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Ever since the American convenience industry boomed 50 years ago, it has permanently altered how we think about food. One scientist, in particular, Dr. William A. Mitchell has done more than anyone else. (*)
Cool Whip was his first brainchild, besides Pop Rocks, powdered egg whites, Tang, and an endless number of condiments.
Table Of Contents
- About Cool Whip
- The Best Substitute For Cool Whip
- 1. Whipped cream with a twist
- 2. Whipped Creme Fraiche
- 3. Truwhip is a handy solution
- 4. Reddi Wip
- 6. Dream Whip
- 7. +1 Vegan Alternative
Many believe these to be the harbinger of health decline. Others see them as occasional comfort in a harsh world.
We’re not quick to judge, but it’s hard to compete with Cool Whip’s convenience.
Without compromising its main advantages, we strive to help you substitute Cool Whip without much hassle and hours of painful cream whipping.
About Cool Whip
The magic of Cool Whip lies in its steady consistency. But this also serves as a convenient attack surface for the health freaks.
For a fluffy topping to stay the same in heat, cold, and days on end… that’s hardly natural.
Still, for busy moms, it’s a lifesaver. And surprisingly, people on diets also love it for the low calories and variability.
It’s not worth going into the details; the ingredients are far from natural, plain and simple. But it’s not particularly unhealthy either.
Still, Cool Whip is intended to be used frozen, like ice cream; imagine a fresh, steaming hot, lava brownie with some permanently frozen vanilla ice cream on top. (*)
That’s how it was meant to be.
With that in mind, we’re ready to serve you the best natural and less-natural alternatives to Cool Whip. You be the judge. Let’s dive in!
The Best Substitute For Cool Whip
Contrary to popular belief, Cool Whip was designed to be a dessert topping rather than a substitute for traditional whipped cream.
Any alternative should have a long shelf-life, a steady texture, and fluffiness, without the warm, oily feel of whipped cream.
1. Whipped cream with a twist
Whipped cream, ‘au Naturelle’ doesn’t match our criteria in several aspects. But we put some twist on it to better serve the goal. (*)
Now, with that in mind, it’s still more of a hustle to whisk it up, even with a stand or hand mixer, or food processor.
Add in some gelatine, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar, and you’ll get a much more durable substance with the same amount of work.
The gelatine will give you firm peaks and a perky texture to work with, even when topped onto hot bakes. But not only that; it will remain whipped for a longer time, with thicker doneness.
After an obvious detour, the next one is a French classic that slowly but surely captured the entire baking world.
2. Whipped Creme Fraiche
The fact that you can whisk up creme fraiche to make it fluffier is a shocking surprise to most, even to seasoned home bakers.
It is typically topped on fresh fruits, delicate blue cheeses, almonds, or ice cream. The rich, buttery sensation in your mouth is nothing like Cool Whip.
However, whisking the thickness out of crème fraiche, especially with some vanilla added, will give you a long-lasting, perfect-consistency Cool Whip substitute.
Though we must admit that creme fraiche is a mature flavor, definitely not everyone’s piece of cake. If you happen to enjoy exquisite and complex flavors, you will adore this as well! (*)
At the same time, if you find everything that isn’t packed and over-seasoned repulsive, you might absolutely hate it.
Take a chance and see for yourself. If it’s not for you, the next one will be a better match, we promise.
3. Truwhip is a handy solution
This Cool Whip substitute is a handy solution, giving you the same level of comfort as the original one.
Only it contains fewer artificial ingredients. It’s creamier than Cool Whip, but not greasy like whipped cream. (*)
Although the nutritional value is way higher and healthier, the calories are also plenty, so the dieting fans of Cool Whip won’t like this as much.
But there’s also a good side; it’s just as sweet and tastes much more natural, according to customers. There’s some serious vanilla and marshmallow undertones going on there!
We love it best on some steamin’ hot cocoa or some vanilla ice cream with fresh strawberries.
But we can still double the stakes! Truwhip comes in several varieties; Light, Original, Vegan, and a so-called Truwhirl for a healthy dessert.
The next substitute should be the first choice for die-hard Cool Whip fans.
4. Reddi Wip
Reddi Wip is a strange creature. It’s more like convenience whipped cream in a can than a dessert topping.
Why? Cause’ it tastes just like homemade whipped cream and still has the same longevity as Cool Whip.
Some find this terrifying, while others simply see it as a gift from the baking gods.
