Who is this guide for?

Fans of creamy toppings

If you want to serve cream with fruit, crêpes or pancakes, start by comparing full-fat thick varieties and their fat content.

Home-made whipped cream makers

If you plan to whip the cream, look for a full-fat liquid variety that’s labelled as suitable for whipped cream or chantilly.

Shoppers who check the ingredients

If you compare ingredients, milk origin, organic certification or storage instructions, the label on each product matters more than the brand name alone.

What should you compare?

First decide whether you’ll use the cream as a topping or whip it, then compare the labels of suitable products. For nutritional information, the DGCCRF recommends displaying values per 100 g or 100 ml, which makes it easier to compare different pack sizes.

Criterion What to check Who it matters to
Texture and use Look for thick cream to use as a topping. For chantilly, check that the full-fat liquid cream you choose is labelled as suitable. When topping my crêpes or whipping cream, I want a texture that suits the recipe; around 50% of consumers would put this need first.
Fat content Compare the fat content and nutritional information per 100 g or 100 ml, and don’t confuse ‘light’ with ‘full-fat’. When comparing several creams, I want to assess their fat content on the same basis; around 30% of consumers would prioritise this criterion.
Ingredients and storage Read the ingredients and highlighted allergens, then check the storage instructions for after opening. If I need to check for milk or use a tub over several mornings, I want to check its ingredients and storage instructions; around 20% of consumers would prioritise these checks.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Choosing thick cream for chantilly just because it’s full-fat

    Being full-fat doesn’t automatically make a cream suitable for every use. Président and Elle & Vire offer full-fat liquid creams for whipped cream or chantilly.

    If you want to whip the cream, check that the full-fat liquid variety you choose is labelled for this use.

  • Confusing light cream with full-fat cream

    Elle & Vire distinguishes its light cream, listed as containing between 12 % and 21 % fat, from its full-fat varieties at 30 %. So it’s worth checking the texture and product description separately.

    Compare the fat content and nutritional values on the same basis: per 100 g or 100 ml.

  • Buying a large pack without planning how you’ll use it

    The product listings for the Auchan thick creams mentioned here say to store them between +2 °C and +6 °C and use them soon after opening.

    Choose a pack size that suits your plans, and follow the instructions on the product you buy.

  • Assuming the ingredients will be the same every time you buy

    Auchan says that ingredients can vary depending on the collection point and purchase date. This matters in particular if you’re monitoring a specific ingredient or allergen.

    Check the label on the product you receive, especially the ingredients list and highlighted allergens.

Crème fraîche brands to know

Président

The range includes, among other options, a thick gastronomic crème fraîche with 30 % fat and a 25 % thick cream in a pouch, as well as liquid varieties.

  • Président describes its thick gastronomic cream as smooth and ideal for topping.
  • For chantilly, check the intended use of the specific variety. Its thick texture alone doesn’t mean it’s suitable for whipping.

Elle & Vire

The range includes thick and liquid creams, including a UHT full-fat liquid cream with 30 % fat and an organic thick cream with 30 % fat.

  • Elle & Vire describes its full-fat liquid cream as suitable for chantilly.
  • Ingredients vary by product. The liquid cream mentioned here contains, among other ingredients, a carrageenan-based stabiliser.

Carrefour Classic'

The brand offers, among other options, a 50 cl tub of full-fat thick crème fraîche with 30 % fat.

  • The listing for this product specifies pasteurised crème fraîche and lactic cultures.
  • This information applies to the tub mentioned here. Check the label if you choose a different Carrefour Classic' product.

Auchan

The brand offers, among other options, classic and organic full-fat thick crème fraîche, both listed as containing 30 % fat and sold in 50 cl tubs.

  • The listings for both products say to store them between +2 °C and +6 °C.
  • The organic variety mentioned here also contains 30 % fat. Check the label for the ingredients in the product you buy.

Joybuy products

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Which cream should I choose to make chantilly for breakfast?

Choose a full-fat liquid cream labelled as suitable for chantilly or whipped cream. Président and Elle & Vire offer full-fat liquid creams with 30 % fat for this purpose; check the specific product you buy.

How can I compare two crème fraîche products in different pack sizes?

Compare their nutritional information per 100 g or 100 ml, then check the product description, ingredients and fat content. The DGCCRF recommends this common basis for nutritional declarations, making it easier to distinguish pack size from product composition.

What should I check if I need to avoid milk?

Check the ingredients list and highlighted allergens on the packaging of the product you choose for any mention of milk. The creams mentioned here contain milk; don’t assume another product has the same ingredients just because it’s from the same brand.

How should I store crème fraîche after opening?

Follow the instructions on the packaging. For the two Auchan thick creams mentioned here, the product listings say to store them between +2 °C and +6 °C and use them soon after opening. Choose a pack size that suits your plans.