SomethingSwanky is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.
Are you looking for a substitute for half and half? Look no further! This article provides a list of substitutes that you can use.
The simple fact that half and half are a blend of two dairy products makes substituting it quite easy. Check out our list of 9 substitutes.
Table of Contents
- About Half-and-Half
- What is Half-and-Half?
- Substitutes for Half-and-Half
- 1. DIY Half-and-Half
- 2. Whole Milk and Melted Butter
- 3. Evaporated Milk
- 4. Milk and Cornstarch
- 5. Greek Yogurt and Milk
- 6. Soy Milk and Olive Oil
- 7. Coconut Cream
- 8. Creme Fraiche/Sour Cream
About Half-and-Half
What is Half-and-Half?
Before we can substitute half and half, let’s first understand what half is and how it works!
Half-and-half is a dairy product that is made from hom*ogenizing a mixture of whole milk and heavy cream. The United States Department of Agriculture is responsible for determining things such as the difference between half-and-half and heavy whipping cream. Half-and-half must contain no more than 10.5 percent milk fat, but not more than 18.5% milk fat.
Half-and-half, unlike heavy whip, doesn’t retain its structure when whipped. It can’t be used as whipped cream.
Substitutes for Half-and-Half
We believe that Google would poll the two most searched questions after “what is half-and-half?” The most common question would be “What should I do if half of my half-and-half isn’t in my fridge?” It’s not uncommon to find a carton or small plastic canisters filled with cream in your office breakroom.
It’s not common in the average household.
Half-and-half might be the perfect ingredient to make your morning coffee more delicious. It could be something you’ve never used before and don’t know why. If you are asked for it by someone and you don’t have it you will need backups. Click To Tweet
Here’s where we step in. You will need to know how to tell the half-and-halfs from the notes, and when to use them. Here’s a list of half-and-half replacements.
1. DIY Half-and-Half
Half-and-half does not contain cream or milk. It is made up of equal parts of both. DIY is the best way of solving your half-and-half issue.
Do you have heavy cream? Do you drink milk? My friend, you can have half-and-half.
Mix equal parts, shake it well, and voila! It’s not possible to accidentally make butter if you shake it too hard. It’s not just Cream.
The half-and-half you see in stores is often hom*ogenized. This is when machines combine milk with cream to create the final product. It is possible for half-and-half to separate if it isn’t stored in the fridge or added into your coffee.
Heat the milk first to ensure it doesn’t curdle.
2. Whole Milk and Melted Butter
Baking Mischief suggests using a cup of whole milk and two tablespoons of melted butter (salted or unsalted depending on your preference) to make this half-and-half substitute.
However, it will taste very different. MyRecipes suggests adding half a teaspoon of butter to a cup of milk, but you can also use margarine.
Although the milk-and-butter mix can be used in baking as a substitute for cream, it may not work well for coffee. It won’t whip up like heavy cream, even though it is cream.
Healthline suggests adding 1 tablespoon flour to thicken the mixture if the butter hasn’t melted after being mixed.
3. Evaporated Milk
There’s nothing worse than making a complicated dish only to realize that you don’t have enough half and half (or cream, or milk) before you move on to the next step. Even though you won’t rush to the supermarket as your dish boils you will need to have enough milk to make fresh milk from scratch. This is where pantry friends such as powdered heavy cream and evaporated milk or evaporated milk substitute comes in handy.
According to Spruce Eats, powdered heavy cream might not be readily available. It might be available in specialty shops or online. Reconstituting powdered dairy means you can make half-and-half in minutes without needing to run to the milk cows or grocery store.
Evaporated milk is exactly the same thing. Shelf-stable milk contains 60% less water than its refrigerated counterpart. This means it will be thicker and creamier than the half-and-half that we love. Vanilla extract can be added to your coffee, or you can bake with it. You only live once.
