Is there a dairy free crème fraîche?

Crème fraîche is a thickened cream that is used to add richness and texture to many dishes. It has a tangy, nutty flavor that comes from the fermentation process used to thicken the cream. Traditional crème fraîche contains dairy, but there are several good dairy free options for those avoiding milk products.

In the opening paragraphs, it’s important to provide quick answers to key questions readers may have:

– Yes, there are several good dairy free alternatives to traditional crème fraîche made from plant-based milks like soy, coconut, almond, and more.

– Dairy free crème fraîche has a similar rich, tangy flavor and thick, creamy texture. It can be used in cooking and baking in place of regular crème fraîche.

– Popular brands of dairy free crème fraîche include Green Valley Organics, MimicCreme, and Tofutti. Many major grocery stores now carry at least one or two options as plant-based diets grow in popularity.

– Homemade dairy free crème fraîche is also easy to make by fermenting dairy free milk with active cultures. This allows you to control the ingredients.

– Dairy free crème fraîche works well in most savory dishes, desserts, and sauces that call for regular crème fraîche. Adjustments may need to be made for certain baking recipes.

What is Crème Fraîche?

Crème fraîche is a thickened cream that has a rich, nuanced flavor produced by the fermentation process used to thicken it. It has a thicker, spoonable consistency whereas heavy cream is pourable. The fermentation of the cream by bacterial cultures produces crème fraîche’s characteristic tangy taste and velvety texture.

Traditional crème fraîche starts with cow’s milk cream and live active cultures. The cream thickens over time as the cultures produce lactic acid, gently lowering the pH. This tangy, nutty flavor produced during fermentation sets crème fraîche apart from other dairy products.

Crème fraîche originated in France but is now popular worldwide in cooking and baking. It can be used in a variety of ways:

  • Added to sauces, soups, and stews for richness and tang
  • Dolloped on desserts like fresh fruit and pies
  • Folded into mashed potatoes or scrambled eggs
  • Swirled into risottos or polenta for creaminess
  • Spread on toast or scones
  • Used in cheesecakes and other baked desserts

The high fat content of crème fraîche (30-40%) makes it an excellent way to add a creamy mouthfeel without extra moisture. The tangy flavor also helps cut through rich dishes.

Why Use Dairy Free Crème Fraîche?

There are several reasons why someone may want or need a dairy free version of crème fraîche:

– Dairy allergies or intolerances – Some people are allergic to the proteins found in dairy or lack the enzymes needed to properly digest it. Dairy free crème fraîche eliminates this problem.

– Vegan or plant-based diets – Vegans and some vegetarians exclude all animal products, including dairy, for ethical, environmental or health reasons. Dairy free crème fraîche allows them to enjoy similar flavor and texture.

– Lactose intolerance – Around 65% of the world’s population has some degree of lactose intolerance. Dairy free crème fraîche won’t cause unwanted digestive symptoms.

– Preference for plant-based milks – Some people simply prefer the taste of plant-based milks over dairy, even if they have no allergy or intolerance. Dairy free crème fraîche allows this preference.

– Environmental concerns – Dairy farming does have significant environmental impacts. Some people wish to reduce their consumption of dairy for ecological reasons.

Whatever the reason, dairy free crème fraîche provides a creamy, tangy alternative that can be used in savory cooking, baking, and more. The plant-based versions replicate the classic flavor and texture well.

Taste and Texture

Dairy free crème fraîche aims to achieve a similar smooth, rich, spoonable texture to traditional dairy-based versions. It should also replicate the tangy, nuanced flavor that comes from fermenting cream.

With the right ingredients and techniques, dairy free crème fraîche can come extremely close in both taste and mouthfeel. Brands put a lot of effort into mimicking the distinctive flavor profile.

When tasting different dairy free crème fraîches side-by-side with traditional ones, you’ll find:

  • The texture is just slightly thinner in most dairy free versions. But it should still be spoonable and quite viscous.
  • The tanginess level can vary more widely between brands based on fermentation time.
  • Some may have a slightly sweeter taste if sugar is added to the recipe.
  • Coconut-based crème fraîche will also have a hint of coconut flavor.
  • Soy-based versions tend to be the closest to a neutral dairy taste.

