Plant-based vs. animal-based fresh cream... Is plant-based actually worse for health?

 

 

Whipped cream enhances the flavor and sweetness of bread, cakes, and other desserts. It is an essential part of desserts and is mainly divided into animal-based and plant-based types. Although the two creams look similar in color and taste, there are differences in their manufacturing processes and nutritional content.

 

Animal-based fresh cream is the creamy flavor we commonly think of as rich and savory. It is made by adding fat to a bowl and stirring rapidly. It is obtained by physically extracting the fat from milk through methods like centrifugation and then solidifying it, and is called animal-based fresh cream, cream, or similar names.

Animal-derived fresh cream obtained from milk contains saturated fats and cholesterol. Therefore, excessive consumption can easily lead to weight gain and increased cholesterol levels. Saturated fats are one of the three essential nutrients for the body, but consuming too much—9 kcal per gram—can cause obesity, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension.

 

Plant-based whipped cream has emerged as a substitute to address the disadvantages of animal-based whipped cream. It is made by adding various additives such as emulsifiers and flavorings to plant oils like palm oil and soybean oil. Since plant-based whipped cream does not contain milk, it tends to have inferior taste and texture compared to animal-based whipped cream. However, it is more resistant to temperature changes, making it easier to use in dessert preparation, and it is also more affordable.

Although it is perceived as healthy because of the name "plant-based," it can be harmful to health due to the presence of various chemical additives. In particular, caution is needed because harmful substances can be produced when emulsifiers are added. The process of adding emulsifiers to convert liquid plant oils into solid form can generate trans fats.

 

Trans fats, even in small amounts, are deadly to health. Once they enter the body, they are not easily expelled. The more trans fats accumulate in the body, the higher the levels of bad cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, become, increasing the risk of arteriosclerosis, hypertension, diabetes, and other conditions. The World Health Organization also recommends consuming trans fats less than 1% of total calorie intake. For someone consuming 2000 kcal a day, this means intake should be less than approximately 2.2 grams of trans fats.

 

At this point, to distinguish between the two creams, you can look at the appearance of the fresh cream. They may look similar at a glance, but their textures are different. Cakes made with plant-based fresh cream tend to have a smoother surface finish, while those with animal-based fresh cream appear more intricate and sharp in decoration. Animal-based fresh cream melts easily in the mouth, whereas plant-based fresh cream feels more greasy on the tongue rather than melting smoothly.

 

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Animal-based fresh cream made from milk contains saturated fat, so excessive consumption should be avoided.

Plant-based whipped cream may contain emulsifiers and flavorings that can produce trans fats.

Animal-based whipped cream decorations look intricate and sharp, while plant-based ones have a smooth surface.

 

You also need to distinguish between animal and plant sources.