Last Updated on June 11, 2020
Many of us love the sweet delicious taste of icing. However, many icings are packed full of sugar and cream or butter. Many people may wonder, is whipped icing healthier than buttercream? What is your choice between buttercream vs whipped.
Whether on cake, cookies, brownies, icing will taste delicious. There are several types of tasty frostings and icings, such as buttercream, whipped cream, cream cheese, and glaze. Some frostings vary on the amount of sugar and butter that is added, making some slightly healthier than others.
Is Whipped Icing Healthier Than Buttercream?
Buttercream is one of the most popular frostings. It is rich, creamy and fluffy, making it loved by many. Buttercream is generally made up of confectioners’ sugar, butter, vanilla, and milk or heavy cream.
There are even several different variations of buttercream, such as American, French, Swiss, and German. Swiss, German and French buttercreams are unique because they contain eggs. Swiss contains egg whites and German and French contain egg yolks.
Buttercream vs Whipped: Buttercream Nutrition
Most buttercreams average 140-230 calories and containing 5-15 grams of fat per serving. Serving sizes for buttercreams are two tablespoons, though most people end up eating more than that when enjoying frosting.
Most of the fat and calories from buttercream frosting come from the butter and sugar, which is what gives the frosting the flavor. Buttercream frosting may contain more calories and fat depending on the ingredients that are called for in that specific recipe.
Whipped Icing
This icing has a lighter and fluffier consistency than buttercream frosting. Whipped icing generally less rich than buttercream frosting, which some people prefer.
Whipped icing can be made in several different ways. Some recipes include heavy cream, where others include cream cheese. Some whipped icing recipes even contain pudding mix or gelatin.
Whipped Icing Nutrition
Since most whipped icing recipes do not contain butter, many people assume that it is healthier than buttercream. However, this is often not the case. Though it may not contain butter, whipped icing generally has just as much, if not more, calories than buttercream.
Most whipped icings generally have between 200-350 calories and 15-30 grams of fat per serving for two tablespoons. Depending on the ingredients, some whipped frostings may even have more calories and fat. Most of the fat and calories come from sugar, heavy cream and cream cheese that can be found in the whipped frosting.
Store-bought vs Homemade
If you are making homemade frosting, whether buttercream or whipped, it will generally be more calories than store-bought frosting. Homemade frosting recipes will typically call for higher quality and fresher ingredients, which often have more calories and fat.
Typically, most store-bought buttercream frostings contain around 120-140 calories and 5-10 grams of fat per serving. Most store-bought whipped icings are 110-150 calories and 6-10 grams of fat per serving.
All store-bought frostings will list the nutrition facts of the frosting on the can. Many homemade frosting recipes will even list the nutrition facts with the recipe so you can know how many calories and grams of fat are in each serving of frosting.
Some whipped cream frostings may have less fat and calories than buttercream frostings. It will depend on the brand and flavor of frosting.
Buttercream vs Whipped Icing
Though many people may think whipped icing is healthier than buttercream, that is not always the fact. Though whipped icing may contain less sugar than buttercream and no butter, it still contains ingredients that are high in fat and calories.
Since whipped icing does not contain any butter or shortening, it has a hard time stabilizing. Whipped icing should always be refrigerated whereas some buttercreams can be left at room temperature for a few days, though it should be stored in the fridge after that. Whipped icing can only last a couple of days in the fridge, whereas buttercream typically lasts a week.
Neither buttercream or whipped cream will hold up well in the heat. The buttercream will hold up better in warmer temperatures than whipped icing, but it will eventually begin to melt.
Buttercream vs Whipped: A Healthier Option?
If you are looking for a healthier option, whipped icing isn’t necessarily a better choice. Though it may have less sugar than buttercream and not contain any butter, whipped icing can still be full of fat and calories, sometimes even more than buttercream.
For those who are trying to eat less sugar, whipped icing can be a better choice. Many people who think buttercream is too sweet, prefer the taste of whipped icing.
If you prefer a lighter and fluffier texture, whipped icing is a good choice. If you prefer a richer and creamier taste, buttercream is a good choice. Many people have preferences when it comes to whipped icing and buttercream.
Both whipped icing and buttercream are great choices for cakes, cookies, and brownies. They are both great options for your favorite desserts.
Though store-bought whipped icing may have less calories than homemade icing, it generally doesn’t taste as good. It also may contain artificial flavors and preservatives and ingredients that are less healthy than those in homemade whipped icing.
Buttercream Frosting and Whipped Icing
Unfortunately, icing isn’t exactly a healthier option. Though many people may think whipped icing is a healthier choice, it still can be fatty and contain a lot of calories.
Though whipped icing isn’t necessarily healthier than buttercream, it can be a better choice for some people. It generally contains less sugar than buttercream and doesn’t have butter or shortening typically.
Since there are not many differences between the two nutrition-wise, it is best to just go with your favorite frosting if you have no dietary restrictions. Both whipped icing and buttercream frosting can be high in fat and calories, making it so there is generally not a healthier option.
It is important to read the nutrition label and ingredients of whipped icing and buttercream frosting, so you know what you are consuming. This is especially important if you have any dietary restrictions or allergies. This will also allow you to determine what frosting is the best choice for you.
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Karen is a passionate pastry chef who loves to create delicious baked goods. She has been in the culinary arts for over 10 years, honing her skills and perfecting her craft. Karen is known for her creativity and attention to detail, creating unique desserts that bring a smile to everyone’s face. She is always looking for ways to challenge herself and come up with new recipes that are both tasty and visually appealing. Karen loves to experiment with different flavors and textures, and she is committed to providing the highest quality of products to her customers.
