Is Reddi Whip Keto Friendly? (You’d Be Surprised!)


Is Reddi Whip Keto

Whether you’re having pumpkin pie, a banana split, or a bowl of fresh berries, whipped cream topping has likely graced your dish at some point in time. One of the most popular brands of whipped topping, Reddi Whip, has long been a staple in many households and has a variety of different uses from dessert topping to baking ingredient. For those following a ketogenic diet, you may be thinking there is no way this sweet treat could be keto-friendly, but you may be pleasantly surprised.   

Yes, Reddi Whip Whipped Topping is considered keto-friendly. Whipped topping is low in carbohydrate content. Still, it should be consumed in moderation on the ketogenic diet to ensure total carbohydrate intake remains low. The best keto-friendly alternatives to Reddi Whip Whipped Topping are So Delicious CocoWhip, 365 Oat-Based Whipped Topping, and Trader Joe’s Coconut Whipped Topping.

In this article we’ll discuss a brief overview of the ketogenic diet, the various Reddi Whip products, their nutritional profiles, and several alternative options. Let’s dig in!

What is the ketogenic diet?

The ketogenic diet has gained a lot of popularity in recent years. It is a high fat, moderate protein, low carbohydrate eating style that was originally developed in the early 1900s to help control seizures in children with epilepsy. It has, over time, become more widely known as a weight loss approach. 

The premise of the ketogenic diet is to reduce carbohydrate intake and increase fat consumption. On a daily basis, one typically will consume around 5% of calories from carbohydrate, 20% of calories from protein, and 75% of calories from fat. This is a rough approximation based on average intakes from those following a ketogenic diet. All dietary approaches are highly specific to the individual, and as such, should be discussed with a medical provider or licensed nutrition professional to ensure safe adherence to the diet. 

How does the ketogenic diet work?

Carbohydrate is your body’s preferred source of fuel. When you deprive your body of adequate carbohydrate, an alternative energy source is needed to fuel your bodily functions. Insert: ketones. Ketones are made in your liver from the breakdown of fats or fatty acids. So, the theory is if carbohydrate intake is reduced, your body will switch from burning carbs to burning fatty acids for energy, thus resulting in fat loss and ultimately weight loss. The key to being successful with weight loss on the ketogenic diet is to stay in ‘ketosis’. It is an extremely delicate process and ingesting even a small amount of carbohydrate more than what is recommended could send you out of ketosis. 

What is Reddi Whip?

Reddi Whip is a brand of sweetened whipped cream that has been on supermarket shelves since 1948. This popular dessert topping is made with real cream and is the second most  eaten brand of whipped topping in the United States. While some whipped topping comes packaged in tubs or plastic containers, Reddi Whip stands out with its nitrous-propelled can design. This design allows for nitrous oxide to mix into the cream so it “whips” as it exits the can. While the use of natural gas in a food product may seem alarming, nitrous oxide has been recognized as a safe food additive and there is very little that actually mixes with the cream.

Is Reddi Whip Good for Me?

While whipped topping isn’t necessarily the first thing that comes to mind when we think  ‘health food’, this sweet dessert topper can certainly be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet. Reddi Whip, as a brand, proudly displays the use of real cream as the first ingredient in all of their dairy-based products. Other brands selling similar whipped toppings use hydrogenated oils as their first ingredient, often followed by a lengthy list of other not-so-good-for-you ingredients. Ultimately, Reddi Whip proves to be a solid go-to option due to its use of real ingredients, minimal amount of added sugar, and lack of hydrogenated oils. It is, however, always necessary to state that this product is still a processed food item and as such should be used in moderation. 

Different Varieties of Reddi Whip and Nutritional Profiles

Reddi Whip product line is considered to be low-carbohydrate due to their low sugar content. This means that anyone following a ketogenic diet could, in essence, incorporate these products into their diet without disrupting ketosis. It should be noted, however, that while these whipped topping varieties are low-carb, overconsumption will lead to an increased sugar intake, which defies the premise of the ketogenic diet. It is ultimately left to the consumer to decide their upper limit for carbohydrate intake per day and how these products could fit into their dietary approach.

