cream is most commonly used as a topping for baked potatoes, nachos, and chili, and as a key ingredient in dips like French onion dip. It is also used in baking to add moisture and tenderness to cakes, muffins, and quick breads due to its acidity and fat content.
How many calories are in a tablespoon of sour cream?
What is the difference between light and regular sour cream?
Can Greek yogurt be used as a substitute for sour cream?
Is sour cream high in cholesterol?
What are common uses for sour cream?
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