Sour cream is a very delicious cream and topping which can be made either dairy or without dairy and is popularly used in recipes as an added ingredient. But is it keto-friendly?
If you are wondering if sour cream is keto-friendly, you have come to the right place.
The staple ingredient is a favorite with so many dishes and in this article, we are going to look at it in closer detail to work out whether it is low-carb.
We will do this by breaking down all the ingredients of sour cream, different components, and nutritional information to conclude whether it is keto or not. Let’s dive in.
Is Sour Cream Keto-friendly?
To put it in simple terms, yes it is! Sour cream is great to eat when you cut back on carbs. It is a delicious ingredient and topping and is low-carb, promising not to kick you out of ketosis. But why? Let’s take a look.
Sour Cream Carbs Broken Down
Let’s look at the nutritional value of sour cream in a little more detail, from carbs, calories, and quantity.
Carbs In Sour Cream
The first and most important thing you will want to know as a keto dieter is how many carbs are in sour cream. You’ll be pleased to find out that there is only around 1 net carb in 2 tablespoons of sour cream.
You should however always read the label when buying sour cream on a keto diet as different brands can differ in carb content.
You will also find that light sour cream and regular sour cream are the best for staying on your keto diet.
Non-fat, fat-free, or even low-fat sour cream has around 4 net carbs per 2 tablespoons and although this is still low, it has a much higher carb count than normal sour cream.
If you are vegan or allergic to dairy, a non-dairy sour cream has around 2 net carbs per 2 tablespoons.
Sour Cream Glycemic Index
If you are keeping an eye on the glycemic index, you should know the rating in sour cream. The glycemic index of most sour cream is about 56 and this makes it a relatively low glycemic food.
How Is Sour Cream Made
Sour cream was once made by just allowing the cream that was skimmed from the top of the milk to ferment. However, it is also prepared by souring pasteurized cream with acid-producing bacterial culture.
The bacteria that occurred during the fermentation process thickened the cream up and this made it a lot more acidic. This was a way of preserving it in a natural process.
Soured Cream
In England, sour cream is also known as soured cream and the sour taste which is created as a result of the bacterial culture lends itself well to being called sources instead of sour.
If you are not a fan of how sour cream tastes, or the bitterness of sour cream, you should try an alternative.
A common alternative is creme fraiche and this is a product that has a similar texture but is more creamy and less sour. You can use this in the same way, in recipes, or as a topping!
Creme Fraiche is also keto-friendly and there is only one net carb in a 2 tablespoon serving.
Sour Cream Uses On Keto
So, now you know how great sour cream can be on a keto diet, you might be wondering how so you eat it? What recipes do you put it in or what food do you top with it? Well here are some ideas:
Sour Cream In Low-carb Eggs
We all know eggs are great on a keto diet and a common way to use sour cream with your eggs is to help give your eggs a creamier taste.
All you have to do is add a tablespoon of sour cream to your scrambled eggs when cooking. Make sure you are using medium heat and mix the cream and egg.
Keto Alfredo Sauce
You can also add it to creamy sauces. A common Italian sauce that can be used over a variety of dishes, not just pasta, can be made with sour cream.
Egg Sausage Cheese
You can add sour cream to your egg sausage cheese. All you need to do is whisk your eggs with the sour cream and cook your sausage.
Combine them and mix the egg as it cooks with the sausage. Add your cheese and you have a tasty keto dish!
Keto Taco Soup
You could even try making a delicious soup such as a Mexican Taco soup and top with sour cream to finish the dish!
Sour Cream At Walmart
If you are a frequent Walmart shopper, you might be wondering what the best sour cream options are if you are on keto. Walmart’s brand ‘Great Value’ has 2 net carbs in 2 tablespoons but are there others?
Squirtable Daisy Sour Cream
You will find this sour cream at your local Walmart and it is super simple to use! Just squeeze the pack and the sauce pours out. 2 tablespoons is 1 net carb.
Cacique Cream Mexican Agria
Another sour cream, which is a staple in any Mexican kitchen is this Cacique Cream Mexican Agria.
It has slightly more liquid but offers the same taste as normal sour cream. Again, it has 1 net carb in 2 tablespoons.
Sour Cream Powder
Yes, you can get a powdered version, just like powdered milk!
This means you always have sour cream on hand and all you need to do is mix it with water for when you are craving sour cream but don’t have any in the fridge.
The powder has a great shelf life and can be used in many different keto recipes.
Non-Dairy Sour Cream
You might have heard of non-dairy sour cream and this is a perfect alternative for those giving dairy a miss.
It is made from cashew milk and coconut and you will still be able to get that tangy and creamy taste. You can find it at Whole Foods.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Sour Cream Used For?
Sour cream is traditionally used in Mexican dishes such as adding it to Nachos or Quesadillas.
You can also add it to a burrito bowl or fajita salad on a keto diet. It is also used inc booking or even on fruits and desserts.
Is Guacamole Keto-Friendly?
Guacamole, another popular Mexican topping is also keto, loaded with fiber but low on carbs!
Final Thoughts
We hope you have enjoyed this article on sour cream and understand what a great option it can be to add some flavor to your dishes when you are on the keto diet.
You can get powdered sour cream, non-dairy sour cream, and traditional sour cream so there is something for everyone when you are cutting back on the carbs.
So why not try some today and experience the tangy creaminess for yourself!
Hi, I’m Aubrey, and I have been a chef for close to 8 years. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, as long as I can remember. I loved my play kitchen when I was a kid, and would offer my parents my own (albeit gross) cookie recipes to taste!
Here at ButterandSaltGatherings, I want to offer a wide range of ingredients, flavors, meals and recipes so that you can start living each day to the fullest, and enjoy only the best food.
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