Choose thick crème fraîche if its texture matters for your dishes and you can follow the refrigeration instructions and use-by date. If you want to use small amounts across several holiday meals, a multipack of UHT semi-thick cream lets you open the cartons one at a time. Just check that its texture and ingredients suit your recipes.
If you’re planning to make sauces, pasta dishes or gratins over several days, 3 × 20 cl cartons of UHT semi-thick cream from brands such as Elle & Vire and Delisse let you open them as needed. Compare them with a tub of fresh cream based on how much you need for each meal.
If you want to serve the cream cold or finish a recipe that calls for this texture, look for thick crème fraîche. You’ll need to be able to follow the storage temperature and use-by date shown on the packaging.
Some Delisse products contain 15% fat in the thick crème fraîche and 18% in the UHT semi-thick cream. Compare the product descriptions and ingredients too, as these two products have different formulations.
Choose this if: a fresh, thick texture matters for your recipes and you’ll have access to a suitable fridge during your stay.
Bear in mind: keeping it chilled during transport, checking the use-by date and following the instructions after opening are all essential.
Choose this if: you’d like to open one small carton at a time for meals spread over several days.
Bear in mind: semi-thick cream doesn’t necessarily have the same texture or ingredients as thick crème fraîche. You’ll still need to follow the storage instructions on the pack.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Portions for several meals | The number and size of the cartons. 3 × 20 cl multipacks of UHT semi-thick cream are available from brands including Elle & Vire and Delisse. | I use a little cream at each meal and prefer to open containers as I need them. Around 36% of shoppers would prioritise separate portions. |
| Fresh, thick texture | The product description “thick crème fraîche” and the tub size. Don’t assume UHT semi-thick cream has the same texture. | If I’m serving the cream cold or finishing a sauce, I want the thick texture my recipe calls for. This would be the priority for around 29% of shoppers. |
| Storage during your stay | The temperature, use-by date and product-specific instructions for after opening. Auchan recommends storing its 50 cl tub of full-fat thick crème fraîche between +2 °C and +6 °C. | If the journey is long or I’m unsure about the fridge in my holiday accommodation, I first need to know I can follow the storage instructions. Around 21% of shoppers would put this first. |
| Fat content and ingredients | The fat percentage, product description and ingredients: Delisse products with 15% and 18% fat have different textures and formulations. | I want to choose a specific fat content and know which ingredients are in the recipe. This would be the main consideration for around 14% of shoppers. |
Small cartons can be handy for meals spread over several days, but their texture and ingredients may differ from thick crème fraîche. This is especially important when the consistency is essential to the dish.
Before swapping one product for another, check the full product description, whether it’s UHT or fresh, and the ingredients list.
Chilled crème fraîche must be kept under the conditions shown on the packaging, including during your journey. You’ll also need to follow the use-by date and the instructions for after opening.
Anses recommends buying chilled products at the end of your shop, carrying them in an insulated bag and keeping transport time to a minimum. Check the fridge in your holiday accommodation too.
If you’re using the cream several days apart, some of the opened tub may go to waste.
Light versions of thick crème fraîche and UHT semi-thick cream differ in more than their fat percentage: their product descriptions and ingredients also vary.
If your recipe depends on the right consistency, compare the stated texture, fat content and ingredients together.
The brand offers fresh, full-fat thick cream and UHT semi-thick cream, including in 3 × 20 cl cartons.
The retailer offers thick crème fraîche in 20 cl and 50 cl tubs, as well as a 3 × 20 cl multipack of UHT semi-thick cream.
E.Leclerc offers a 50 cl tub of light thick crème fraîche and a 3 × 20 cl multipack of light UHT semi-thick cream.
The 45 cl tub of full-fat thick Président crème fraîche listed by Auchan is another tub format to compare with small cartons.
Yes, as long as you can follow the product’s storage instructions during the journey. Anses recommends buying chilled products at the end of your shop, using an insulated bag and keeping transport time to a minimum. Once you arrive, put the cream in a suitable fridge.
No. The French Ministry of the Economy states that a use-by date is a strict deadline. After opening, also follow the storage instructions and time limits shown on the packaging.
Not automatically. The cartons can make it easier to open only what you need, but semi-thick cream may not have the texture or ingredients you’d expect for a recipe made with thick crème fraîche. Check the product description and ingredients before making the swap.
Match the format to the amount you’ll use and your meal schedule. With a large tub of fresh cream, you’ll need to follow the instructions for after opening. If you’re cooking small amounts several days apart, compare small tubs of fresh cream with multipacks of UHT semi-thick cream, bearing in mind that their textures differ.