Don’t assume that a 3 L container of crème fraîche is available. Président offers a thick variety in a 45 cl pot, for example, while Auchan has a 50 cl pot of thick cream and a 1 L carton of UHT single cream. For a large household, first choose the texture your recipes call for, then pick pack sizes you can use before the use-by date and in line with the instructions for use after opening.
You want to avoid repeat trips to the shops without opening more crème fraîche than you can use. Président and Auchan offer thick varieties in 45 cl and 50 cl packs respectively. Auchan also stocks 1 L of UHT single cream, which is only worth considering if that texture suits your recipes.
When choosing cream for a sauce or topping, texture matters more than volume. Président describes its thick gourmet crème fraîche as coating and suitable for cooking. This is the brand’s own description, so consider it in light of how you plan to use the cream.
If the milk’s origin or organic status matters to you, check these details on the specific product. The label also lets you check the ingredients, allergens, fat content and use-by date.
When shopping for a family at your local market or supermarket, start with the quantities your recipes call for. A larger pack is no substitute for thick cream when your dish needs that texture.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Usable quantity | Net quantity, use-by date and instructions for use after opening. If the product is listed in “pints”, ask for the volume in cl or L. | For several family meals, I want enough cream without opening a container I won’t finish. Around 36% of consumers put usable quantity at the top of their list. |
| Texture and recipe | Look for terms such as “thick”, “semi-thick” or “single”, and check whether the product is intended for use hot or cold. | If my recipe calls for a thick topping or cream to pour, I want to choose the right texture before looking at pack size. This is the priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Fat content | Check the fat content and nutritional information on the same basis, per 100 g or per 100 ml. | When comparing two products, I want to be able to compare their fat content and nutritional values on a like-for-like basis. Around 21% of consumers make this their top priority. |
| Origin and labelling | Check the milk’s origin if stated, whether the product is labelled organic, and the ingredients and allergens listed for the specific product. | If I’m choosing based on the milk’s origin or organic standards, I need to read the information on the product I’m buying. This comes first for around 14% of consumers. |
“Pint” can refer to different units. Président and Auchan list their cream products in cl, g or L, so the product name alone won’t tell you the net quantity you’re looking for.
Ask for the quantity in cl or L and check the actual pack size before planning your shopping.
Auchan’s product information for its full-fat thick crème fraîche, with 30% fat, says to store it between +2 °C and +6 °C and consume it soon after opening.
Work out how much you need for your recipes, and follow the use-by date and instructions for each opened pack.
Thick cream and single cream are suited to different uses in cooking. The fat content alone doesn’t tell you which texture your recipe needs.
Choose the texture first, then compare the fat content and nutritional values on the same basis, per 100 g or per 100 ml, as recommended in the guidance described by the DGCCRF.
Pack sizes and ingredients vary between products in the same range. For pre-packed food, the DGCCRF highlights the importance of checking details such as ingredients and allergens.
Check the label on the pack you’ve chosen, including its net quantity, ingredients, highlighted allergens and use-by date.
The range includes full-fat gourmet thick crème fraîche with 30% fat in 20 cl and 45 cl packs, as well as 30 cl pouches of thick cream with 25% fat.
The brand distinguishes between single, semi-thick and thick creams. Its range includes a 324 g pouch of organic full-fat thick cream.
The retailer sells cream under its own labels and national brands. Carrefour’s product information includes Président full-fat thick crème fraîche with 30% fat in a 20 cl pot.
E.Leclerc Drive offers groceries for drive-through collection, collection on foot or home delivery.
The retailer lists 50 cl pots of thick crème fraîche with 15% and 30% fat, as well as 1 L of UHT full-fat single cream with 30% fat.
The retailer asks shoppers to select their supermarket to view local offers.
Don’t plan on buying one until you’ve confirmed the net quantity with the retailer. Président offers thick cream in 20 cl and 45 cl packs, while Auchan has a 50 cl pot of thick cream and 1 L of UHT single cream. If you buy several packs, choose the texture to suit your recipes and check the use-by dates.
Follow the storage temperature, use-by date and instructions for use after opening shown on the product you’ve bought. For its full-fat thick crème fraîche with 30% fat, Auchan says to store it between +2 °C and +6 °C and consume it soon after opening.
First check the product name, net quantity, ingredients, allergens and the date that applies to the product. The DGCCRF says allergens must be highlighted in the ingredients list on pre-packed food. Also read the storage instructions for the product you’ve chosen.
Compare their nutritional information on the same basis, per 100 g or per 100 ml, then check that their textures suit the same recipe. The DGCCRF explains that this format makes comparisons easier. Auchan, for example, lists thick creams with 15% and 30% fat.