Dairy & eggs

Sour cream, light

FDC 173443tablespoon (12 g)

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Density 30 · -5 vs Dairy & eggs median

Light sour cream scores 30 of 100, a Low band that puts it at rank 37 of 60 in Dairy & eggs, with modest but real contributions of calcium (11% DV) and vitamin A (10% DV).

It is the everyday topping for baked potatoes, tacos, and dips, and a tablespoon (12g) keeps sodium low at just 83 mg per 100 g. Saturated fat still runs to 6.6 g per 100 g, and since the score falls under the category median of 35, sour cream, reduced fat, is a same-category option worth a look.

See how this score is calculated, build a plate around sour cream, light, or compare it with another food.

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Fig. 1 · Macronutrient composition
Protein 3.5 g · 10%Carb 7.1 g · 21%Fat 10.6 g · 69%

Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams

Nutrition facts

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories136 kcal7%
Total fat11 g14%
Saturated fat6.6 g33%
Cholesterol35 mg12%
Sodium83 mg4%
Carbohydrate7.1 g3%
Dietary fiber0 g0%
Sugars0.22 g
Protein3.5 g7%
Potassium212 mg5%
Calcium141 mg11%
Iron0.07 mg0%
Magnesium10 mg2%
Vitamin C0.9 mg1%
Vitamin A90 µg10%
Vitamin E0.3 mg2%

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

FDC 173443

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

What it is rich in

Nutrients supplying at least 10% of the Daily Value per 100 grams. 20% or more is an excellent source.

Calcium11% DV
Vitamin A10% DV

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Versus the dairy & eggs median

Nutrient density30 vs 35 median
Protein / 100 g3.5 vs 9 median
Fiber / 100 g0 vs 0 median
Sodium / 100 g83 vs 162 median

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

More nutrient-dense swaps

Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.

Sour cream, reduced fatDensity 31 vs 30Cheese sauce, prepared from recipeDensity 32 vs 30Cheese, goudaDensity 32 vs 30

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

In the kitchen and how to use it

Light sour cream is a reduced-fat version of the classic cultured dairy topping, made by fermenting a lower-fat cream or a cream-milk blend with lactic acid bacteria to get the same tangy flavor and thick texture with less richness. It is spooned over baked potatoes, tacos, chili, and soups, stirred into mashed potatoes or dips like French onion, and used as a base for lighter salad dressings or dolloped onto pancakes and blintzes.

Keep the tub tightly sealed and refrigerated, and use a clean spoon each time to avoid introducing bacteria that shortens its shelf life; a thin layer of liquid on top after opening is normal whey separation and can be stirred back in. At 136 calories per 100 grams and 83 milligrams of sodium per 100 grams, a tablespoon, 12 grams, adds flavor and creaminess to a dish without much sodium load, and it carries 11 percent DV of calcium and 10 percent DV of vitamin A per 100 grams, a small but real contribution when it is dolloped generously onto a loaded baked potato or bowl of chili.

Frequently asked questions about sour cream, light

How many calories are in light sour cream?

Light sour cream has 136 calories per 100 grams, with a tablespoon serving weighing 12 grams.

Is light sour cream a good source of calcium?

Yes, it provides 11 percent DV of calcium per 100 grams, along with 10 percent DV of vitamin A.

What is light sour cream used for?

It is spooned over baked potatoes, tacos, and chili, or stirred into dips and mashed potatoes.

View the USDA source record