Who is this guide for?

Hosts preparing several dishes

If your menu includes toast, fruit, pancakes or quiche, choose the cream’s texture to suit each dish rather than choosing on brand alone.

Shoppers who care about organic labelling

If organic certification is your top priority, check the packaging for the Euroleaf logo, the code of the certification body and the stated origin of the agricultural ingredients.

Organisers who shop in advance

Choose a pack size to suit the number of guests and check the storage instructions. A pot of crème fraîche needs to be kept chilled, while some UHT cartons can be stored outside the fridge before opening if the label says so.

What should you check?

Choose the texture to suit your menu, then check the organic labelling, pack size and storage instructions. According to Agence BIO, the Euroleaf logo identifies prepacked organic food in the European Union that meets the conditions for using the logo.

What to consider What to check Who it matters to
Organic certification Look for the Euroleaf logo, the code of the certification body and the origin of the agricultural ingredients on the label. I want to confirm the product is organic from the pot rather than relying on its name; around 33% of shoppers prioritise this check.
Texture and recipe For spooning over food, look for thick cream; for whipped cream, check that it’s full-fat pouring cream suitable for whipping. If I’m planning both whipped cream and toppings, I need a texture suited to each dish; the recipe is the main consideration for around 27% of shoppers.
Pack size and storage Compare pack sizes and follow the product’s instructions on temperature, use-by date and storage after opening. I shop before Sunday and want to buy the right amount for my guests; around 20% of shoppers prioritise pack size and storage.
Ingredients list Read the ingredients list for the exact product, particularly if you want to avoid a stabiliser in UHT pouring cream. I prefer to know exactly what’s in the cream before serving it; this is the top priority for around 20% of shoppers.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Assuming that “organic” tells you about the texture or ingredients

    Organic certification doesn’t tell you whether the cream is thick or pourable, or what ingredients the product contains.

    Once you’ve checked the organic certification details, read the product description, fat content and ingredients list for the one you’ve chosen.

  • Expecting thick cream to work for every whipped recipe

    For whipped cream, Président recommends full-fat pouring cream with at least 30% fat. Thick cream intended for toppings isn’t automatically suitable for the same purpose.

    Plan your menu before you shop, and choose separate creams for spooning and whipping.

  • Forgetting the storage instructions

    A pot of chilled crème fraîche and an unopened UHT carton don’t necessarily need to be stored in the same way. Once opened, always follow the instructions for that specific product.

    Check the use-by date, temperature and storage time after opening shown on each pack.

  • Planning your menu around a product without checking it’s available

    Product ranges can vary by shop. E.Leclerc, for example, advises customers to check availability with their local store.

    Before finalising your recipes, check which product and pack size are available at your store.

Organic cream brands to consider

Elle & Vire

Elle & Vire offers chilled thick organic cream and UHT organic pouring cream, both with 30% fat.

  • According to the brand’s product details, the thick cream comes in a 324 g pouch and the pouring cream in a 2 × 25 cl pack.
  • The ingredients lists differ: the pouring cream product shown contains carrageenan. Check the ingredients of the one you buy.

Carrefour Bio

Carrefour Bio’s product listing features pasteurised organic thick crème fraîche with 30% fat, in a 50 cl pot.

  • This pack size gives you plenty of thick cream for several spoonable dishes.
  • Check that this pack size is available at the shop where you plan to buy it.

Auchan Bio

Auchan Bio’s product listings feature thick crème fraîche with 30% fat in a 50 cl pot, and full-fat UHT pouring cream with 30% fat in a 3 × 20 cl pack.

  • The UHT pouring cream product details state that it can be stored at room temperature before opening, subject to the instructions on the pack.
  • The thick cream shown should be stored between +2 °C and +6 °C. The pouring cream contains carrageenan and needs to be refrigerated after opening.

Bio Village (E.Leclerc)

E.Leclerc’s Bio Village range includes organic thick crème fraîche with 30% fat in 20 cl and 50 cl packs, as well as full-fat organic UHT pouring cream with 30% fat in a 3 × 20 cl pack.

  • The listed pack sizes let you choose an amount to suit the number of dishes you’re planning.
  • Check availability of your chosen product with your E.Leclerc store.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

How can you tell if cream is organic from the packaging?

For prepacked organic food in the European Union that meets the conditions for using the logo, look for the Euroleaf. According to Agence BIO, the label also includes the code of the certification body and the stated origin of the agricultural ingredients. The AB logo may also appear, but it’s optional.

Should you choose thick or pourable cream for brunch?

Choose thick cream for spoonable toppings and full-fat pouring cream if you’re planning to make whipped cream. For this, Président recommends at least 30% fat. Also check the instructions for the recipe you’re following.

Can UHT organic cream be kept out of the fridge before brunch?

Yes, if the storage instructions for that product allow it to be kept at room temperature before opening. Auchan’s UHT organic full-fat pouring cream product details say to store it away from heat and moisture. Once opened, it should be stored between 0 °C and +6 °C and used within 5 days.

What does the use-by date mean on chilled crème fraîche?

The use-by date is a date you must follow when it appears on chilled crème fraîche. Anses explains that some highly perishable dairy products should not be eaten after this date. You should also follow the storage instructions on the packaging.