While light cream used to be the only option available to people who wanted to reduce their fat, calories, and coffee intake, many more choices are now available.
These alternative options provide an excellent way to reduce your daily caloric intake. More so, they won’t affect the quality of your beverage.
We’ve put together this list of substitutes for light cream. So that you can make an informed decision about which one will work best for you and your tastes!
Here are substitutes for light cream to try;
1. Whole Milk Solution
If substitutes for light cream, you’re using a recipe for a can of condensed milk. Try using whole milk and reduce it by one-third.
This will substitute for light cream. Unsweetened powdered milk is often easier to use, but it may not be as creamy.
However, plain yogurt is another option. It will work even better if you have Greek yogurt (which has less water content than regular yogurt).
In baking applications where butter is called for, substitute it with applesauce or pureed prunes. Nevertheless, they add moisture while keeping your recipes healthy.
2. Coconut Cream
If you want natural substitutes for light cream, coconut milk will probably be your best bet. It’s loaded with healthy fats that can help you feel full longer.
Unlike milk, it won’t curdle or separate when heated and only needs to cook for a short period. Unfortunately, many brands of canned coconut milk add sugar and extra ingredients (thickeners).
These aren’t good for your waistline, so checking labels before buying is important. For convenience purposes, opt for boxed varieties over cans.
3. Ghee
An alternative to butter or vegetable oil, ghee is a type of clarified butter made famous in India. Simmering butter over low heat and then skimming off any foam that appears. You’re left with a beautiful golden liquid, ghee.
However, this type of fat is said to have been used by Indian cooks for thousands of years. It also contains high amounts of butyric acid, which is said to promote healthy digestion. Bonus ghee can be whipped into airy peaks similar to those found in meringue.
Similarly, it also makes an excellent substitute for light cream. Sometimes, recipes call for shortening or lard because it’s solid at room temperature.
4. Safflower Oil
Safflower oil is extracted from safflower seeds and is most commonly used in cooking and baking. It’s very high in polyunsaturated fatty acids and contains linoleic acid.
The first recorded use of safflower was in 1st century China, where they cultivated it. In addition to using it as an alternative substitute for light cream, it’s also been known as a natural remedy for many ailments.
This includes acne, arthritis, eczema, hay fever, and more. You can find it at most health food stores. Therefore, when looking around, please keep your eyes peeled to stock up on all its great uses.
5. Butter Beans
Butter beans, limas, or black-eyed peas can substitute light cream in creamy recipes. Like all legumes, they’re high in fiber and protein.
That is nice if you want to cut calories. Moreover, one cup of cooked butter beans contains 284 calories, 29 grams of carbohydrates, and 8 grams of fat.
It involves substituting butter beans for two cups of half-and-half in a recipe. This will reduce your calorie intake by about 350 calories and 35 grams of carbs. Additionally, it will decrease your total fat intake by about 1 gram.
6. Tofu
Suppose you’re looking for a good source of protein with minimal fat. With suitable substitutes for light cream, tofu is right up your alley.
Tofu is made from soybeans and can be processed in various ways (fried, baked, and roasted). Moreover, the texture and flavor can vary depending on its preparation.
Light tofu has less fat than firm or extra-firm tofu. There are approximately three grams of fat per half cup of water-packed tofu versus six grams per cup of firm/extra-firm tofu.
7. Half and Half
One of our favorite substitutes for light cream is half and half, which is a combination of half milk and half heavy cream.
This makes it an excellent substitute for most recipes that call for light cream. Similarly, half and half instead of light cream will save you 50-60 calories per serving.
One thing to keep in mind, though, is that both milk and heavy whipping creams naturally have more fat than skim milk.
Therefore, we recommend using whole milk if your recipe calls for more than 1/4 cup per serving. If you need it thinner, you can add a bit of water or broth.
Conclusion
Whether you’re trying to cut calories or trans fats, sometimes, it can seem challenging to find suitable substitutes for light cream for your favorite treat.
There is a wide variety of alternatives out there—you have to know where to look. Many products offer more than one option.
So you can mix and match it depending on your taste preferences and dietary needs. With all these great alternatives available, there’s no reason not to indulge in something sweet occasionally!
