Who are these formats suitable for?

Hosts cooking one dish for a group

If crème fraîche is going into a sauce, gratin or quiche, start by choosing the texture your recipe calls for. A large tub may be suitable if the dish will use most of it.

Hosts planning several dishes

If you’re using crème fraîche in several recipes, separate cartons mean you only need to open as many as you need. Check that the texture is right for each use.

Hosts catering for dietary preferences

If a guest asks for a lighter, lactose-free or organic option, check the product description, ingredients and fat content before choosing a format.

What should you check before buying?

Work out how much you need for your menu, then make sure each product has the right texture for the dish you’re preparing.

What to consider What to check Who it matters to
Texture for your recipe Read the product description and check the stated texture — thick, semi-thick or pourable — as well as the fat content. For the main course, you’ll want a crème fraîche with a texture that suits your recipe, rather than choosing by pack size alone. Around 33% of consumers prioritise this match.
Quantity and leftovers Compare the total volume, use-by date and storage instructions once opened. If you’re likely to have a large amount left over, it’s best to plan how you’ll use and store it. Leftover management is the main consideration for around 27% of consumers.
Dietary preference Check the product description, ingredients and allergens. “Lactose-free” does not mean “dairy-free”. If a guest asks for a lighter, lactose-free or organic option, you’ll need to find a product that meets their needs before choosing a size. This is the priority for around 20% of consumers.
Separate cartons Check the number and size of the cartons: a pack of 3 x 20 cl contains 60 cl in total. If you’re making several dishes, you may prefer to open the cartons as needed rather than opening one large container. Around 20% of consumers put this flexibility first.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Assuming every multipack contains thick crème fraîche

    A pack of 3 x 20 cl may contain pourable or semi-thick crème fraîche, or a lighter dairy speciality. Its fat content and ingredients may therefore differ from those of full-fat thick crème fraîche.

    Before buying, read the product description and check the stated texture, then make sure they suit your recipe.

  • Opening a large tub without planning what to do with the leftovers

    If dinner only uses some of it, how you’ll store the opened tub becomes an important factor. The use-by date does not replace the storage instructions for once the product has been opened.

    Work out how much you need for your menu and check the storage advice on the packaging before choosing between a tub and separate cartons.

  • Confusing “lactose-free” with “dairy-free”

    The lactose-free Elle & Vire product described by Carrefour contains milk and cream. So “lactose-free” does not mean that the product is free from milk ingredients.

    If a guest needs to avoid milk, check the ingredients and allergens for the specific product.

Brands and retailers to consider

Président

The Président range includes crème fraîche in different textures. Choose according to your recipe rather than pack format alone.

  • Président offers thick crème fraîche with fat contents of 30% and 35%, among other options.
  • Check the format of the product you choose: the texture you’re looking for may not be available in a multipack.

Elle & Vire

Elle & Vire offers products in different textures and formats, including a pourable dairy speciality and organic full-fat thick crème fraîche.

  • The light pourable dairy speciality featured by the brand is UHT-treated and contains 4% fat.
  • The organic full-fat thick crème fraîche comes in a 324 g pouch. It’s a different product and format from a pack of pourable cartons.

Carrefour

Carrefour offers tubs of thick crème fraîche as well as products in 3 x 20 cl packs. Compare the product descriptions and textures.

  • Carrefour Classic’ full-fat thick crème fraîche comes in a 50 cl tub.
  • A product in a 3 x 20 cl pack may be semi-thick or light. Check the exact product before using it instead of a large tub.

Leclerc

E.Leclerc’s Bio Village range includes packs of 3 x 20 cl with different product descriptions.

  • It includes organic UHT-treated full-fat pourable crème fraîche with 30% fat in a 3 x 20 cl pack.
  • A light organic dairy speciality with 15% fat is also available in this format. Check which one suits your recipe.

Auchan

Auchan offers a large tub of full-fat thick crème fraîche for recipes that call for this type of product.

  • The product described comes in a 50 cl tub and contains 30% fat.
  • This is not a multipack. The product information says to store it between +2 °C and +6 °C.

Lidl

Lidl France has a “Milk & Cream” section in its chilled dairy range.

  • When choosing crème fraîche for dinner, check the product description, texture, volume and ingredients of the product on offer.

Joybuy products

Products related to this topic will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is a pack of 3 x 20 cl always a better choice than a 50 cl tub for dinner with friends?

No. A pack of 3 x 20 cl contains 60 cl split across three cartons, while a 50 cl tub is a single container. The formats offered by E.Leclerc, Carrefour and Auchan show the difference: choose separate cartons if you’ll be opening them at different times, or a large tub if one recipe will use most of it. First, make sure the texture is right for your dish.

What should you do with crème fraîche left over after dinner?

Put it back in the fridge promptly and follow the packaging instructions for once it’s been opened. The DGCCRF points out that a use-by date no longer applies in the same way once a product has been opened; Anses recommends eating opened perishable foods within three days. Follow any stricter instructions from the manufacturer.

Can a light or lactose-free option replace full-fat crème fraîche in every recipe?

No. Don’t assume these products are interchangeable. The lactose-free Elle & Vire product described by Carrefour contains 4% fat, as well as milk, cream and modified starch. Check its product description and ingredients, then make sure it meets your recipe’s requirements before using it instead of full-fat crème fraîche.

Is organic crème fraîche in a multipack always thick?

No. E.Leclerc offers organic UHT-treated full-fat pourable crème fraîche in a 3 x 20 cl pack, while Elle & Vire offers organic full-fat thick crème fraîche in a 324 g pouch. Choose the organic option, texture and quantity that your recipe needs separately.