Dairy products are staples in most cultures, and many recipes include at least one. Some of them seem so similar that you'd assume they could be used interchangeably in the kitchen without affecting taste or nutrition.
Yogurt and crème fraiche look alike, and many recipes state that they can substitute for each other. But will that substitution affect the flavor and nutritional profile of your meal?
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Creme Fraiche vs. Yogurt
Crème fraiche and yogurt are dairy products made from different ingredients and have different nutritional profiles. Therefore, substituting one for the other in a recipe is likely to affect taste and nutrition.
What Are the Differences Between Crème Fraiche and Yogurt?
The main difference between crème fraiche and yogurt is that yogurt is made from milk, whereas crème fraiche is made from heavy cream. So, crème fraiche is naturally thicker and creamier than yogurt.
Generally, crème fraiche has fewer added ingredients than yogurt, as yogurt contains thickeners and stabilizers that preserve its nutritional value and lengthen its shelf life.
Yogurt and crème fraiche are cultured and contain active probiotics. These help keep your stomach healthy and feed good gut bacteria, preventing indigestion and other digestive disorders.
Yogurt usually contains more probiotics, as it's made from milk rather than heavy cream.
A one-ounce serving of plain yogurt contains less than 1g of fat, while the same serving of crème fraiche contains a whopping 12g. This huge difference in fat content means one may be more suitable than the other in different recipes.
For example, crème fraiche is better in soups and sauces as it thickens them, while yogurt is better in desserts for its texture and milky flavor.
Is Yogurt Healthier Than Crème Fraiche?
One ounce of crème fraiche contains 112 calories, while the same serving of yogurt has under 20.
This makes a huge difference when deciding which of the two to use, as calories can quickly add up.
Yogurt is way higher in protein, which builds muscle and keeps you feeling full longer after eating.
If you're watching your weight, substituting yogurt for crème fraiche when possible could help you achieve your dietary goals.
Crème fraiche is higher in sodium, too much of which can lead to high blood pressure and an increased risk of stroke and cardiovascular conditions.
Yogurt contains three times as much calcium, which boosts your immune system and keeps your bones healthy. Calcium is especially important for children and older adults.
Overall, yogurt is healthier than crème fraiche, but this shouldn't stop you from adding crème fraiche to your dishes.
Can Crème Fraiche Replace Yogurt in Recipes?
Some recipes might be unaffected by the substitution, but for soups, sauces, and cakes, it’s probably best to use what the recipe calls for.
Yogurt is commonly used in desserts and sweet dishes, whereas crème fraiche is favored for sauces, soups, and meats. Another possible substitute for either in some recipes is sour cream.
Don't know what to drink? Check out these articles: 20 Most and Least Acidic Juices and 20+ Alcoholic Drinks Ranked by Acidity Level