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Light Sour Cream

Light sour cream is a popular dairy product made from cream that has been fermented by lactic acid bacteria, giving it a tangy flavor and slightly thicker consistency. This versatile ingredient is commonly used in cooking, baking, and as a topping or condiment for various dishes. It is considered a healthier alternative to regular sour cream due to its reduced fat content, making it a preferred choice for health-conscious consumers and those following a reduced-fat diet. In the culinary world, light sour cream is often used to add creaminess and depth to various recipes such as soups, sauces, dressings, dips, baked goods, and even desserts. It can be enjoyed simply as a topping for baked potatoes, tacos, or chili, or incorporated into more elaborate recipes such as beef stroganoff, creamy pasta dishes, and cheesecakes. Its tangy flavor enhances the taste of many dishes and offers a guilt-free way to enjoy creamy textures without the added fat and calories.
#6
IN CREAMS & CREAMERS
181
CAL / 100G
$0.11
AVG / OZ
light sour cream
25%
CARBS
50%
FAT
25%
PROTEIN
Light Sour Cream FAQ
Light sour cream is a fantastic choice when you're looking to maintain the rich, tangy flavors in your dishes while keeping the calorie and fat counts low. The most common issues people face when cooking with this ingredient often relate to texture and heat—trying to integrate light sour cream into hot dishes can result in curdling if not handled properly. To prevent this, try tempering the sour cream by slowly mixing some of the hot liquid into it before adding the entire mixture back into the pot. If you're using light sour cream at the last stage of cooking, remove the dish from the heat source before stirring it in to avoid exposure to extreme temperature. And while light sour cream can be a straight swap for heavy cream in many recipes, remember that it's a little less stable when whipped—so don’t overbeat it or you risk getting a lumpy mixture. When baking, light sour cream will keep your baked goods moist due to its fat content while adding a subtle tang to your sweet treats. It’s great for tenderizing the gluten in doughs and batters, leading to a softer texture in your baked goods. However, be mindful that the fat and liquid content is lower in light sour cream than in regular sour cream, so you may need to adjust other ingredients in your recipe accordingly to prevent drying out.
Can I use light sour cream instead of regular sour cream?
Why is my light sour cream curdling in my soup or sauce?
Can I whip light sour cream?
Can I use light sour cream in baking?
Is there a vegan substitute for light sour cream?
Can you use light sour cream instead of yogurt?
Can I use light sour cream in a dip?
Is light sour cream good for weight loss?
Will using light sour cream affect the flavor of my dish?
Can I use light sour cream instead of milk or cream?
Expiration & Storage Tips
When does light sour cream expire?
Unopened light sour cream can last from 2 to 3 weeks past the printed date on the packaging if refrigerated properly. Once opened, it should be consumed within 7 to 10 days for the best taste and food safety. In the freezer, light sour cream can last up to 6 months. Please note though that freezing could alter its texture, making it more suitable for cooking rather than using as a topping.
How do you tell if light sour cream is bad?
When light sour cream goes bad, it develops an off-smell, a yellowish color and may have mold on the surface. You could also notice a separation of whey from the cream, though a little bit of this is normal for sour cream. However, if there's an abundance of liquid, it might be a sign of spoilage. To be on the safe side, if you see any of these signs or if it's past the expiration date, it's best to discard it.
Tips for storing light sour cream to extend shelf life
• Always store light sour cream in the refrigerator, ideally at temperatures below 40°F. • Use a clean spoon every time you scoop it out to prevent cross-contamination. • Store sour cream in its original container with a tight lid to keep moisture and other contaminants out. • For longer storage, you can freeze light sour cream in airtight containers, leaving some headspace for expansion. However, be aware that the texture may change upon defrosting. • If frozen, thaw light sour cream overnight in the refrigerator before using.
EXPIRES WITHIN
6 - 9
WEEKS
Equivalents
Substitutes
Health Info
Macros
1g
CARBS
3g
FAT
1g
PROTEIN
Allowed on these diets
LOW FAT
VEGETARIAN
KETO
MEDITERRANEAN
LOW CARB
LACTOSE FREE
GLUTEN FREE
Contains these allergens
MILK
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