While not identical, most people find a well-made dairy free crème fraîche nearly indistinguishable from traditional ones in dishes, desserts, and other applications. It hits all the right flavor and texture notes.

Nutrition

One benefit of dairy free crème fraîche is it avoids the high saturated fat content of dairy cream. Plant-based milks have no cholesterol and most brands make their crème fraîche lower in total fat and calories.

Here is a nutrition comparison of 1/4 cup serving sizes:

Crème Fraîche Type Calories Fat (g) Sat. Fat (g)
Dairy 200 22 14
Coconut milk 80 8 7
Almond milk 40 2.5 0

As you can see, coconut-based crème fraîche has significantly less saturated fat than full-fat dairy versions. And nut-based crème fraîche are very low in total fat and calories.

This doesn’t mean dairy free crème fraîche is necessarily “healthy”. Depending on any added sugars or other ingredients, it should still be enjoyed in moderation as part of an overall balanced diet. But for those watching their saturated fat intake, it can be a better option than dairy cream.

Popular Brands

Several natural food and vegan brands now produce high-quality dairy free crème fraîche options:

Green Valley Organics

– Made from organic coconut cream
– Tangy, smooth texture
– Excellent for cooking and baking
– No gums or stabilizers

MimicCreme

– Made from plants like oats and cassava
– Very close to dairy taste and texture
– Higher in protein than dairy crème fraîche
– Works well in savory dishes

Tofutti

– Made from organic extra-firm tofu
– Very creamy and spreadable
– Low in fat and calories
– Great for desserts and sweet applications

Kite Hill

– Made from almond milk
– Excellent fresh, tangy flavor
– Thick, spoonable texture
– Good for sweet and savory uses

These brands offer widely available options in many major grocery stores. There are also smaller artisanal dairy free crème fraîche producers in some regions. Global availability continues to improve as plant-based alternatives grow.

Cost Comparison

Dairy free crème fraîche does come at a premium price point compared to dairy-based products. There are a few reasons for this:

– Specialty ingredients – Plant-based milks, cultures, thickeners, and gums used impact the cost.

– Smaller production scale – As a newer category, production volumes are smaller than big dairy brands. This increases costs.

– Research and development – A lot of R&D goes into mimicking taste and texture of dairy.

– Target audience – Initially targeted at natural food stores where consumers pay a premium.

A typical cost comparison looks like:

Crème Fraîche Cost
Dairy $3-$4 per 8oz
Dairy Free $4-$6 per 8oz

As dairy free crème fraîche becomes more widely popular and production scales up, costs should come down and move closer to parity with dairy versions. But for now expect to pay around 1.5 – 2 times more for specialty dairy free brands.

Availability

Dairy free crème fraîche was once only found at natural grocers like Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s. But it’s quickly becoming more widely available at mainstream supermarkets:

– Major chains like Kroger, Safeway, Publix now carry dairy free options, often private label

– Natural food sections are expanding dairy alternatives including crème fraîche

– Regional dairy brands are launching plant-based lines

– Major distributors are adding dairy free crème fraîche to inventory

– Ecommerce and direct-to-consumer sales are also increasing

While not yet ubiquitous, you can now find dairy free crème fraîche at most well-stocked grocery stores. Be sure to check the dairy case, the vegetarian/vegan section, and the natural foods area of the store to locate it. If not available locally, purchasing online is an option too.

How to Use It

Dairy free crème fraîche can be used in place of regular crème fraîche in a wide variety of recipes and applications:

Cooking

– Sauces – Add richness and tang without extra moisture
– Soups – Swirl in for creaminess without dairy
– Dips – Use as a base ingredient in artichoke, onion, etc. dips
– Vegetables – Fold into roasted veggies like cauliflower or Brussels sprouts
– Grains – Mix into risotto, polenta, or oatmeal in place of cream
– Eggs – Fold into scrambled eggs or top baked eggs
– Pasta – Toss with cooked pasta and sautéed vegetables

