Fat Free Half and Half

Fat free half and half is a dairy product that combines skim milk with other ingredients including corn syrup, a thickener like carrageenan.  There are typically other stabilizers as well.  The product is meant to be a cholesterol and fat free alternative to conventional half and half.

Of the brands we tried, Land O' Lakes had the best flavor.   Depending on your specific health issues this may or may not be an appropriate product for you. While there are benefits to decreasing fat and cholesterol, adding more sugar (1 gram per tablespoon) to your diet may not be the best alternative.

What is the alternative to fat free half and half?  Try one of these substitutes:

• Clearly, if you don't have the fat-free version you can use regular half and half if reducing your fat is not a big issue for you.
• OR - Combine 2/3 cup skim or low-fat milk + 1/3 cup heavy cream for a lower-fat substitute. This will work well for soups and sauces.