Who are these options for?

Hosts putting on a cold buffet

For dips, crudités or savoury toppings, you’ll want a thick preparation that can be served cold without whipping. Elle & Vire lists thick crème fraîche, either full-fat or light, as an option for thick cold sauces.

Anyone cooking for a crowd

If you’re planning quiches, gratins or hot sauces, compare the pack sizes and ingredients, then check that the product you choose is suitable for your recipe. The light thick creams listed by Carrefour, E.Leclerc and Auchan don’t all have the same ingredients.

Anyone making a whipped dessert

For a firm whipped cream, the need for the cream to whip well changes your choice: Président and Elle & Vire recommend full-fat cream containing at least 30 % fat, not a reduced-fat option.

What should you look for?

Start by choosing according to what you’re making: a thick cold sauce, a cooked dish and whipped cream each call for a different type of cream. Then check the fat content, pack size and storage instructions for your buffet.

Light thick crème fraîche with 12 or 15 % fat

Consider it: for dips or thick cold sauces, choosing a texture that suits your recipe.

Bear in mind: ingredients and thickeners vary by product; brands don’t recommend this option for making firm whipped cream.

Cream or thick cream-style product with 7 % fat

Consider it: if a lower fat content is your priority for a savoury dish and the texture works for you.

Bear in mind: the products listed by Carrefour and Auchan may not have the same product description. Check the product category before using one instead of crème fraîche in a recipe.

Full-fat whipping cream with at least 30 % fat

Choose it: if you’re making firm whipped cream, as recommended by Président and Elle & Vire.

Bear in mind: this option isn’t suitable if your aim is to choose a reduced-fat cream.

Criteria What to check Who is it for?
Fat content Check the percentage and the exact product description: light crème fraîche or a dairy speciality, particularly among products with 7 % fat. If my main aim is to reduce fat in a savoury dish, I compare the fat content without assuming the products will have the same texture. Around 27 % of consumers make this their priority.
Texture for your recipe Look for a thick texture for a dip. For firm whipped cream, Président and Elle & Vire recommend full-fat cream with at least 30 % fat. To stop a topping from running or a dessert from failing to whip as expected, I choose a cream that suits each recipe. Texture is the top priority for around 33 % of consumers.
Pack size Compare the quantity shown in g or cl with the number of recipes and guests you’re planning for. When serving several dishes, I want enough cream without opening a large container unnecessarily. Pack size comes first for around 20 % of consumers.
Keeping it chilled Check the storage temperature and use-by date on the pack; plan how you’ll transport and serve it chilled. For an outdoor buffet, I need to be able to keep the cream refrigerated and only take out what will be served. This is a priority for around 20 % of consumers.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Using reduced-fat cream for whipped cream

    Cream for pouring over a dish may not whip up properly for a dessert. Président and Elle & Vire say that firm whipped cream needs at least 30 % fat.

    If your recipe calls for whipped cream, choose a suitable full-fat whipping cream rather than relying on the light crème fraîche you bought for savoury dishes.

  • Comparing pots by fat percentage alone

    Even at the same fat content, ingredient lists can differ: the products described by Carrefour and E.Leclerc, for example, list starches.

    Check the product description, ingredients and allergens on the pack you’re buying, especially if you need to avoid a particular ingredient.

  • Leaving the whole pot out on the buffet table

    For foods that need careful handling, Anses recommends limiting the time they’re left at room temperature, putting them back in the fridge promptly after use and strictly observing their use-by date.

    Transport the cream chilled and serve small amounts at a time, following the storage instructions on the pack.

Brands to compare

Carrefour Classic'

Carrefour offers light thick crème fraîche with 15 % fat in several pack sizes.

  • For a 15 % fat product, Carrefour’s product information lists pasteurised light cream, starches, pectin and lactic cultures.
  • Check the pot’s weight and ingredients before working out how much you’ll need.

Delisse / Marque Repère E.Leclerc

E.Leclerc’s product information describes a light thick crème fraîche with 15 % fat in a 50 cl pack.

  • The listed ingredients include pasteurised light cream, modified maize starch and lactic cultures.
  • Check the pack size and the information on the product when you buy it.

Auchan

Auchan offers light thick crème fraîche with 15 % fat, including in a 50 cl pack.

  • The information for the 50 cl pack says to store it between +2 °C and +6 °C before opening.
  • Auchan notes that ingredients may vary by delivery service and purchase date, so check the label on the pot you choose.

Elle & Vire

Auchan’s range includes an Elle & Vire light thick cream with 12 % fat.

  • Elle & Vire’s usage guide lists thick crème fraîche, either full-fat or light, for thick cold sauces.
  • For firm whipped cream, the brand recommends full-fat cream with at least 30 % fat, not a light option.

Président

Président offers a useful guide to choosing between cream for savoury dishes and cream for whipped cream.

  • According to Président, cream with at least 30 % fat is needed to make firm, airy whipped cream.
  • This advice about whipped cream doesn’t mean you need to choose full-fat cream for a dip or savoury sauce.

Related Joybuy products

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Can you make firm whipped cream with light crème fraîche?

No. For firm whipped cream, Président and Elle & Vire recommend full-fat cream with at least 30 % fat. Choose one cream for dessert and another for savoury sauces or toppings.

Which cream should you choose for a dip or thick cold sauce?

Light thick crème fraîche is worth considering for this use: Elle & Vire lists thick creams, both full-fat and light, for thick cold sauces. Then compare the fat content and ingredients of the product you choose.

Can you leave cream out on an outdoor buffet for the whole event?

Avoid leaving a chilled pot at room temperature for the whole event. Anses advises limiting this exposure and returning perishable foods to the fridge promptly after use. Instead, serve small portions and replenish them from a chilled supply.

Why check the ingredients in light cream with 15 % fat?

Two light creams with 15 % fat can have different ingredient lists: Carrefour and E.Leclerc list starches in their respective products. Check the allergens on the pack you buy, too, as ingredients can vary between products.