What are the differences between regular and light sour cream?
Per 100 g, USDA lists regular cultured sour cream at 198 kcal and 19.4 g fat, and light sour cream at 136 kcal and 10.6 g fat. Federal rules require sour cream to contain at least 18% milkfat; we found no federal fat figure for light sour cream.
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How do regular and light sour cream compare?
Values per 100 g from USDA FoodData Central (generic products, not brands):
| Per 100 g | Regular (cultured) | Light | Fat-free |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 198 kcal | 136 kcal | 74 kcal |
| Total fat | 19.4 g | 10.6 g | 0 g |
| Saturated fat | 10.1 g | 6.6 g | 0 g |
| Carbohydrate | 4.63 g | 7.1 g | 15.6 g |
| Protein | 2.44 g | 3.5 g | 3.1 g |
Light sour cream has about 9 g less fat and 62 kcal less per 100 g (our calculation). It has more carbohydrate, so it is not simply a lower-everything version.
What makes sour cream “regular”?
Under 21 CFR 131.160, sour cream results from souring pasteurized cream with lactic acid bacteria and contains not less than 18 percent milkfat. When sweeteners or bulky flavorings are added, it must still be at least 14.4 percent milkfat.
What does “light” mean legally?
We did not find a federal fat figure for light sour cream in the sources we opened. Brands differ, so compare the Nutrition Facts label.
People also ask
How many calories are in light sour cream vs regular?
USDA lists 136 kcal per 100 g for light sour cream and 198 kcal per 100 g for regular cultured sour cream.
How much milkfat must sour cream have?
At least 18 percent under 21 CFR 131.160, or at least 14.4 percent in sweetened or flavored versions.
Does light sour cream have more carbs?
In the USDA entries we read, yes: 7.1 g per 100 g against 4.63 g for regular.
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