Starbucks sweet cream vs. heavy cream: Which One is better?
Though many Starbucks customers like adding cream to their coffee drinks, some confuse between Starbuck sweet cream and heavy cream. I used to order my coffee drinks from Starbucks plain. This changed when my sister started riding with me to work.
We passed along a Starbucks store every morning, and she introduced me to creams. Thanks to her, I now have a more enjoyable coffee drinking experience. I created this post to inform you about the differences between Starbucks sweet cream and heavy cream. You will also learn which one is better. Enjoy!
Table of Contents
What are the differences between Starbucks sweet cream vs. heavy cream?
Features |
Sweet cream |
Heavy cream |
Ingredients |
Heavy cream, 2% milk, and vanilla syrup |
Cream |
Taste profile |
Sweeter |
Less sweet |
Caffeine content/ Nutritional value |
No caffeine It has fewer calories |
No caffeine It has more calories |
Availability/ Accessibility |
You cannot access it outside Starbucks |
It is available outside Starbucks |
Starbucks sweet cream vs. heavy cream – How They Compare.
What it’s made of (ingredients)
Starbucks sweet cream comprises three ingredients: vanilla syrup, 2% milk, and heavy cream. On the other hand, Starbucks heavy cream only has one ingredient: cream. Heavy cream is the dense layer of cream which is skimmed off the top part of milk. It is, therefore, denser than sweet cream.
Starbucks sweet cream wins in this category since it contains more ingredients than heavy cream.
Taste profile
Sweet cream is more popular among Starbucks customers than heavy cream due to its delicious taste. This cream is sweet since the coffee house adds vanilla syrup while making it. Since heavy cream has no syrup or sugar, it is less sweet.
Starbucks sweet cream, therefore, wins in this category since it is sweeter than heavy cream.
Caffeine content/nutritional value
Though Starbucks sweet cream and heavy cream do not contain caffeine, you can add them to different caffeinated beverages. A splash of sweet cream has 35 calories, 5 grams of carbs, and 1.5 grams of fat. On the other hand, an ounce of Starbucks heavy cream contains 100 calories, 1 gram of carbs, and over 40 grams of fat.
Starbucks sweet cream, therefore, wins in this category since it has fewer calories.
Availability/ Accessibility
Starbucks makes sweet cream at its stores every day. You cannot get Starbucks sweet cream at other stores. On the other hand, Starbucks heavy cream is available outside the store. You can buy it at a grocery store and use it to make different things.
Starbucks heavy cream, therefore, wins since it is easier to access anywhere.
Starbucks sweet cream vs. heavy cream: A comparison review
Starbucks heavy cream – Overview
This is a thick and dense cream that is usually skimmed off milk during manufacturing. Since this cream has high-fat content, it is keto-friendly. The main ingredient in it is cream. Apart from the high-fat content, Starbucks heavy cream is also high in calories.
Though heavy cream has a thick consistency and a rich flavor, it is less sweet since it does not have sugar. Due to the rich flavor of this cream, it is often used as an ingredient to make Starbuck sweet cream.
You can also add heavy cream to certain tea or coffee beverages. This can give them more nutritional content and flavor. Starbucks also uses it when making baked items like scones. The high-fat content in Starbucks heavy cream enables it to hold up well on different products.
What I liked
- It is easy to access
What I didn’t like
- High-calorie content
Who it’s best suited for
This is best suited for people who follow the keto diet.
Starbucks sweet cream – Overview
If you are a fan of cold brew, you have probably seen some Starbucks customers ordering it with sweet cream. This is a cream that can make your coffee more exciting. It is made by blending heavy whipping cream, vanilla syrup, and 2% milk. Starbucks makes this cream at its stores every day and adds it to its signature drinks.
Starbucks sweet cream has been in existence since 2016, and many people use it in place of regular cream since it is more delicious. The cream is silky, and it forms a captivating layer on drinks. It enables coffee drinks to maintain their strong flavor while at the same time adding more texture to them.
Since Starbucks does not offer a non-dairy version of this cream, it is not suitable for vegans. You can only get a non-dairy version if you choose to make this cream at home with plant-based milk instead of the 2% milk that Starbucks uses. Note that you cannot get Starbucks sweet cream at a grocery store.
What I liked
- It is creamy and delicious
- Forms a beautiful layer on black coffee
What I didn’t like
- It is not available outside Starbucks
Who it’s best suited for
- This is best for coffee lovers who take dairy products
Final Verdict: So, Which is Better? – Starbucks sweet cream vs. heavy cream
Starbucks sweet cream is better than heavy cream. This is because it is made up of more ingredients, which makes it quite delicious. The sweet cream combines quite well with cold coffees. It also has fewer calories and is more nutritious than Starbucks heavy cream. Though Starbucks heavy cream is more versatile and easier to access at different stores, its high-fat content and calories make it unhealthy for most people. Though people on a keto diet can enjoy this cream, taking it in high quantities can lead to weight gain. I, therefore, choose Starbucks sweet cream as the clear winner.
FAQ SECTION
Is sweet cream sweeter than heavy cream?
Yes. Sweet cream is sweeter since it contains vanilla syrup which is sugary. Heavy cream does not contain any sugar in it.
Is heavy cream thicker than sweet cream?
Yes. Heavy cream is thicker than sweet cream since it contains more milk fat.
Which one has a better flavor between heavy cream and sweet cream?
Heavy cream has a better flavor than sweet cream since its high-fat content gives it a richer texture.