Either way, when looking for a spreadable, natural-tasting Cool Whip substitute, bravely go for Reddi Wip. The rich taste comes from the real sugar, eggs, and butter in it.
Truth be told, it’s not as complex flavorwise as Cool Whip. The vanilla is missing, and the sweetness is also much more muted. (*)
To counter this, pair it with sundaes, pies, or anything especially sweet and bold-tasting, such as double chocolate or caramel.
Another downside is that Reddi Wip is pricier. Not considerably, but when baking in bigger batches, it adds up.
The next Cool Whip substitute is a tricky one. It might sound strange at first, but one try and you’ll be hooked!
5. Protein powder & Gelatin & Water
This one’s perfect for the health-conscious and those who are calorie-counting or simply eating mindfully. You don’t necessarily have to buy a huge package of protein powder; there are plenty of small, individual packets available.
For this recipe, you can either use vanilla, strawberry, or chocolate protein. Each will taste amazing.
Warm the gelatin (but don’t boil!) and use a hand mixer to whisk it with the protein powder and some water (use 2/3 of the water indicated for the protein powder) on the highest setting.
It will get a fluffy, meringue-like texture in a few minutes and will stay that way for hours, whether refrigerated or not.
Jello pudding can be an alternative to protein powder if you have a hardcore sweet tooth.
For vegans, using agar agar instead of gelatin is a viable option, with some added vegan protein.
If you need to store this for a longer time, even in the fridge, adding some whipped cream stabilizer is a smart choice. You can buy them in small packets from bigger supermarkets.
The following substitute is as much of a convenience product as Cool Whip, with a long-grained history in the US.
6. Dream Whip
For steady years, Dream Whip has been the main competitor to Cool Whip. Whatever you want to use Cool Whip for, Dream Whip can do it just as well.
Somehow, it still got more popular with time. How so?
Dream Whip doesn’t have dairy, making it the primary choice for vegans and lactose intolerants. But the trick is, that you have to whip it yourself with real or plant-based milk and some vanilla. (*)
The higher, fluffier consistency is well worth it. The softness resembles real whipped cream much more.
At first, it looks like a pudding. But after whisking it some more, it quickly becomes the familiar, light topping we’re fond of.
Many tricky coffees serve Dream Whip on their hot latte, as it doesn’t fall apart due to the heat, but it’s mouthfeel is like whipped cream.
If you’re disgusted by anything remotely animal-derived, the next Cool Whip substitute is for you.
7. +1 Vegan Alternative
Vegan foams, creams, and meringues are plenty; there’s aquafaba made from chickpea water, there’s coconut cream fluffed up to the fullest, or some soy cream that you can buy ready-made in most grocery stores.
However, the latter is more like a yogurt substance than a true Cool Chip alternative.
Frankly, we think the only true vegan substitution for Cool Whip is whisked-up coconut cream.
The mouthfeel is identical, with slightly less sweet undertones. Adding some sweetener can salvage that in a heartbeat.
All you need is coconut cream, powdered sugar, stevia or erythritol, and whatever other flavors you wish to add, such as banana, chocolate, or vanilla.
It will be super thick and easily storable through the night, uncovered in the fridge.
Conclusion
After reading the ingredient list on Cool Whip, it’s no surprise some give it a hard pass. You can go rogue and make everything from scratch, but the sad truth is that it’s not necessarily better tasting.
Healthier? Might be. More nutritious? Could be, given the right ingredients. But not necessarily.
There’s some middle ground on our list; some healthy, some homemade, some lighter, and some that will stick to your mouth for hours.
Our favorite? It’s easily the homemade gelatin, vanilla protein, and water one, but with a spoonful of creme fraiche.
That’s a dense alternative, rich and round in taste, with a texture merging Cool Whip and meringue.
Whichever you go with, read the instructions on the box, and eat it with the most delicious baked goods you can find!
Up Next: The Most Common Baking Ingredient Substitutes
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FAQs
What can I use instead of Cool Whip in baking? ›
Cream whipped to medium-to-firm peaks is your best Cool Whip substitute, because you can do that perky little dollop on top so that your pie looks like the pie in the Cool Whip commercials.
What is a healthier substitute for Cool Whip? ›Coco-Whip is the same concept as Cool Whip except that So Delicious uses organic coconut oil as the oil in the product. Here are the ingredients: Filtered Water, Organic Tapioca Syrup, Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Coconut Oil, Pea Protein, Sunflower Lecithin, Guar Gum, Xanthan Gum, Natural Flavor.
