Sour Cream Cream

Sour cream is a dairy product made by fermenting regular cream with certain kinds of lactic acid bacteria. This bacterial culture sours and thickens the cream, giving it a tangy flavor. It is a common ingredient in many cuisines.

Manufacturers use sour cream as a flavoring agent and a thickening agent in foods. Its creamy texture and slightly tart taste make it a popular addition to dips, sauces, baked goods like cakes and snack cakes, and as a topping for savory snacks like chips and pretzels.

Sour cream is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a food ingredient. It contains calcium and protein, but also saturated fat. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated sour cream, but no specific health concerns are typically associated with its consumption in moderation as part of a balanced diet.