How does eggnog differ from other dairy-based drinks like milk and cream?
Eggnog is a legally defined dairy drink: the FDA requires at least 6% milkfat, 8.25% milk solids not fat and 1% egg yolk solids. USDA lists generic eggnog at 88 kcal per 100 g, against 61 for whole milk and 340 for heavy whipping cream.
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In this article
What makes eggnog different from milk?
Under FDA rule 21 CFR 131.170, eggnog must contain cream, milk, partially skimmed milk or skim milk (alone or combined), egg yolk or whole eggs, and a nutritive sweetener. It must have at least 6 percent milkfat, at least 8.25 percent milk solids not fat, and egg yolk solids of at least 1 percent by weight. It must be pasteurized or ultra-pasteurized.
How do the numbers compare?
| Per 100 g (USDA) | Eggnog | Whole milk | Heavy whipping cream |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy | 88 kcal | 61 kcal | 340 kcal |
| Protein | 4.55 g | 3.15 g | 2.84 g |
| Fat | 4.19 g | 3.25 g | 36.1 g |
| Carbohydrate | 8.05 g | 4.8 g | 2.84 g |
| Saturated fat | 2.59 g | 1.86 g | 23.0 g |
These are USDA FoodData Central SR Legacy entries (eggnog FDC 171258, whole milk 3.25% FDC 171265, heavy whipping cream FDC 170859). The eggnog entry is a generic product, and its 4.19 g fat is below the 6 percent milkfat in the FDA definition, so brands and homemade versions can differ. Check the label.
Is eggnog more like milk or cream?
On these figures, eggnog sits between whole milk and heavy cream in calories and fat, much closer to milk, and has more carbohydrate than either because of the added sweetener the rule requires.
People also ask
What is eggnog made of?
The FDA definition requires dairy (cream, milk, partially skimmed or skim milk), egg yolk or whole eggs, and a nutritive sweetener, pasteurized or ultra-pasteurized.
Does eggnog have more calories than milk?
In USDA's generic entries, yes: 88 kcal per 100 g for eggnog and 61 kcal for whole milk. Heavy whipping cream has 340 kcal per 100 g.
Is eggnog the same as cream?
No. The USDA entry for heavy whipping cream has 36.1 g fat per 100 g, while the generic eggnog entry has 4.19 g.
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