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It’s a common dilemma in baking: should I use plant-based cream or dairy cream?
Actually, plant-based cream is derived from plants and contains various additives, while dairy cream comes from milk and is a natural product. The two differ in appearance, taste, whipping characteristics, and more.
Don’t worry—today, let’s dive into the differences between plant-based cream and dairy cream. After reading this, you’ll be able to choose the right one for your needs with confidence!
Plant-based cream is derived from plants, primarily using soybean oil, palm oil, and other vegetable oils. Through a hydrogenation process, liquid vegetable oils are converted into solid or semi-solid form, then mixed with water, emulsifiers, preservatives, flavoring, coloring, and other ingredients.
In terms of ingredients, plant-based cream mainly contains vegetable fats (some partially hydrogenated), water, emulsifiers, preservatives, flavoring, and coloring, and it contains almost no natural dairy components.
Dairy cream is derived from milk, specifically from the fat separated from milk. It’s a natural product made through physical separation, requiring no complex chemical processing.
Its main component is milk fat, and it also contains small amounts of protein, lactose, vitamins (such as Vitamin A and D), minerals, and other naturally occurring nutrients found in milk.
(1) Appearance and Texture of Plant-Based Cream
Plant-based cream usually appears bright white and looks quite uniform. Its texture is relatively thick, with low fluidity. Even at room temperature, it maintains its shape well. When scooped with a spoon, it drips slowly and maintains a neat shape.
(2) Appearance and Texture of Dairy Cream
Dairy cream tends to be milky yellow in color, with a natural creamy hue. It has a finer, smoother texture and flows more easily than plant-based cream. It thickens when chilled and becomes more fluid at room temperature. When scooped, it drips faster and has a more natural, casual shape.
(1) Taste and Flavor of Plant-Based Cream
Plant-based cream tends to have a heavy mouthfeel with a certain greasiness. It melts slowly in the mouth. Its flavor comes mainly from added flavorings, with a relatively one-dimensional milk aroma. Upon closer taste, it may even reveal a hint of vegetable oil flavor.
(2) Taste and Flavor of Dairy Cream
Dairy cream has a light and delicate mouthfeel and melts instantly. It is less greasy. Its rich, natural flavor comes from milk itself, offering a pure taste experience with a hint of lingering milky sweetness.
(1) Whipping Characteristics of Plant-Based Cream
Plant-based cream is easy to whip, with low requirements for temperature and technique, making it beginner-friendly. Using a cream charger like Cream Deluxe can further enhance this advantage.
Cream Deluxe uses 99.9% food-grade nitrous oxide. With simple operation—just connect the charger to a compatible whipping device, turn the valve, and in just 3 seconds, plant-based cream is fully whipped.
The whipped plant-based cream is extremely stable. It holds its shape for long periods even at room temperature, without melting or collapsing. Whether you’re decorating complex multi-layer cakes or making desserts that need to be displayed for a long time, it’s up to the task. Ideal for commercial production or scenarios that require long-lasting presentation.
(2) Whipping Characteristics of Dairy Cream
Dairy cream is harder to whip and more temperature-sensitive. It needs to be chilled before whipping, and improper handling can lead to separation or melting. It has a lower expansion rate after whipping and is less stable—easily deforming or melting in high temperatures.
However, using a cream charger can significantly reduce the difficulty. Its pure nitrous oxide gas evenly mixes into the cream, helping to create a fine, stable foam structure. Compared to traditional whipping methods, Cream Deluxe allows smoother whipping of dairy cream and reduces the risk of failure due to mishandling.
Comparison Item | Plant-Based Cream | Dairy Cream |
Type of Fat | Contains trans fats, which may increase cardiovascular risk and affect absorption of essential fatty acids | Contains mainly saturated fat. Excessive intake may raise cholesterol, but moderate intake has minor effects |
Nutritional Content | Almost no natural nutrients, mainly provides calories | Contains protein, lactose, vitamins, and minerals—helps supplement daily nutrition |
Additives | Contains emulsifiers, preservatives, flavoring, coloring—excessive long-term intake may harm health | No additives; it’s a natural product |
(1) Suitable Scenarios for Plant-Based Cream
Due to its good stability, lasting shape, and relatively low cost, plant-based cream is more suitable for cakes that need long-distance transportation or extended display times. It’s also ideal for desserts that require high shaping precision without needing intense natural dairy flavor.
(2) Suitable Scenarios for Dairy Cream
Dairy cream, with its superior taste and natural flavor, is more suitable for occasions where mouthfeel and health are prioritized. For example, making birthday cakes, mousses, ice cream, and other treats where you want the rich, authentic taste to shine.
(1) Plant-Based Cream
Unopened plant-based cream can generally be stored in a cool, dark place at room temperature. It has a relatively long shelf life—typically 6 to 12 months. Once opened, it must be sealed and refrigerated, and is best used within 1 to 2 weeks.
(2) Dairy Cream
Dairy cream requires stricter storage conditions. It must be refrigerated (usually between 0–4°C) even when unopened, with a shorter shelf life—typically 1 to 2 weeks. After opening, it should be sealed and kept in the fridge, and is best consumed within 3 to 5 days, or it may spoil easily.
Plant-based cream and dairy cream differ significantly in origin, ingredients, flavor, and health aspects. When choosing between them, you should consider your health needs, the type of dessert you’re making, storage conditions, and your preference for flavor and texture. Only then can you truly make the most of their advantages, creating delicious and suitable treats.
Want to whip cream faster and better? Why not try the Cream Deluxe Cream Charger right now!
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