Half and half is a dairy product composed of equal parts milk and cream. With its thicker mouthfeel compared to milk but less richness than heavy cream, half and half has become an increasingly popular ingredient for use in coffee or as the foundation in other recipes. It is often included as part of homemade iced coffee and dessert recipes.

Half-and-half milk products typically contain more fat than other milk products ranging from 10.5% to 12.0%; however, it has lower calories per gram of fat content compared to heavier cream that typically ranges from 30%-35% fat content.

Half-and-half isn’t only enjoyed with coffee – it can also be added to hot tea and even soups and sauces for a delicious experience! Additionally, specialty flavors such as maple bacon, chocolate or even chai make this product perfect for crafting unique latte creations!

As a cooking ingredient, half-and-half is an ideal ingredient to add creamy depth and rich texture to soups and sauces without risk of curdling. It can also be used to create light and fluffy scrambled eggs and homemade pasta dishes; but be aware that overexposure to high heat could cause it to curdle and separate.

Half-and-half is an ideal alternative for lactose intolerant individuals looking to introduce dairy into their diet while maintaining similar protein content as milk. Plus, its lower calcium and vitamin B5 concentration makes it suitable for anyone looking to add some dairy into their daily regimen!

Does Half and Half Last Long? Unfortunately, half-and-half has a relatively short shelf life; most brands only last up to one week after their sell/use-by dates have passed. Therefore, it is best to store half-and-half in your fridge or freezer and only bring it out when needed.

Freezing half-and-half is possible, though only in small quantities or for recipes such as iced coffee. The freezing process modifies its ingredients chemically and will alter both texture and flavor.

As well as helping reduce the fat content in coffee, some types of half-and-half can also be used to create fluffy whipped cream. Whisking quickly is necessary, and requires at least 30%-35% fat content for optimal whipped cream creation. Low-fat and even fat-free versions may work, though their light and airy consistency won’t compare with full cream whipped topping.

Half-and-half, which can usually be found in most grocery store dairy sections, has some healthier alternatives available to it. Some nondairy options have functional ingredients such as collagen or MCT oil that may help with digestion or increase satiety, while others are simply sugar-free and low cal, helping people to lower their caloric intake. For something sweeter try Prymal natural nondairy creamers which come in flavors such as birthday cake cinnamon dolce Santa’s cookies salted caramel etc; made using ingredients such as erythritol stevia monk fruit which don’t increase blood sugar levels as significantly as table sugar does.