Key findings
- 1Traditional half-and-half contains just milk and cream; two ingredients combined and pasteurized
- 2Fat-free and flavored versions are significantly more processed, often containing corn syrup and thickeners
- 3Pasteurization and homogenization are standard food safety processes, not indicators of ultra-processing
Why is Half and Half Level 2 on average?
Half-and-half is produced by mixing equal parts whole milk and light cream to achieve a fat content of 10.5-18%. The mixture is then pasteurized for food safety and homogenized so the fat does not separate. These are standard dairy handling processes; pasteurization and homogenization rather than industrial transformations that alter the fundamental nature of the product. Some brands may add small amounts of stabilizers, but the traditional product is just milk and cream.
How 387 half and half products break down
Share of products at each processing level, in our analysis.
Half and Half brand comparison
From least to most processed in our database.
How to read a half and half label
- 1
Look for "milk" and "cream" as the only ingredients for the most minimally processed version
- 2
Check for added stabilizers like carrageenan, disodium phosphate, or sodium citrate; some brands include these
- 3
Watch for "fat-free" half-and-half, which replaces cream fat with corn syrup and thickeners, making it far more processed
- 4
Note that ultra-pasteurized versions have a longer shelf life but are still just milk and cream
Ketzal for iPhone
Got Half and Half At Home?
Scan yours in Ketzal to see how your exact product scores, not just the average, plus a less processed swap.
Scan It Free
Frequently asked questions
Is half-and-half processed?
Half-and-half is simply milk and cream blended together and pasteurized, the same basic dairy processing regular milk receives. In our analysis, half-and-half products average a Processing Score of 3.2, which is Level 2.
What is half-and-half made of?
Traditional half-and-half is a blend of whole milk and light cream, resulting in a dairy product with 10.5-18% milk fat. Some brands may add minor stabilizers, but the base product is just two ingredients.
Is half-and-half healthier than cream?
Half-and-half has less fat per serving than heavy cream since it is diluted with milk. Both are simple dairy products. The choice between them depends on dietary goals and intended use.
Does half-and-half have additives?
Traditional half-and-half should contain only milk and cream. However, some brands add stabilizers like carrageenan or disodium phosphate. Reading the ingredient list is the best way to check for a specific product.