Cool Whip facts for kids
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![]() Pumpkin pie topped with a dollop of Cool Whip
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Type | Whipped topping |
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Owner | Kraft Heinz |
Country | United States |
Introduced | 1966 |
Previous owners | General Foods Kraft General Foods Kraft Foods |
Cool Whip is a popular whipped topping made by Kraft Heinz in America. People in North America often use it on top of desserts. It's also a handy ingredient in recipes like no-bake pies. Cool Whip is special because it doesn't need to be whipped. It also keeps its shape without melting easily.
You buy Cool Whip frozen. You need to let it thaw in the refrigerator before you use it. When frozen, it lasts longer than regular cream. However, it tastes and feels a bit different from whipped cream.
Contents
What is Cool Whip?
Cool Whip was first made in 1966. It was created by the Birds Eye company, which is now part of Kraft Heinz. Just two years after it came out, it became the most successful product for Birds Eye. Today, Cool Whip is the most popular whipped topping in the United States.
Who Invented Cool Whip?
A food scientist named William A. Mitchell invented Cool Whip in 1966. His big idea was to create a whipped topping that could be sold and stored frozen. This made it very convenient for people to buy and use.
Where is Cool Whip Made?
Cool Whip for the American and Canadian markets is made in Avon, New York. It comes in plastic tubs of different sizes. You keep it in the refrigerator before you serve it.
Different Kinds of Cool Whip
Cool Whip comes in many different types. These include Original, Extra Creamy, and Light versions. There are also "Free" (which means fat-free) and "Sugar-Free" options. The Sugar-Free kind is made with a sugar substitute.
Sometimes, special flavors come out for different seasons. Some past seasonal flavors include French vanilla, chocolate, and sweet cinnamon. Other fun flavors have been strawberry, peppermint, and cheesecake.
Cool Whip Compared to Other Toppings
Cool Whip is the most popular whipped topping in the U.S. Another well-known brand is Reddi-wip. Reddi-wip is whipped cream that comes in an aerosol can. There's also Dream Whip, which is a whipped dessert topping sold as a powder.
What is Cool Whip Made Of?
The original Cool Whip recipe includes water, hydrogenated vegetable oil (like coconut and palm kernel oils), and different kinds of corn syrup. It also has skimmed milk and light cream. Other ingredients help with its flavor, texture, and color. For example, it contains xanthan and guar gums to make it thick.
Cool Whip can also be found in an aerosol can. This version uses a gas called nitrous oxide to push the topping out.
Is Cool Whip Dairy-Free?
When Cool Whip first came out, it was advertised as "non-dairy." However, it has always contained a milk protein called sodium caseinate. Since 2018, it also includes skimmed milk. Because of these milk ingredients, Cool Whip is not considered truly dairy-free.
More Sweet Treats
- Dream Whip, a powdered whipped topping mix
- Miracle Whip, a Kraft-brand mayonnaise substitute
- Non-dairy creamer, with similar ingredients
- Reddi-Wip, whipped cream in a can