So, what's the difference between half-and-half and heavy whipping cream, you ask? Well, heavy whipping cream is the crème de la crème (sorry, had to!) of dairy products, with a whopping 36% fat content. Half-and-half, on the other hand, has a more modest 10-12% fat content, which is still plenty rich, but not quite as decadent.
Now, you might be wondering, what about whipping half-and-half? Can you still get it to whip up into a fluffy frenzy? The answer is, sort of. Half-and-half will still whip up to some extent, but it won't hold its shape as well as heavy whipping cream, and it might collapse sooner rather than later. But hey, if you're looking for a slightly lighter topping, half-and-half might just do the trick!
Difference In Whipping Cream And Half And Half at Werner Taylor blog
Interestingly, half-and-half was originally designed as a substitute for heavy whipping cream back in the day. It was meant to be a more affordable alternative, with a longer shelf life to boot. And while it's not a perfect substitute, it's definitely a useful one to have in your fridge, especially if you're a fan of creamy sauces and soups.