Households that cook several times a week
A 50 cl tub of fresh crème fraîche could be a good choice if you use thick crème fraîche often enough to finish it within the storage guidance after opening. Carrefour and Auchan offer products in this size.
Who is this guide for?
Those who prefer a lighter thick crème fraîche
You may want a lower fat content than the 30% in full-fat crème fraîche, while still choosing a product in the ‘thick crème fraîche’ category. Compare the ingredients and the exact product description too.
Households looking for a larger quantity
If you want to shop less often, distinguish the quantity from the product category: Elle & Vire lists 1 L of UHT semi-thick cream, which is different from thick crème fraîche.
What should you look for?
Full-fat thick crème fraîche
Consider it: if your recipe calls for full-fat thick crème fraîche; Auchan, for example, offers a 50 cl tub with 30% fat.
Bear in mind: this is a fresh product, so store it according to the instructions on the packaging.
Light thick crème fraîche
Consider it: if you prefer a lower fat content; Bridélice lists a 15% version and Elle & Vire a 12% version.
Check: the ingredients and the result you want from your recipe, rather than assuming it works just like full-fat crème fraîche.
UHT semi-thick cream
Consider it: if quantity is your priority and your recipe doesn’t require thick crème fraîche; Elle & Vire lists a 1 L format.
Remember: its product description and UHT treatment distinguish it from thick crème fraîche.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Practical pack size | Compare the quantities, then choose a tub you can finish while following the storage guidance after opening. | When I cook with cream often, I want to shop less often without leaving a large container unfinished; around 42% of consumers rank choosing a pack size that suits their needs as their top priority. |
| Fat content and recipe | Check the product description, fat content and ingredients of the option you’re considering. | For a sauce or gratin, I want to choose between full-fat and light cream without treating them as interchangeable; this matters most to around 33% of consumers. |
| Storage | Check the date and storage temperature instructions, especially for chilled fresh crème fraîche. | Before buying more cream, I need to be able to store and use it as directed; around 25% of consumers say this is their top priority. |
Common mix-ups to avoid
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Assuming a larger pack means thick crème fraîche
The 1 L product listed by Elle & Vire is UHT semi-thick cream, which is a different category from thick crème fraîche.
Start with the product description required by your recipe, then check the quantity and storage instructions.
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Swapping full-fat cream for a light version without checking the recipe
The products mentioned have different fat contents: Auchan full-fat thick crème fraîche has 30% fat, Bridélice light thick crème fraîche has 15%, and Elle & Vire’s has 12%.
Check the product description, fat content and ingredients before choosing an option for your dish.
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Confusing use-by and best-before dates
A use-by date and a best-before date mean different things. Anses advises that food marked with a use-by date must not be eaten after that date.
Check which date appears on the product you buy and follow its storage instructions, including after opening.
Brands to compare, depending on the size you need
Carrefour
The retailer offers fresh thick crème fraîche, including options in 50 cl tubs.
- A useful option to compare if you’re looking for a 50 cl tub of fresh thick crème fraîche.
- Check the product and its availability at the store where you shop.
Auchan / Pouce
The options listed include 50 cl tubs of full-fat fresh thick crème fraîche with 30% fat and a light version with 15% fat.
- Auchan’s full-fat crème fraîche product information says to store it between +2 °C and +6 °C.
- Ingredients can vary by product and when you buy it, so check the packaging of the option you choose.
Elle & Vire
The range includes full-fat thick crème fraîche, light thick crème fraîche and UHT semi-thick cream.
- A 1 L carton of UHT semi-thick cream offers a larger quantity when this product category suits your recipe.
- Don’t confuse this 1 L product with thick crème fraîche.
Bridélice
The brand offers light thick crème fraîche with 15% fat in 10, 20 and 50 cl tubs.
- These sizes let you choose according to how much you use in your cooking.
- The ingredients for this product include modified starch and lactic cultures. Check the label if the ingredients are an important factor in your choice.
Joybuy products
Related products will be available soon.
Frequently asked questions
Should you keep a 50 cl tub of fresh thick crème fraîche in the fridge?
Yes, for the Auchan full-fat fresh thick crème fraîche mentioned here: its product information says to store it between +2 °C and +6 °C, both before and after opening, and to use it soon after opening. Follow the instructions for the product you buy.
Can you use fresh crème fraîche after its use-by date?
No. If fresh crème fraîche has a use-by date, you must not use it after that date. Anses reminds consumers that food marked with a use-by date must not be eaten once that date has passed.
What should you look for on the label of pre-packed cream?
First, check the product description, quantity, ingredients, nutrition information and the relevant date. For products sold in France, the DGCCRF also specifies that allergenic ingredients must be highlighted in the ingredients list.
Is Nutri-Score compulsory on cream?
No. According to the DGCCRF, displaying Nutri-Score is voluntary. When comparing two creams, read their nutrition information and product descriptions rather than assuming that a score alone tells you whether a product is right for your recipe.