Sour Cream Cultured Cream

Sour cream is a dairy product made by fermenting regular cream with certain kinds of lactic acid bacteria. These bacteria produce lactic acid, which sours and thickens the cream. The result is a creamy, tangy product often used as a condiment or ingredient.

Sour cream is used to add a rich, tangy flavor and creamy texture to a variety of foods. It's commonly found in dips, sour cream and onion flavored snacks, baked goods, and as a topping for dishes like potatoes and chili. Manufacturers use it for its flavor, texture, and as a binder.

Sour cream is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. It is a source of calcium and protein. Regulatory bodies like EFSA have evaluated dairy products, but specific evaluations for sour cream's health effects at typical consumption levels are not widely published. As a fermented dairy product, it contains probiotics which may support gut health, though research is ongoing.