Reddi-wip

Reddi-wip is the brand of nitrogen-or-isobutane-propelled, sweetened whipped cream produced by ConAgra Foods. It is sold in the following varieties: Original, Extra-Creamy, Light, Fat-Free, Non-Dairy, and Chocolate.

The Original and Extra-Creamy come in 7oz. and 14oz. cans. All other varieties, except Chocolate, come in 7oz. cans only; with Chocolate available in 6.5oz. cans only. (The Reddi-Wip site even promotes consuming the Chocolate variety, especially, on its own, presumably - as is popular with many people - dispensing it straight from the can into one's mouth.)

Despite being available in an aerosol can, it should be treated as regular cream: sealed and refrigerated when not being used.

According to the Reddi-Wip website, it is packaged in Holland, Michigan.

History

Reddi-wip was invented in 1948 by Aaron S. "Bunny" Lapin (January 5, 1914 in St. Louis, Missouri – July 10, 1999). He attended the University of Missouri and then went on to Washington University School of Law in St. Louis.

Starting out during the food rationing era of World War II, he invented Sta-Whip as a cream substitute using vegetable oil. After the war, he invented Reddi-wip in 1948, using real cream, along with a new valve more suitable for whipped cream, with fluting to create a pleasant pattern and a tilt-to-open design that pops back to the center to preserve the propellant gases. He applied in 1949 and received a patent for “dispensing valves for gas pressure containers” in 1955. He achieved national distribution in 1954, and sold his company in 1963 to Norton Simon Inc. It is now produced by ConAgra, Norton Simon's corporate heir.Ravo, Nick. "Aaron S. Lapin, Reddi-wip Creator, Dies at 85." The New York Times. 14 July 1999. (Link accessed April 13, 2008.)