Who is this option for?

Anyone making savoury dishes with a lighter cream

You’re cooking several portions of sauces or gratins and want to choose a cream with a lower fat content.

Anyone making sauces and gratins in advance

You want a texture that suits each recipe, while also planning how to store the dishes once they’re cooked.

Anyone freezing portions

You need to work out how much cream to buy and distinguish between freezing a tub of cream and freezing a dish that already contains cream.

What to look for

When making several savoury dishes, start by thinking about what you need the cream to do, then compare its texture and pack size with the dishes you have planned. Fat percentage alone won’t tell you whether an option is suitable for cooking, whipping or the quantities you need.

What to consider What to check Who is it for?
Fat content Compare the fat content per 100 g with the amount you plan to use per portion. Elle & Vire says cream for whipping must contain at least 30% fat. I’m making several savoury dishes and want to reduce the fat from the cream; around 42% of consumers would put this goal first.
Texture and cooking Look for terms such as thick, semi-thick or suitable for cooking, then choose according to the dish you’re making. For sauces and quiches made in advance, I look for a texture that suits each recipe; around 33% of consumers would make this their main criterion.
Pack size and storage Compare the net quantity with your recipes and the use-by date. Check the storage instructions before planning portions to freeze. When I divide dishes into portions, I want to use the tub in time and plan how to store them; around 25% of consumers would prioritise pack size and storage.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Assuming light cream is suitable for whipping, too

    Cream chosen for a sauce or gratin won’t necessarily have the fat content needed for whipping. Elle & Vire’s guide says it must contain at least 30% fat for this use.

    Check what each recipe requires before choosing a lighter option for all your dishes.

  • Choosing a large tub without working out how much you need

    Carrefour lists Carrefour Classic’ light thick creams with 15% fat in 199 g and 497 g tubs. Their ingredient lists include modified starches and pectin.

    Work out the total amount you need for your recipes, then compare pack sizes, ingredients and use-by dates.

    If you don’t use the whole tub in time, you may end up throwing the rest away.

  • Freezing a tub of cream as if it were a cooked dish

    Elle & Vire says freezing cream on its own can cause its components to separate and change its texture once thawed. The brand distinguishes this from freezing a dish that already contains cream.

    If you plan to freeze portions, mix the cream into the dish first and follow the storage guidance for the finished dish.

  • Focusing only on the fat percentage

    Two creams with the same fat content can differ in texture, ingredients or pack size. These differences matter when you’re making several recipes with one tub.

    Check the nutritional information, ingredients list, highlighted allergens, net quantity and use-by date on the packaging.

Brands to compare

Carrefour Classic’

A useful comparison for light thick crème fraîche intended for savoury dishes made in advance.

  • The options listed by Carrefour contain 15% fat and come in 199 g and 497 g tubs.
  • Their ingredient lists include modified starches and pectin, so check the tub you choose if its ingredients matter to you.

Elle & Vire

A brand to consult when comparing the uses of thick cream, light cream and cream for cooking.

  • Elle & Vire’s guide says cream for whipping must contain at least 30% fat.
  • The 15% light cream for cooking listed by Elle & Vire Professionnel is part of its professional range; check the size and ingredients of the option you’re thinking of buying.

Président

An option to consider when a recipe calls for full-fat rather than light cream.

  • Carrefour lists Président full-fat thick crème fraîche with 30% fat.
  • This option isn’t suitable if your main priority is choosing a cream with less fat.

Joybuy products

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is crème fraîche with 15% fat suitable for every dish made in advance?

No. Light crème fraîche with 15% fat may work in sauces or gratins if its texture suits the recipe, but it isn’t automatically a substitute for cream for whipping. For whipped cream, Elle & Vire says you need at least 30% fat.

Can you freeze an opened tub of light crème fraîche?

Elle & Vire advises against freezing cream on its own, as its texture may become unstable once thawed. The brand distinguishes this from freezing a dish that already contains cream.

How should you store dishes with cream that you’ve made in advance?

Keep food chilled and don’t leave dishes to cool at room temperature for too long. For your fridge, Anses recommends a temperature of between 0 and +4 °C in the coldest part.

What should you check on the label before buying several tubs?

Compare the ingredients list, highlighted allergens, nutritional information per 100 g, net quantity and use-by date. This will help you match each tub to your planned recipes and the time you have to use it.