What can I substitute for 8 oz Cool Whip? ›It's not a 1-to-1 substitution, either: If your recipe calls for an 8-ounce carton of whipped topping, you'll want to whip 1-1/2 cups of heavy whipping cream to create 3 cups of whipped cream. To make your whipped topping substitute, start with a chilled bowl and beaters.
Can I substitute real whipping cream for Cool Whip? ›Can I Use Whipped Cream Instead of Cool Whip? Because this whipped cream is so stable, it makes a great replacement for Cool Whip and other store-bought frozen toppings in recipes.
Is there a non dairy substitute for Cool Whip? ›TruWhip. Truwhip makes a few different varieties, and only one of them is vegan, so be sure you are purchasing the one marked vegan (it's certified vegan). This Cool Whip alternative is also very close in taste and texture to Cool Whip. Palm oil is used in this product.
How much whipping cream equals 8 oz Cool Whip? ›If a recipe calls for any of these types of whipped toppings, this whipped cream can be used instead. A standard container of Cool Whip is 8 ounces and contains about 3 cups of whipped topping.
Is Reddi Whip healthier than Cool Whip? ›Winner: Reddi-Wip
Despite its higher calorie count, Reddi-Wip's ingredients are friendlier to our digestive systems. So don't be afraid to grab a can at your local grocery store and squirt some sugary foam wherever you please.
🍂 Original Reddi-wip Ingredients: Cream, Water, Sugar, Corn Syrup, Nonfat Milk, Less than 2% of Mono- and Diglycerides, Natural Flavor, Carrageenan. -Cool Whip: Made of oil and syrups, higher in calories, doesn't contain cream, artificial flavors, spoon out of a container to serve.
Can I use Reddi Whip instead of Cool Whip? ›Generally, yes, you can substitute one for the other, as long as you are talking about a stabilized whipped cream. If it isn't stabilized will not hold its shape for long, but if you add the stabilizing agent, it will hold its shape like a store-bought version.
Is heavy whipping cream the same as Cool Whip? ›The first thing that we noticed is that the whipping cream contains more fat. In fact, when comparing the same quantity, the whipping cream contains almost 2 times more saturated fat than Cool Whip®. But, Cool Whip® (and other similar whipped toppings) have a lot more sugar than whipping cream.
Is 8 oz of Cool Whip the same as 1 cup? ›
An eight ounce container of Cool Whip equals three cups.
How do you make Cool Whip? ›To make the Cool Whip, just add the heavy whipping cream to a bowl, then use an electric mixer to whip it up until it starts to thicken. Once it becomes fluffy and forms soft peaks, you add a bit of sugar and vanilla and mix a bit more. It's done and ready to enjoy once it's well mixed and forming stiff peaks.
How much Cool Whip equals 1 cup whipping cream? ›It's perfect for icebox cakes and pies and other no-bake treats, or (not surprisingly) as a dessert topping. For 1 cup whipping cream called for in your dessert recipe, substitute 2 cups whipped dessert topping, such as Cool Whip.
What is the conversion for Cool Whip? ›If your recipe calls for 1 pint of whipped cream, you can substitute 1 pint (two cups) of Cool Whip-brand whipped topping. If your recipe calls for you to whip 1 pint of cream, it should produce about 2 pints of whipped cream, so you would substitute that amount of Cool Whip.
How do I substitute whipped cream? ›However, combining half-and-half with a little butter works well. Substitute for 1 cup of whipped cream by mixing 7/8 cups half-and-half and 1/8 cup melted butter. If your recipe doesn't require whipping, you can simply substitute an equal amount of half-and-half.
Can you buy dairy-free Cool Whip? ›So Delicious Dairy Free Original CocoWhip, Vegan, 9 Oz., Tub - Walmart.com.
Is there a vegan version of Cool Whip? ›No, Cool Whip contains several dairy ingredients including skim milk, light cream and sodium caseinate (derived from milk. Is Reddi Whip vegan? Reddi Whip is not vegan inherently but does have a couple vegan options. Both their coconut milk and almond milk versions are vegan-friendly.
What do vegans use instead of whipping cream? ›What Do Vegans Use Instead of Heavy Cream? Fortunately, nearly any plant-based milk can be made into a heavy cream substitute. Nut milks, including hemp milk, oat milk, coconut milk, and soy milk can all be used as the base for a heavy cream substitute with the addition of the right fats.
