While whipped topping generally contains fewer calories and fat than whipped cream, this doesn’t mean you can ignore the other ingredients in this product, especially the hydrogenated oils and high-fructose corn syrup. The Great Value Whipped Topping that Coen uses has 0 trans fat even though it contains hydrogenated vegetable oil. This is likely because the oil is fully hydrogenated, rather than partially hydrogenated. But with fully hydrogenated oil, saturated fat becomes a concern.
Walmart’s whipped topping contains 2 grams of saturated fat per serving (2 tablespoons). According to the American Heart Association, someone requiring 2,000 calories a day should limit their saturated fat intake to 13 grams a day. As Harvard Health Publishing explains, saturated fats, although not as bad as trans fats, pose a risk for increased cholesterol levels and heart problems. The key is to consume in moderation, so eating it straight from the tub may not be a good idea. Another concern is the high-fructose corn syrup, which has been linked to weight gain, inflammation, and type 2 diabetes, per Healthline.
Also, most whipped toppings and creams come with dairy in them. So for those who are lactose intolerant or vegan, you may want to look for a plant-based option.