Half & Half
A blend of equal parts milk and cream, with butterfat between about 10.5 and 18 percent. It is the standard coffee lightener in the United States.
| Category | Milk & Cream |
|---|---|
| Maker / Origin | United States |
| Storage | Refrigerate at about 38°F in its sealed carton, not in the door. |
| Shelf life | About 5 to 7 days after opening, and by the date on the carton; ultra-pasteurized cartons keep longer unopened. |
| Best uses | Coffee and tea, chowders, cream soups, scrambled eggs, and sauces. |
| Substitutes | Milk plus a spoonful of cream, or equal parts milk and light cream. |
| Pairings | Coffee, tea, chowders, and scrambled eggs. |
| Last checked | October 18, 2026 |
About it
Half & half sits between milk and cream and resists curdling better than milk in hot coffee because of its fat. It cannot be whipped; there is not enough fat to hold air. Fat-free versions replace the fat with thickeners and do not behave the same in cooking.
Storing it
Half & half does not freeze well; the emulsion breaks and it turns grainy. Buy the size you will use within the week.
Using it
Use half & half to enrich coffee, chowders, and pan sauces without cream's weight. It will not whip, whatever the carton implies.
Swaps & pairings
Milk with a splash of heavy cream rebuilds it closely. In coffee, whole milk is lighter and light cream is richer, both workable.
More from this maker: United States