The composition of instant drinks, desserts, curd masses, ice cream and many other products often include vegetable cream. Some consumers try to bypass such products, believing that there is nothing natural in them and cannot be. Others, on the contrary, prefer those goods in the production of which not dairy products were used, namely vegetable cream.
Structure
This product, unlike natural dairy, is synthesized by mixing several components. First of all, we are talking about vegetable fat. Its origin may be different. In most cases, coconut or palm kernel oil is used. But there are also other options. Another essential component from which vegetable cream is made is water, it is diluted with oil. As for the other ingredients, they largely depend on the intended use of the product and its manufacturer. This can be natural milk protein, and artificial flavors to give a mixture of milk flavor and an appropriate taste, and stabilizers to ensure longer storage.
What are they
Very different. Firstly, dry and liquid. Powders are mainly intended for the production of instant drinks (coffee, cocoa, chocolate), instant soups, etc. They are also sold in pure form for quick use. They differ in shelf life and not very natural composition. Liquid cream in appearance is no different from natural. They are used in the manufacture of confectionery, ice cream, as well as for the preparation of sauces and first courses. Vegetable cream is preferred by people who do not use natural milk, or those who are allergic to it. However, in their composition sometimes there are still components of animal origin, it is necessary to pay attention to this.
Most manufacturers offer consumers a separate series for whipping. The composition of such cream contains thickeners, under the action of which the cream for the cakes easily acquires the necessary consistency. Sometimes they add sugar or its substitutes. In this case, a more high-calorie product is obtained.
Coffee cream
This drink is one of the most common in the world. His fans can be found on any continent. At the same time, many prefer to add milk or cream (natural or vegetable) to coffee. Naturally, if a product is in demand, manufacturers immediately respond to it. For this reason, there are many variations of both ready-made drinks, containing mainly dried vegetable cream, and components designed for their preparation at home. They are added to coffee, tea or cocoa.
Whipping cream
Baking cakes or pastries, both at home and on an industrial scale, the chef cannot do without a sweet cream. The easiest way to prepare it is to purchase special vegetable cream for whipping and, adding sugar or powder, let the mixer work a little.
Moreover, if the product is of proper quality, no one will even guess that in its composition there is a vegetable substitute. Undoubtedly, the components of such a semi-finished product may not be very healthy. But if you try to whip a natural dairy product, it will take a lot of time and effort, but in the end they may not thicken. It is because of their capriciousness that many confectioners prefer to either take vegetable cream or use special thickeners for natural ones.
The benefits and harms of the product
It so happened that vegetable cream has fewer fans than opponents. This is primarily due to their artificial origin. Indeed, for most people, everything is unnatural - by definition harmful.
In fact, everything is not so clear. This product also has positive characteristics. Firstly, this is the shelf life of both the cream itself and what is produced using them. Secondly, calorie content. Vegetable creams of the same fat content as natural ones are 3 times less nutritious, they do not contain cholesterol. In fact, they can even be considered dietary. These nuances allow you to use the product for both those who are contraindicated in natural milk, and vegetarians. Coffee with vegetable cream, unlike usual, can easily afford even a person who is on a strict diet.
As for the possible harm caused to the body by additives of synthetic origin, then, firstly, it has not been proven, and secondly, you can choose a better product with their minimum content.
In general, vegetable cream is not just an artificially created analogue of natural ones. First of all, it is a low-calorie product that is affordable for almost everyone both in price, and for medical reasons, and for beliefs. When purchasing them, you must always pay attention to the composition and try not to save on quality, choosing a trusted manufacturer.