For Pancake Day crêpes, start by choosing the right consistency: thick crème fraîche is more likely to stay on the pancake than a pourable version. Then compare the fat content, ingredients and result you want for your recipe when choosing between a light and a full-fat version. Neither description guarantees a flavour all children will enjoy. Dairy-based crème fraîche is not suitable for anyone with a milk protein allergy.
If you’re sharing crêpes with children, you’ll want a thick crème fraîche that’s easy to serve and has a flavour they enjoy. Check the ingredients too: the Elle & Vire and Carrefour Classic' products mentioned here contain dairy cream.
You want a creamy topping or sauce and are comparing the fat and energy values per 100 g. The portion you serve also matters for your recipe.
You’re making a hot filling and want the consistency of thick, full-fat crème fraîche, while taking its fat content into account.
For Pancake Day crêpes, start with how you’ll use the crème fraîche — as a topping on the pancake or in a savoury sauce — then compare the labels of products with a consistency that suits your needs.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Texture and flavour | For a topping that stays on the pancake, look for the word “thick”. Compare the ingredients if they matter to your choice; the flavour is best judged as part of the recipe. | If I’m topping pancakes for children, I want a texture that’s easy to serve and a flavour they’ll enjoy. Around 42% of consumers would prioritise this family-friendly topping. |
| Fat content | Compare the nutritional information on a like-for-like basis, particularly the fat and energy values per 100 g. Elle & Vire’s product information distinguishes between a light thick crème fraîche with 12% fat and a full-fat version with 30%. | For my recipe, I want to compare how rich the crèmes are without ruling out a thick texture from the outset. Around 33% of consumers would prioritise this. |
| Sauce for savoury crêpes | Choose the consistency you want for the sauce and check the cooking guidance for the product. In its ham and mushroom crêpe recipe, Manger Bouger adds the crème fraîche at the end of cooking. | When I make savoury crêpes, I prefer a sauce made with thick, full-fat crème fraîche, while accepting its fat content. Around 25% of consumers would put this result at the top of their list of criteria. |
A lower fat content doesn’t remove milk proteins. The Elle & Vire and Carrefour Classic' crème fraîche products mentioned here are made with dairy cream.
If you have a milk protein allergy, don’t choose these products. Read the ingredients list and check the allergens highlighted on each pack, as advised by the DGCCRF.
These descriptions alone don’t tell you whether the consistency will work as a topping or in a sauce, or whether children will like the flavour.
Check the consistency first, then compare the fat content and ingredients of the products you’re considering for your recipe.
For fresh products with a use-by date, Anses advises that you must not consume them after that date.
Before Pancake Day, check the date on the tub and follow the storage instructions, especially once it’s been opened.
The brand offers thick crème fraîche in a light version with 12% fat and a full-fat version with 30% fat.
Président offers pourable, semi-thick and thick crèmes, with different fat contents.
Carrefour’s product information for its thick, full-fat Carrefour Classic' crème fraîche states that it contains 30% fat.
Carrefour’s range lets you compare light and full-fat thick crèmes, as well as products from several brands.
Lidl has a range of dairy products. If you’re looking for crème fraîche, check the tub available in your local store.
No. It doesn’t tell you about the consistency, ingredients or flavour children will prefer. For crêpes, compare the descriptions “thick”, “semi-thick” and “pourable”, then check the information on the tubs.
No: “light” tells you about the fat content, not whether children will like the flavour or whether the product is free from allergens. Elle & Vire’s product information lists a light thick crème fraîche with 12% fat and a full-fat version with 30%. Compare the consistency and ingredients too.
Read the ingredients list and allergen information on the tub. The DGCCRF states that allergenic ingredients must be highlighted. The Elle & Vire and Carrefour Classic' crème fraîche products mentioned in this article contain dairy cream and are not suitable for anyone with a milk protein allergy.
Follow the storage instructions on the tub and check its use-by date if one is shown on the packaging. Anses advises that fresh products carrying a use-by date must not be eaten after it has passed. Once opened, follow the manufacturer’s instructions too.
No, it isn’t needed in the batter. Manger Bouger’s crêpe recipe uses milk and aims for a batter that’s runny enough to coat the pan. You can use crème fraîche as a topping or in a sauce instead, depending on your recipe.