Who should choose this cream?

Parents filling a tart or serving fruit

If your recipe calls for thick cream, check that this is stated on the pot rather than relying on the word ‘matured’ alone. Président explains that lactic cultures help to thicken the cream.

Hosts working out how much they need

If you’re making just one recipe, work out the quantity you need before choosing a large container. 20 cl packs are available from brands including Président, Auchan and E.Leclerc; always compare the pack sizes of the products you’re considering.

Adults checking dietary requirements

If a child has a milk allergy, check the product label and the instructions provided by their parent or carer before planning the party food. The DGCCRF states that allergenic ingredients must be highlighted on prepacked food sold in France.

What should you look for?

For this party, first choose a texture that suits your recipe, then pick the right pack size. Check allergens and storage separately, whether you opt for chilled crème fraîche or a long-life cream.

Criteria What to check Who it matters to
Texture and taste The texture your recipe calls for and whether the cream contains lactic cultures if you’re choosing a thick variety. Fat content alone doesn’t guarantee the same result in every recipe. If I’m filling a tart or serving fruit, I want a cream with a texture and taste that suit the occasion. Around 33% of consumers would prioritise this.
Pack size The quantity needed for all your recipes and the container size, for example 20 cl, 45 cl or 50 cl, depending on the product. For a small party or a single recipe, I’d rather have enough cream without opening an oversized container. Pack size would be the main consideration for around 25% of consumers.
Allergens and storage Whether milk is listed in the ingredients, the use-by date, and the storage instructions for the product before and after opening. When children are coming to the party, I need to be able to check dietary requirements and store the cream as directed on the label. Around 42% of consumers would prioritise this.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Assuming thick crème fraîche and long-life cream are interchangeable

    Two creams with similar fat content won’t necessarily have the same texture or suit the same uses. Président distinguishes between crème fraîche and sterilised long-life cream.

    For a cold topping, start with the texture specified in your recipe, then check the product’s texture and storage instructions.

  • Choosing a large container without planning how to use the leftovers

    Once opened, cream should be stored and used according to the instructions on the container. A larger pack is only useful if your planned recipes will use that quantity.

    Add up the quantities needed for each recipe before choosing a pack size, then follow the instructions on the pot after opening.

  • Assuming ‘organic’ or ‘made in France’ means allergen-free

    These claims don’t change the fact that dairy cream contains milk. If a child has an allergy, the product range name is no substitute for checking the ingredients.

    Check the label of the product you’ll actually use and follow the instructions provided by the child’s parent or carer.

  • Planning a recipe around a product without checking what’s available

    Auchan says that ingredients may vary depending on the delivery service and purchase date; E.Leclerc advises customers to check availability with their chosen store. The pack size or expected ingredients may therefore need to be checked again when you shop.

    Before finalising your menu, check which product your store has in stock, then check its ingredients and use-by date on the container.

Crème fraîche brands to know

Président

Président’s range includes its Crème Fraîche Gastronomique 30 % MG in 20 cl and 45 cl packs.

  • These two pack sizes make it easy to compare the quantities needed for one or more recipes.
  • Président’s claim that this product holds up well during cooking applies to this specific variety. For cold dishes, also check that its texture suits your recipe.

Elle & Vire

The range includes an organic 30 % MG full-fat thick cream in a 324 g pouch, as well as an Excellence 35 % MG product for catering professionals.

  • Elle & Vire says its organic cream pouch is suitable for tarts and fruit.
  • The Excellence catering product comes in a 5 L bucket, so check the pack size before considering it for a family party.

Carrefour

Carrefour offers full-fat 30 % MG thick crème fraîche under its Carrefour Classic' and Carrefour Bio labels, with pack sizes varying by product.

  • The Carrefour Classic' product listing gives a 196 g pot, made with pasteurised cream and lactic cultures.
  • Check the product name and quantity on the pot, as pack sizes vary across the range.

E.Leclerc

E.Leclerc’s Delisse range includes 30 % MG thick crème fraîche in 20 cl and 50 cl packs.

  • The product listing for the 20 cl pack gives pasteurised cream, pasteurised skimmed milk and lactic cultures as ingredients.
  • Check that your chosen E.Leclerc store has the product in stock before settling on quantities for your recipe.

Auchan

Auchan offers full-fat 30 % MG thick crème fraîche in 20 cl and 50 cl pots.

  • For the 20 cl product, Auchan recommends storage between 0 °C and +6 °C.
  • Auchan notes that ingredients may vary depending on the delivery service and purchase date, so check the label on the pot you choose.

Lidl

Lidl France lists Envia among its dairy brands.

  • This range can be a useful starting point when you’re looking at dairy products in store.
  • For crème fraîche to serve at a party, check the product available in store, including its texture, ingredients and pack size.

Related Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is cream described as ‘matured’ always suitable for a birthday cake?

No. Start by choosing the texture your recipe calls for. Président explains that lactic cultures help to thicken the cream and create a more or less pronounced flavour, but the word ‘matured’ alone isn’t enough to tell you whether it’s right for a cake.

Can you serve thick crème fraîche with fruit or a tart?

Yes, if you’re looking for a thick cream to serve with fruit or a tart. Elle & Vire, for example, recommends its organic full-fat thick cream for these uses. Check how much you need and consider the dietary requirements of any children with allergies.

How can you check for milk before the party?

Read the ingredients list on the container you’ll be using. The DGCCRF states that allergenic ingredients must be highlighted on prepacked food sold in France. If a child has an allergy, also follow the instructions provided by their parent or carer.

How long can you keep crème fraîche after opening?

Follow the instructions on the container for use after opening, and store the cream at the temperature stated on the label. Choose a pack size to suit your recipes so you don’t have to rely on an already-opened pot on the day of the party.

Can you buy the cream several days before the birthday party?

Yes, as long as the use-by date and storage conditions cover the period you have in mind. If you’d rather choose a long-life cream to make shopping in advance easier, check that its texture suits your recipe and follow its storage instructions before and after opening.