For a picnic, choose full-fat thick crème fraîche with 30% fat if you need that fat content for your cold sauces, or compare lighter options if you want a lower-fat product. A 45 to 50 cl pot may be suitable for something to share, but the size you choose doesn’t change the essential requirement: you need to be able to transport and serve the crème fraîche while keeping it chilled.
If you’re making cold sauces or dips to share, you can compare 45 to 50 cl pots. Make sure you can keep them chilled during transport: Anses recommends buying chilled products at the end of your shop and using an insulated bag.
If you’re looking for a lower-fat option than full-fat crème fraîche with 30% fat, check the product description and fat content shown on the label. The DGCCRF classifies light cream as containing at least 12% and less than 30% fat.
A 50 cl organic pot and a resealable pouch suit different preferences: ingredients and certification on one hand, portioning and resealing on the other. Also compare the quantity you need and the storage instructions for the product you choose.
When choosing thick crème fraîche for a summer picnic, first check how you’ll keep it chilled. Then choose a pack size and fat content to suit your recipe.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping it chilled | Storage instructions on the packaging; a cool box or insulated bag suitable for transport and serving. Some Auchan product listings specify storage between +2 °C and +6 °C. | If I’m taking fresh cream out in the height of summer, I need to be able to keep it chilled until serving. Around 42% of consumers would put this need first. |
| Quantity and packaging | The quantity needed for your group; a pot or resealable pouch, depending on how you’ll serve it and store any leftovers. | When making a sauce to share, I want enough cream without opening more packs than necessary. Pack size would be the top priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Fat content and ingredients | Fat percentage, product description, ingredients and any organic certification for the product you choose. | If I’m comparing full-fat cream, a lighter option and an organic pot, I want to know what each label actually says. Around 25% of consumers would prioritise ingredients or certification. |
Anses recommends limiting how long perishable foods are exposed to room temperature. Resealable packaging is no substitute for a suitable cool box or insulated bag.
Buy the cream at the end of your shop and plan to transport it chilled. When it’s time to serve, take out only the amount you need rather than leaving the whole pot on the table.
Two products with a thick texture can have different fat contents. The DGCCRF states that light cream contains at least 12% and less than 30% fat, while products described as “cream” contain at least 30% fat.
Check the product description and fat content on the packaging before choosing a full-fat or lighter option for your recipe.
A 50 cl pot may be suitable for a sauce to share, but you may have some left after your picnic. Choose a size that matches your planned portions and consider whether you’ll be able to store the product after opening.
Work out how much you need before buying, and check the storage instructions for after opening on the pot you choose.
Organic thick crème fraîche still needs to be kept chilled. The product listing for Auchan’s 50 cl organic thick crème fraîche specifies storage between +2 °C and +6 °C.
Choose organic if that matters to you, but take the same precautions to keep it chilled during transport as you would with other fresh creams.
Elle & Vire offers full-fat thick crème fraîche from Normandy with 30% fat, in a 324 g pouch.
The Carrefour Bio listing features organic fresh thick crème fraîche with 30% fat in a 50 cl pot.
Auchan offers full-fat fresh thick crème fraîche with 30% fat in 50 cl pots, including an organic option.
The Delisse range from Marque Repère includes 50 cl pots of fresh thick crème fraîche with 30% fat, as featured by E.Leclerc.
No, don’t leave chilled fresh cream out for the whole meal. Anses recommends limiting how long perishable foods are kept at room temperature. Keep the pot chilled and take out only the amount you’re serving.
First check the product description and fat percentage. According to the DGCCRF, light cream contains at least 12% and less than 30% fat. If your recipe calls for full-fat cream with 30% fat, don’t assume that a 15% product will give you the same result.
It may be suitable if you need that amount of cream for your sauce. Carrefour Bio, Auchan and Delisse offer 50 cl pots. Before choosing one, think about how many portions you’re making and how you’ll store any leftovers after opening.
Check the ingredients list and allergen information on the packaging of the product you buy. The listing for Auchan’s Pouce thick crème fraîche, for example, mentions milk in its pasteurised cream and lactic cultures. Don’t assume the same list applies to another product.