How much whipped cream does 1 cup of heavy cream make? ›Whipping cream doubles in volume when it's whipped. So 1 cup of whipping cream will make two cups of whipped cream. 2 cups of whipping cream (1 pint) will make 4 cups of whipped cream, etc.
How many servings are in 8 oz of Cool Whip? ›Serving per Container 25.
How many cups is 8oz? ›
8 ounces equals one cup. This is for a volume measurement of liquid ingredients, such as water. Eight ounces can also be a weight measurement for dry ingredients, such as pasta, chocolate chips, or butter.
Is there a healthy version of whipped cream? ›Greek yogurt is not only creamy and thick, but it also contains protein and a host of nutrients that are good for you. You'll want to use Greek yogurt in place of heavy whipping cream when making desserts, especially dessert toppings.
What makes Cool Whip unhealthy? ›The most-alarming quality of whipped topping is the ingredient list. Check out the back of any tub and you will find a hot list of things you've been warned to avoid, including hydrogenated oils (aka trans fats) and high-fructose corn syrup; water is also the first ingredient (bet you thought you were buying cream).
What is the main ingredient in Cool Whip? ›In its original formulation, Cool Whip contained zero cream or milk. Today, it's been reformulated to contain a splash of light cream — alongside corn syrup, high-fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated vegetable oil, skim milk, and a few artificial and natural flavors, colors, and gums.
Does Cool Whip taste like whip cream? ›Cool Whip is sold frozen and must be defrosted in the refrigerator before being used. It has a longer shelf life than cream while frozen. On the other hand, it does not have the same flavor and texture as whipped cream, and costs nearly 50% more per ounce.
How many types of Cool Whip are there? ›Cool Whip comes in six varieties: original, extra creamy, lite, free (meaning fat free), "Season's Delight French Vanilla," and sugar free. And it's not an accident that the extra creamy tub (shown above) makes it known that it's "made with real cream." That's to silence (or at least assuage?)
Can I use Reddi Whip on a cake? ›So in my case, let's eat all the joy! This pound cake is super easy to make…and what's so fun about it, is I used Reddi-wip Whipped topping right in the batter! It makes the cake soft, rich and dense…the way a pound cake should be!
Is Reddi Whip actually whipped cream? ›Dairy Whipped Topping
Made with grade-A dairy cream and never with hydrogenated oils, our original lineup of creamy whipped toppings is the real deal. With four unique varieties, you've got more ways to add Reddi-wip goodness to your delicious creations—and unleash the joy!
Mix equal parts freshly whipped cream and frosting. You can substitute thawed whipped topping, but don't try this trick with canned whipped cream that will quickly deflate and turn into liquid. Unsweetened whipped cream can tone down overly sweet frosting.
Can I substitute heavy cream for whipped cream? ›Yes, heavy cream and heavy whipping cream are the exact same thing. The confusion lies in the fact that they're sold by different brands under two different names. According to the US Food and Drug Administration's labelling standards, heavy cream must contain at least 36 percent milk fat.
What whips like heavy cream? ›
- Milk and butter. Combining milk and butter is an easy, foolproof substitution for heavy cream that'll work for most recipes. ...
- Soy milk and olive oil. ...
- Milk and cornstarch. ...
- Half-and-half and butter. ...
- Silken tofu and soy milk. ...
- Greek yogurt and milk. ...
- Evaporated milk. ...
- Cottage cheese and milk.
Heavy cream actually has a slightly higher milkfat content (around 36%) so you can use it to make whipped cream as well. But don't try making whipped cream with any other kinds of milk — the milkfat content just isn't high enough to whip into whipped cream.
How many cups are in a 16 oz container of Cool Whip? ›A 16 ounce container of cool whip contains 2 cups.
How many ounces is 1 pint of Cool Whip? ›A pint is always 16 fluid ounces, or two cups.
Does 8 oz make 1 cup? ›Liquid measuring cups indicate that 1 cup = 8 ounces. But what they really mean is 1 cup of liquid = 8 fluid ounces. For dry measurements, the rules change. Because dry ingredients vary greatly in weight, you can't rely on the same conversion.
How to make Cool Whip by hand? ›Grab a cold bowl, and chill your heavy cream before beginning; cold cream whips better. Once chilled, use a whisk to beat the cream back and forth until soft peaks begin to form. Be patient with the process, and you'll have soft, whipped cream in no time.
Is Cool Whip ice cream? ›Ok Frozen Cool Whip isn't technically ice cream but with a few mix-ins you can create some fantastic flavors with half the calories.
