The Difference Between Milk and Half & Half Cream : The 'How to Cook' Blog

Well, I broke down for a Panko Chicken Salad with Chili Lime Dressing from Sobey's, and a fruit bowl. That's healthier than McD's. :) # 2012/05/19

The Difference Between Milk and Half & Half Cream

Posted by Kimberly on Apr - 11 - 2009 with 2 Comments

Question #1: Are there any differences between milk and half and half?
There is a huge difference between milk and 1/2 and 1/2.

The butterfat content in half & half is dramatically higher than that in milk. In half & half, it is 12.5%. In milk it is typically between 0-4% (0 being skim milk).

This makes a huge difference to taste and texture. Half & half is much thicker than milk and coats your tongue. It “tastes” thick and fatty. Milk does not coat nearly as well and tastes cleaner.

You could drink a glass of milk, but you may very well “feel” ill if you drank a glass of cream.

Question #2: Can half and half be used the same as milk?
However, on many occasions half & half is called for!

For example, to make an “Angel Kiss“, you put creme de cacao liqueur in your drinking vessel…usually 1 shot’s worth, and you carefully pour the 1/2 and 1/2 creme on the side of the glass. It will float on top of the creme de cacao and make a beautiful, clean layer. It is delicious!

Half & half is more delicious in creme sauces, say for Alfredo, and goes better in coffee, so I am told.

Basically, for something that tastes richer, like desserts, you’ll want to use creme, provided you are not on a diet.

My Recommendation:
If you are on a diet, use milk as often as possible in replacement of 1/2 and 1/2.

If you are in a pinch, and don’t have 1/2 and 1/2 or milk, use them in replacement of each other.

* Tip: If you are baking, do not substitute, as this can make a huge and destructive difference to your baked goods.

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I hope this Beverage post on Cooking With Kimberly helpful! Until next time…

Eat Deliciously,

Kimberly Edwards

P.S. Do you love those “Got Milk?” ads with the celebrities with a milk mustache? Check out the official book:

Technorati Tags: half and half, cream, creme, milk, milk fat, Angel Kiss, beverages, dairy

2 Responses so far.

Ellisb says:

April 14, 2009 at 3:35 pm

Hmmm. Lovely. Great content and info making me hun.gry. Fresh milk is always best.
Kimberly says:

April 14, 2009 at 11:23 pm

There’s nothing like a fresh, cold glass of milk!!!

I agree – (and some chocolate chip cookies or Oreos to go along with it!)

Kimberly