Anthony’s Heavy Cream powder suggests that half a cup of heavy cream powder is mixed with one cup of water to make a half-and-half consistency. According to Healthline, the exchange ratio for evaporated dairy milk is 1:1. If your creation is too heavy cream-like, you can thin it with milk.
4. Milk and Cornstarch
Let’s discuss the lower fat and calorie options that are available in the world. These products taste very similar to half-and-half. You don’t have to use heavy cream, artificial creamer, or creamer if you have milk.
Healthline suggests thickening milk using cornstarch. This will create a cream-like texture, but no additional calories. Skim milk can be used in place of whole milk to reduce calories.
Healthline recommends that you add two tablespoons of cornstarch to a cup of milk (whole or skim) in order to replace one cup of heavy cream. You can add more if you prefer a half and half texture. According to the New York Times, one tablespoon per cup of the liquid-of-your-choice is the magic (and easy-to-remember) recipe.
5. Greek Yogurt and Milk
If you don’t have milk, you can mix Greek yogurt with milk. Anyone who has ever tried to cut Greek yogurt with a spoon will be familiar with the thickness and high protein content.
Combining Greek yogurt and whole milk (in equal amounts) will create something that is similar to heavy cream in texture. While the flavor might not be as rich as creamier milk, it will still have high levels of protein and fat. It can thicken soups or sauces in the same way as half-and-half.
6. Soy Milk and Olive Oil
Although it may sound odd, there are many other strange things happening in the world vegan and dairy-free alternatives. Healthline says this substitute is “best to add tenderness to baking and cooking,” so why not give it another chance?
According to the New York Times, consistency can be easily adjusted when working in liquids. Add water or flour/cornstarch to thin out the liquid.
Soy milk is difficult to whip. You can make 1/3 cup soymilk with 1/3 cup olive oil to make the equivalent of a cup of heavy cream.
To get the half-and-half consistency, you can dilute it. It may be better to not add it to your coffee.
7. Coconut Cream
While we are talking about dairy alternatives, let’s not forget coconuts. Coconut cream, which is typically canned, can be purchased in most grocery shops. Coconut cream is a thick, shelf-stable staple that can be used to replace half and/or half in baking and cooking.
For those who have accidentally purchased coconut cream, there is good news. Healthline suggests that you chill your full-fat coconut milk overnight in the fridge to separate it.
The liquid will then be separated and made into a cream. Cool, right? You can use the coconut milk alone if the cream turns out to be too thick. We are not your boss.
Healthline suggests that you “swap equal quantities of heavy cream for coconut cream and use it to substitute for buttercream when making sweets or baked goods.” If it is too thick for your half and/or half needs, WebMD suggests you thin it out with soy milk. It can be thinned with water, which is always vegetarian.
8. Creme Fraiche/Sour Cream
These options will get you to Flavortown. They do not offer coffee on the flight. These should not be included in your coffee on your flight to Flavortown.
Let’s not get too deep, let’s just talk about lactic acids. Country Living explains that sour cream can be described as cream with lactic acid in it. This thickens the cream, giving it a distinctive sour flavor.
It’s great to add to chilis and sauces at the end to increase texture and creaminess. BTW for chili fans must check out my Chili cheese dog recipe.. However, it might not taste as good in your morning Americano. Or, you might be surprised. Maybe sour cream lattes are the next big thing.
As a warning, creme fraiche is not a sweetened cream. It can thicken soups, stews, and sauces but will not add a bitter taste to the cooking process. Both would work well in a dish calling for half-and-half.
However, creamier dairy products are at a firmer finish according to the New York Times scale.
There is no substitute for creme fraiche or sour cream. However, you can thin the creme frisée and sour cream with some water to make them more like half-and-half. You can sweeten either one with sugar or vanilla extract for your baking needs. Don’t worry if you’re just getting started with coffee.
Half (-and-Half) of a Conclusion
We are grateful that you have taken the time to review our 9 substitutes for half-and-half! If you don’t have the ingredient, you can find the best substitute from the list.
Feel free to comment below if you have any questions.