Reddi Whip Original

Ingredients:

  • Cream
  • Water
  • Sugar
  • Corn Syrup
  • Nonfat Milk
  • Less than 2% of: Mono- and Diglycerides, Natural Flavor, Carrageenan
  • Propellant: Nitrous Oxide

Nutritional Information (per 2 tablespoons, 5g):

  • Calories: 15
  • Total Fat: 1g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5g
  • Cholesterol: < 5mg
  • Sodium: 0mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 1g
    • Total Sugars: <1g
    • Fiber: <1g
  • Protein: 0g

Reddi Whip Zero-Sugar

Ingredients:

  • Cream
  • Water
  • Nonfat Milk
  • Less than 2% of: Mono- and Diglycerides, Natural Flavor, Carrageenan, Sucralose 
  • Propellant: Nitrous Oxide

Nutritional Information (per 2 tablespoons, 5g):

  • Calories: 15
  • Total Fat: 1.5g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg
  • Sodium: 0mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 0g
    • Total Sugars: 0g
    • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 0g

Reddi Whip Fat Free

Ingredients:

  • Milk
  • Water
  • Liquid Sugar
  • Cream
  • Nonfat Milk
  • Maltodextrin
  • Less than 2% of: Cellulose Gel, Mono- and Diglycerides, Cellulose Gum, Polysorbate 80, Natural Flavor, Carrageenan
  • Propellant: Nitrous Oxide

Nutritional Information (per 2 tablespoons, 5g):

  • Calories: 5
  • Total Fat: 0g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 0mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 1g
    • Total Sugars: <1g
    • Fiber: <1g
  • Protein: 0g

Reddi Whip Extra Creamy

Ingredients:

  • Heavy Cream
  • Water
  • Sugar
  • Corn Syrup
  • Nonfat Milk
  • Maltodextrin
  • Less than 2% of: Mono- and Diglycerides, Natural Flavor, Carrageenan
  • Propellant: Nitrous Oxide

Nutritional Information (per 2 tablespoons, 5g):

  • Calories: 15
  • Total Fat: 0.5g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 0mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 1g
    • Total Sugars: 1g
    • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 0g

Reddi Whip Non-Dairy Coconut

Ingredients:

  • Coconut Milk (water, coconut cream)
  • Sugar
  • Less than 2% of: Mono- and Diglycerides, Pea Protein, Natural Flavor, Xanthan Gum, Carrageenan
  • Propellant: Nitrous Oxide

Nutritional Information (per 2 tablespoons, 5g):

  • Calories: 10
  • Total Fat: 0.5g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5g
  • Sodium: 0mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 1g
    • Total Sugars: 1g
    • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 0g

Reddi Whip Non-Dairy Almond

Ingredients:

  • Almond Milk (water, almonds)
  • Coconut Cream
  • Sugar
  • Less than 2% of: Mono- and Diglycerides, Natural Flavor, Pea Protein, Xanthan Gum, Carrageenan
  • Propellant: Nitrous Oxide

Nutritional Information (per 2 tablespoons, 5g):

  • Calories: 10
  • Total Fat: 0.5g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Sodium: 0mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 1g
    • Total Sugars: <1g
    • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 0g

Reddi Whip Barista Series Sweet Foam Coffee Topper

Ingredients:

  • Nonfat Milk
  • Sugar
  • Cream 
  • Less than 2% of: Soy Lecithin, Salt, Natural Flavor
  • Propellant: Nitrous Oxide

Nutritional Information (per 2 tablespoons, 5g):

  • Calories: 45
  • Total Fat: 1.5g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Sodium: 10mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 7g
    • Total Sugars: 6g
    • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 0g

Alternative Options to Reddi Whip

So Delicious CocoWhip

So Delicious Dairy Free Cocowhip Lite, 9 Ounce (Pack of 12) This dairy-free alternative is an awesome option if you are in search of a whipped topping that is not in a can. It is certified gluten-free, vegan, Kosher, and non-GMO. It is slightly higher in carbohydrate/sugar content when compared to several of the Reddi Whip varieties.

