Who are these options for?

For family savoury dishes

You’re making a quiche, gratin, sauce or casserole and want thick light crème fraîche. Carrefour and Auchan each list a thick option with 15% fat. Then choose the pack size that suits your recipe.

For the lowest fat content

You want the lowest fat content while staying within the ‘light cream’ category. In France, the DGCCRF defines this category as containing at least 12% and less than 30% fat. Check the exact percentage for each product.

For a menu that includes whipped cream

You’re also planning a dessert that needs firm whipped cream. Président recommends cream containing at least 30% fat for this. The light crème fraîche you choose for your savoury dish won’t do the same job.

What should you compare?

For your savoury dish, start with texture and fat content. Then choose a pack size that suits your meal plans, and set aside a separate cream if you’re making a whipped dessert.

What to compare What to check Who is it for?
Texture for savoury dishes Look for ‘thick’ on the label, check the fat content and work out how much your recipe needs. For a family quiche or gratin, I’d prioritise a thick consistency over simply choosing the lowest fat content. Around 33% of consumers put texture first.
Fat content Check the exact percentage and the ‘light cream’ description. According to the DGCCRF, in France this means at least 12% and less than 30% fat. If I want to reduce fat as much as possible, I compare options with 12%, 15% and 18% fat in particular. This is the top priority for around 27% of consumers.
Pack size and storage Check how much you need, the storage instructions for the product and whether to choose a chilled pot or UHT cream. When I’m preparing a meal in advance, I want a pack size that suits the number of guests and any leftovers. Around 20% of consumers prioritise this.
Whipped dessert Think about what you’re making: Président recommends at least 30% fat for firm whipped cream. If whipped cream is on the menu, I need to choose a separate cream rather than relying on the one for the savoury dish. This becomes a priority for around 20% of consumers.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Expecting one light cream to work for the whole menu

    Light crème fraîche chosen for a savoury dish may not be suitable for a whipped dessert. Président says you need cream containing at least 30% fat to make firm whipped cream.

    If you’re making whipped cream, choose it separately from the cream for your quiche, gratin or sauce.

  • Trusting the word ‘lighter’ without checking the product description

    In France, the DGCCRF says the description ‘light cream’ applies to products containing at least 12% and less than 30% fat. Don’t automatically assume a product with a lower percentage belongs to this category.

    Check the product description and exact fat content before comparing textures.

  • Comparing percentages alone

    Two thick creams with 15% fat can have different ingredients. Carrefour Classic’ lists modified starches and pectin, among other ingredients.

    Check the ingredients and allergens on the pack you buy, especially if a substitute may be supplied with your order.

  • Choosing a pot without considering storage

    The wrong pack size could leave you short of cream for your recipe or with leftovers that are difficult to use. For its thick option with 15% fat, Auchan recommends storage between +2 °C and +6 °C.

    Choose an amount that suits the number of guests, and follow the storage instructions and use-by guidance after opening on the product you buy.

Brands to consider for these options

Elle & Vire

Auchan lists Elle & Vire thick light crème fraîche with 12% fat. It’s worth considering if fat content is your main priority.

  • A thick option with 12% fat is available from Auchan.
  • To decide if it’s right for your recipe, check the texture, ingredients and pack size of the product on offer.

Carrefour Classic'

Carrefour lists thick light crème fraîche with 15% fat, including a 199 g pot.

  • The 199 g pot listing gives 170 kcal and 15 g of fat per 100 g.
  • Its ingredients include pasteurised light cream, modified starches, pectin and lactic cultures. Check that it meets your requirements.

Auchan

Auchan lists thick light crème fraîche with 15% fat, including a 50 cl pot for recipes that need more cream.

  • The 50 cl pot listing states that the milk is sourced from France and recommends storage between +2 °C and +6 °C.
  • Auchan notes that the ingredients may vary depending on the store’s online shopping service and purchase date. Check the ingredients and allergens on the product you receive.

Related Joybuy products

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

What does ‘light cream’ mean in France?

According to the DGCCRF, light cream in France contains at least 12% and less than 30% fat. Check the exact percentage on the pack: the description alone won’t help you distinguish between two light options.

Is light crème fraîche with 15% fat suitable for a quiche or gratin?

A thick option with 15% fat is worth considering when your recipe calls for cream with this texture. Carrefour and Auchan both list a product that fits the bill. Also check the ingredients of the option you choose and the guidance in your recipe.

Can you make firm whipped cream with light cream?

Président recommends cream containing at least 30% fat for firm whipped cream. If it’s on the menu, choose a suitable cream separately from the light crème fraîche for your savoury dishes.

How should you store light crème fraîche after buying it?

Follow the instructions on the product you buy. For its thick light crème fraîche with 15% fat, Auchan recommends storage between +2 °C and +6 °C. Also check the product for guidance on how long it will keep after opening.