Baking

– Scones – Brush on top or fold into doughs and batters
– Muffins – Replace buttermilk or cream in recipes
– Quick Breads – Excellent in zucchini, banana, and other loaves
– Pies – Use as filling for fruit pies or custard tarts
– Cheesecake – Can replace some dairy cream cheese in fillings

Desserts

– Whipped cream – Whip alone or with powdered sugar for topping
– Fruit – Dollop onto fresh berries, peaches, baked apples etc.
– Ice cream – Drizzle over dairy free ice creams
– Puddings – Use in place of cream in chocolate, rice or bread puddings
– Parfaits – Layer with yogurt, granola, fruit and nuts

In most cooking applications you can use dairy free crème fraîche cup for cup in place of the dairy versions. For baked goods, you may need to experiment more with adjusting liquids or leaveners in the recipe. But it can work great in many desserts too.

Homemade Dairy Free Crème Fraîche

It’s actually quite easy to make your own dairy free crème fraîche at home. This allows you to control the ingredients and avoid any additives or preservatives found in store-bought versions.

You just need:

– Dairy free milk – Soy milk works best, but coconut, almond, or oat milk can also be used

– Live active cultures – Plain unsweetened dairy free yogurt or probiotic capsules

– Time – The mixture needs 12-24 hours fermenting time to thicken and tangy flavor to develop

Here is a simple recipe to try:

Dairy Free Crème Fraîche

Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsweetened dairy free milk
– 2 probiotic capsules or 1 Tbsp dairy free yogurt
– 1 tsp sugar or honey (optional)

Instructions:
1. Heat milk gently until just steaming. Let cool to 110°F.
2. Add yogurt or contents of probiotic capsules and sugar if using. Whisk well to combine.
3. Pour into a clean glass jar and cover with cheesecloth or lid.
4. Let sit at room temperature 12-24 hours until thickened.
5. Refrigerate and use within 10 days.

The fermentation time can be adjusted based on desired tanginess and thickness. For a thicker European-style crème fraîche, ferment for 24 hours. For a sweeter, smoother Mexican-style crema, ferment just 12 hours.

Possible Drawbacks

While dairy free crème fraîche offers a lot of benefits, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider:

  • Higher price – Specialty dairy free products come at a premium cost, sometimes 2x as much as dairy crème fraîche.
  • Limited availability – Not yet stocked in every local grocery store like dairy products.
  • Texture variations – The thickness and consistency can vary more between brands.
  • Flavor differences – The tanginess and taste profile may differ from what you expect with dairy.
  • Contains allergens – Many brands contain tree nuts or coconut which are common allergens.
  • Less versatile – May not work as well for certain baking recipes that rely on dairy chemistry.

However, these issues are diminishing over time as dairy free options become more mainstream and manufacturing processes improve. For most cooking applications, plant-based crème fraîche works excellently.

Do You Need Crème Fraîche at All?

Given the premium price and potential limitations around dairy free crème fraîche, a fair question is whether you need it in your recipes at all. In many cases, there are easy substitutions that work well:

  • Sour cream – Has a similar rich, tangy flavor profile. Just a bit more moisture.
  • Greek yogurt – Provides creamy thickness and tang without much flavor interference.
  • Mayonnaise – Adds richness and body; works especially well in sauces.
  • Silken tofu – Blends into a smooth, creamy texture for sauces and dips.
  • Coconut cream – Has rich mouthfeel for curries, stews, and baked goods.

Depending on the recipe, one of these substitutes may work just as well or better than crème fraîche. So don’t feel like you absolutely must use it or seek out a dairy free version. Evaluate if it’s really needed for the specific dish you’re making.

Conclusion

Dairy free crème fraîche has come a long way and provides an excellent plant-based alternative to traditional cream-based versions. With a few easy swaps, you likely won’t notice the difference in your cooking.

While still a specialty item, dairy free options are increasingly available both online and in stores. The taste and texture now comes quite close to the real thing. Homemade versions are easy too with just a few simple ingredients.

Some drawbacks like higher cost and limited availability remain. But dairy free crème fraîche works extremely well in the vast majority of applications from rich desserts to creamy sauces. For those avoiding dairy or looking to reduce saturated fat, it gives you all the velvety richness without compromise.

Leave a Comment