Which is healthier Cool Whip or whipped cream? ›Reddi Whip may be the closest thing to real whipped cream on the market — its main ingredient is at least cream, as opposed to water for Cool Whip — but it still contains corn syrup (not high fructose), emulsifiers, and stabilizers. But the healthiest — and tastiest — whipped topping is still real whipped cream.
How many Oz is a Cool Whip container? ›Cool Whip Original Whipped Topping, 8 oz Tub.
Can you use half and half for Cool Whip? ›Can you make whipped cream with half and half? No. Cream must contain at least 30% milk fat to whip. Half and half, which contains 10.5–18% milk fat will not whip into whipped cream no matter how long you work at it.
How many ingredients are in Cool Whip? ›
Ingredients Skim Milk, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (Coconut and Palm Kernel Oils), High Fructose Corn Syrup, Water, Corn Syrup, Light Cream, Contains Less than 2% of Sodium Caseinate (from Milk), Natural and Artificial Flavor, Xanthan and Guar Gums, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Monostearate, Sodium Polyphosphate, Beta ...
Which whipping cream is best for cake? ›Heavy cream whips up well and retains its form for an extended amount of time. So, when preparing ice creams, cakes, and even ganache, this is the one to choose. It's also used to give gravies like Tikka masalas a thick, creamy texture. Search for the heavy cream online and enjoy the delicious meals and desserts.
Can you use milk instead of cream in whipped cream? ›You don't need heavy cream to make whipped cream. While the practice is slightly untraditional, it's possible to make a fluffy, delicious topping using whole milk, skim milk, or coconut milk.
What does whip do in baking? ›Whip: To beat food with a whisk or mixer to incorporate air and produce volume. Whisk: To beat ingredients (such as heavy or whipping cream, eggs, salad dressings, or sauces) with a fork or whisk to mix, blend, or incorporate air.
How do you make homemade Cool Whip taste? ›Add some cream cheese, cream of tartar, more powdered sugar, powdered pectin or mix in a little corn starch. These may change the flavor a bit. For an extra flavor boost, you can add a splash of vanilla extract. Use other flavored dry pudding mixes to change up the flavor from vanilla to strawberry and beyond.
Can I substitute Reddi Whip for Cool Whip? ›Generally, yes, you can substitute one for the other, as long as you are talking about a stabilized whipped cream. If it isn't stabilized will not hold its shape for long, but if you add the stabilizing agent, it will hold its shape like a store-bought version.
Is Cool Whip and Reddi Whip the same thing? ›For me the battle between ReddiWip and Cool Whip is an easy one because Cool Whip is made with water, corn syrup, and oil. There is a derivative of milk in the mix but Cool Whip is very far removed from whipped cream. ReddiWip, in comparison, is actually made with cream if you are using the original product.
What happens if you over whip a cake? ›When you overmix cake batter, the gluten in the flour can form elastic gluten strands – resulting in a more dense, chewy texture. The white batter looks airier, while the red looks thick and dense. You Can Taste The Difference: The overmixed cupcakes were gummy.
What makes up Cool Whip? ›Cool Whip: Water, hydrogenated vegetable oil (including coconut and palm oils), high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, skimmed milk, light cream, less than 2% sodium caseinate (a milk derivative), natural and artificial flavor, xanthan and guar gums, polysorbate 60, sorbitan monostearate, and beta carotene.
What are the 3 main ingredients in baking? ›Eggs, Yeast, Baking Powder, Baking Soda | Photo by Meredith. Leaveners cause chemical reactions that fill batters and dough with the tiny gas bubbles that make baked goods rise.
Is Cool Whip just oil? ›
Cool Whip Original is made of water, hydrogenated vegetable oil (including coconut and palm kernel oils), high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, skimmed milk, light cream (less than 2%), sodium caseinate, natural and artificial flavor, xanthan and guar gums, polysorbate 60, sorbitan monostearate, sodium polyphosphate, ...
How many cups of Cool Whip are in a tub of Cool Whip? ›An eight ounce container of Cool Whip equals three cups.
How do you stabilize Cool Whip for frosting? ›Adding 1 basic ingredient – cream of tartar – provides sturdy structure and gives this frosting staying power. Still Lusciously Creamy! Unlike pudding mixes, adding cream of tartar doesn't alter the flavor of cool whip.
What makes Cool Whip Fluffy? ›Another option is to add cream of tartar to your Cool Whip. It has small grains in it that help to stabilize the frosting. These little grains encourage the forming of large air bubbles that help frosting to become thick and creamy.