What will you use it for?

Sharing buffet

You’re making sauces, dips, quiches or desserts for a group. Choose a pack size that covers your recipes without leaving a large tub open for longer than necessary.

A recipe with less fat

You’re looking for organic thick crème fraîche, but would prefer a lower fat content than the full-fat options at 30%. The ingredients in the light version are also worth considering.

Serving outdoors

You’ll need to transport a chilled product, serve it outdoors and quickly put any leftovers back in the fridge.

What should you check?

When comparing thick crème fraîche for a buffet, first check the organic labelling on the exact product, then look at its ingredients and pack size. Plan how you’ll keep it chilled as soon as you buy it.

What to check Look for Who is it for?
Organic certification Look for the EU organic logo on the packaging of your chosen product and read its ingredients list. I want to identify a genuinely organic crème fraîche before comparing recipes. Around 42% of consumers would put this check first.
Recipe and fat content Compare the ‘full-fat’ or ‘light’ label, the stated fat content and the ingredients. The Carrefour Bio and Bio Village products mentioned here contain 30% fat, compared with 12% for the light Elle & Vire product, which also contains starch. My recipe calls for full-fat crème fraîche, or I’d prefer a light version without assuming the two recipes are the same. Around 33% of consumers would make this their priority.
Pack size and storage Choose between 20 cl, 33 cl or 50 cl packs to suit the quantities you need. Check the use-by date and plan to transport it in an insulated bag. For outdoor serving, I want to open a suitable amount and keep the rest chilled. Pack size and planning ahead would be priorities for around 25% of consumers.

Mistakes to avoid at an outdoor buffet

  • Assuming ‘organic’ means ‘dairy-free’ or that every recipe is the same

    The Carrefour Bio and Bio Village organic products mentioned here contain cream and live cultures. The light Elle & Vire product also contains starch.

    Check the ingredients and allergen information on the exact packaging, particularly if one of your guests needs to avoid milk.

  • Choosing the fat content without checking the recipe

    Full-fat crème fraîche at 30% and Elle & Vire organic light crème fraîche at 12% have different ingredients; don’t treat them as interchangeable.

    Decide whether your recipe calls for full-fat or light crème fraîche before choosing a pack size.

  • Leaving the tub open on the buffet

    For foods that spoil easily, Anses recommends limiting the time they are left at room temperature and putting them straight back in the fridge after use.

    Serve small amounts, keep the rest chilled and follow the use-by date shown on the tub.

  • Planning a recipe around a particular pack size without checking the shop

    A product appearing in a catalogue doesn’t necessarily mean it’ll be available at your local shop.

    If your recipe needs a 20 cl or 50 cl tub, check availability with your chosen shop or online grocery service before deciding on quantities.

Brands and ranges to consider

These details refer to specific organic thick crème fraîche products, not every product made by each brand.

Carrefour Bio

Carrefour France lists organic full-fat thick crème fraîche at 30% fat in 20 cl and 50 cl tubs.

  • The 50 cl tub’s product listing describes pasteurised cream from organic farming, with cream and live cultures.
  • Choose a size to suit your recipes and check that your preferred pack is available at your local shop.

Elle & Vire

The organic light option listed by Carrefour France is thick crème fraîche at 12% fat, in a 33 cl pouch.

  • The pouch has a pouring cap.
  • Its ingredients include light cream, starch and live cultures, so it has a different composition from the full-fat products mentioned here.

Bio Village

E.Leclerc lists Bio Village organic thick crème fraîche at 30% fat in 20 cl and 50 cl sizes.

  • The 20 cl tub’s product listing states that it contains pasteurised cream and live cultures from organic farming.
  • Check availability of your chosen size with the relevant store or online grocery service.

Auchan Bio

Auchan France lists full-fat Auchan Bio thick crème fraîche at 30% fat in 20 cl and 50 cl tubs.

  • The two sizes make it easy to compare what you’ll need for a small recipe or a buffet.
  • Check the ingredients and organic labelling on the exact tub you buy.

Joybuy products related to this topic

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

How can you tell if thick crème fraîche is organic?

Check the labelling on the product you’re buying, especially for the EU organic logo and the ingredients list. The Ministry of Agriculture points out that organic farming is covered by European regulations; packaging that simply looks ‘natural’ isn’t enough to identify a product as organic.

Is organic thick crème fraîche dairy-free?

No. Organic doesn’t mean dairy-free. The Carrefour Bio and Elle & Vire products mentioned here contain cream. If one of your guests needs to avoid this ingredient, check the allergen information on the exact packaging.

How should you transport and serve crème fraîche outdoors?

Keep it chilled during transport and limit the time it spends out of the fridge. Anses recommends using an insulated bag for chilled food, then putting perishable items back in the fridge promptly after use. You should also follow the product’s use-by date.

What size should you choose for a small group?

A 20 cl tub may be enough if your recipe only needs a small amount. Compare it with the 33 cl and 50 cl sizes, depending on what you’re making. Also consider how much fridge space you have to keep the product chilled while you’re serving.