Ingredients:

  • Filtered Water
  • Organic Coconut Oil
  • Organic Tapioca Syrup
  • Organic Cane Sugar
  • Pea Protein
  • Guar Gum
  • Sunflower Lecithin
  • Xanthan Gum
  • Natural Flavor

Nutritional Information (per 2 tablespoons, 5g):

  • Calories: 30
  • Total Fat: 2g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Sodium: 0mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 3g
    • Total Sugars: 3g
    • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 0g

365 Oat-Based Whipped Topping

This Whole Foods brand oat-based whipped topping is a great alternative for those who are following a ketogenic diet but are also allergic to almonds or coconuts, which are found in the majority of non-dairy whipped cream alternatives. It is gluten-free, dairy-free, Kosher, low-sodium, and keto-friendly with only 2g of carbohydrate per serving. 

Ingredients:

  • Water
  • Tapioca Syrup
  • Cane Sugar
  • Whole Oat Flour
  • Palm Kernel Oil
  • Natural Flavor
  • Gellan Gum
  • Propellant: Nitrous Oxide

Nutritional Information (per 2 tablespoons, 5g):

  • Calories: 10
  • Total Fat: 0g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Sodium: 0mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 2g
    • Total Sugars: <1g
    • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 0g

Trader Joe’s Coconut Whipped Topping

Trader Joe’s Coconut Whipped Topping is a very popular option for those who follow a vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free, and/or Kosher lifestyle. This whipped topping does come in a can and provides a sweet taste, smooth mouthfeel, with just a hint of coconut flavor. 

Ingredients:

  • Coconut Cream (Coconut Cream, Water, Xanthan Gum)
  • Water
  • Sugar
  • Glucose Syrup
  • Mono- and Diglycerides
  • Cellulose Gel
  • Cellulose Gum
  • Carrageenan
  • Xanthan Gum 
  • Propellant: Nitrous Oxide

Nutritional Information (per 2 tablespoons, 5g):

  • Calories: 10
  • Total Fat: 0.5g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Sodium: 0mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 2g
    • Total Sugars: 1g
    • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 0g

Main Takeaways

The ketogenic diet, while originally developed as a treatment option for children with epilepsy, seems to offer a lot of promise when it comes to weight loss. The success of this dietary approach to weight loss hangs in the delicate balance between being in ketosis or not being in ketosis. Ketosis can be achieved if carbohydrate consumption is kept to approximately 5% or less of total calories, depending on the individual.

Reddi Whip products have little to no carbohydrate and can therefore be enjoyed in moderation by anyone following a ketogenic diet. Their Zero-Sugar variety will be the best option for those who want a no-sugar added option. It is ultimately left to the consumer to determine if these whipped toppings can, in fact, fit into their daily prescribed carbohydrate allowance. The Reddi Whip products provide little to no nutritional value with few calories, minimal added sugar and fat. While not considered a health boosting food, they can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet. 

Related Questions

Is Reddi Whip vegan?

The Reddi Whip coconut and almond varieties are vegan. The company states that their coconut and almond varieties may be produced in the same facility as their dairy-based whipped products, but they ensure segregation between the allergen and non-allergen ingredients. Inspections are also conducted to verify that cleaning and sanitization protocols are carried out regularly and that no cross-contamination has occurred. 

Is Reddi Whip gluten free?

Yes! All varieties of Reddi Whip Whipped Topping are gluten free. 

Do the Dairy-Free Reddi Whip varieties contain soy?

No soy ingredients are used in the coconut whipped cream nor in the almond whipped cream. 

Related Guides

Ashley Patrick

Ashley is a registered dietitian who enjoys helping others develop healthy habits that fit seamlessly into their everyday life. She believes in a balanced approach to health with nutrition, physical activity, and mental health being the main focus. Through nutrition education and counseling she has helped countless individuals take back their health, improve their quality of life, and develop a balanced approach to maintaining their health long term.

Recent Posts