Sour cream, reduced fat
FDC 173442tablespoon (12 g)
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Density 31 · -4 vs Dairy & eggs medianReduced-fat sour cream scores 31 of 100, a Low band placement that lands 36th of 60 in the Dairy & eggs category, just under the median score of 35. It brings good levels of protein at 14% of the Daily Value, vitamin A at 13%, and calcium at 11%, a modest but well-rounded spread for a condiment.
It's a topping more than a food in its own right, spooned onto baked potatoes, tacos, or chili for tang and creaminess. A tablespoon (12 g) is drawn from a base of 181 calories per 100 g, and the brief flags it as high in saturated fat at 8.7 g per 100 g, so it's typically used in small amounts. Gouda cheese is one same-category option worth comparing if you want a different nutrient balance.
See how this score is calculated, build a plate around sour cream, reduced fat, or compare it with another food.
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams
Nutrition facts
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 181 kcal | 9% |
| Total fat | 14 g | 18% |
| Saturated fat | 8.7 g | 43% |
| Cholesterol | 35 mg | 12% |
| Sodium | 70 mg | 3% |
| Carbohydrate | 7 g | 3% |
| Dietary fiber | 0 g | 0% |
| Sugars | 0.3 g | |
| Protein | 7 g | 14% |
| Potassium | 211 mg | 4% |
| Calcium | 141 mg | 11% |
| Iron | 0.06 mg | 0% |
| Magnesium | 11 mg | 3% |
| Vitamin C | 0.9 mg | 1% |
| Vitamin A | 119 µg | 13% |
| Vitamin E | 0.4 mg | 3% |
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 22 kcal | 1% |
| Total fat | 1.7 g | 2% |
| Saturated fat | 1 g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 4.2 mg | 1% |
| Sodium | 8.4 mg | 0% |
| Carbohydrate | 0.84 g | 0% |
| Dietary fiber | 0 g | 0% |
| Sugars | 0.04 g | |
| Protein | 0.84 g | 2% |
| Potassium | 25 mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 17 mg | 1% |
| Iron | 0.01 mg | 0% |
| Magnesium | 1.3 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 0.11 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 14 µg | 2% |
| Vitamin E | 0.05 mg | 0% |
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
FDC 173442Original 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.
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Versus the dairy & eggs median
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
More nutrient-dense swaps
Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.
Cheese sauce, prepared from recipeDensity 32 vs 31Cheese, goudaDensity 32 vs 31Cheese, limburgerDensity 33 vs 31Original analysis by NutriVerdict
In the kitchen and how to use it
Reduced-fat sour cream is a cultured dairy product with a tangy, thick texture, used as a dollop on baked potatoes, tacos, and chili, or blended into dips and dressings. It is also stirred into sauces and stews at the very end of cooking, off direct heat, since high heat can cause it to curdle and separate. Its mild acidity makes it a natural counterpoint to spicy or rich dishes, and it also works well thinned with a little milk into a quick sauce, or used in baking to add moisture and tang to cakes and biscuits in place of some of the butter or milk.
At 181 calories per 100 g it is usually eaten in small tablespoon-sized portions rather than by the cupful, keeping the calories from any single serving modest, with 7 g of carbohydrate and 14.1 g of fat per 100 g. It provides 14% of the Daily Value for protein, 13% for vitamin A, and 11% for calcium per 100 g, giving it more nutritional substance than a purely decorative condiment. Keep it refrigerated and tightly sealed, use it by the date on the container, and avoid freezing it since the texture will separate and turn grainy once thawed, unlike more stable full-fat versions.
Frequently asked questions about sour cream, reduced fat
How many calories are in reduced-fat sour cream?
It has about 181 calories per 100 g, though typical servings are just a tablespoon or two.
Is sour cream a source of calcium?
Reduced-fat sour cream provides about 11% of the Daily Value for calcium per 100 g, along with 13% for vitamin A.
Can you freeze sour cream?
It's best not to; freezing causes the texture to separate and turn grainy once thawed.