Before you buy your cream, it’s important to understand whether it can be frozen, how to tell it’s gone off and the differences between single and double options!
1. What’s the Difference Between Single and Double Cream?
Despite having a different name, cream is essentially just thicker milk. Single cream has a fat content of roughly 18% whereas double cream’s fat content is around the 48% mark. Single cream is commonly used for pouring and enriching cooked dishes whereas double cream is often whipped and piped for decorating desserts.
If you want the full breakdown, see our guide on the difference between single and double cream.
2. What Other Types of Cream Are There (Beyond Single and Double)?
In addition to single and double cream, there are several other varieties available, each with different fat levels and best uses. Some are lighter and better for pouring, while others are thicker and designed for whipping, cooking or adding richness to desserts. Because choosing the wrong cream can affect the final result of a recipe, it’s worth understanding how they differ. For a simple breakdown of the main options, including fat content and best uses, take a look at our types of cream guide.
3. Can I Use Cream in Tea and Coffee?
Of course! If you add cream to tea rather than milk, you’ll be removing a lot fo the ‘tea’ flavour but this might be ideal for those who don’t particularly like the taste of tea. The same goes for coffee and it’ll placate that coffee breath we all want to avoid! As a general rule of thumb, the thicker the cream you use, the smoother the drink will be.
4. When Does Cream Go Bad?
Cream is useful because it has a longer expiration date than milk. Where milk usually expires around 4 to 7 days after being opened, cream lasts roughly 7 to 10 days. After this point, it’ll get thicker, so it could still theoretically be used in certain dishes if you wish to bulk out a sauce or serve with a curry. You’ll know your cream shouldn’t be used if it has a mouldy or discoloured surface, a sour and fermented smell, a horrible taste, and if it doesn’t whip properly.
5. Can Cream Be Frozen?
Cream can definitely be frozen. By freezing your single or double cream, you’ll be extending its expiration date by roughly 3 to 4 months. Just be careful once it’s unfrozen that it doesn’t smell or taste off before you use it!
6. How is Cream Cheese Made?
Cream cheese is great for baking, cooking, and to have on a bagel or on the side of your favourite dishes – plus, it couldn’t be easier to make! Depending on how creamy and thick you’d like your cream cheese to be, heat milk or cream up in a pan and bring it to boil then set it to the side and wait for it to curdle. Strain away the curdle in a cloth, ensuring all the whey is removed. Add a pinch of salt and some lemon juice, then blend this whey mixture and you’ve just made cream cheese!
7. Where Can I Get Fresh Cream?
When you’re using cream for cooking and baking, or even just to drizzle over fruit, freshness and richness make all the difference. At Freshways, we supply a wide range of cream options, including our own Freshways double, single and whipping cream, alongside a carefully selected choice of leading branded products such as clotted cream.
All cream orders can be delivered directly to your door with the rest of your dairy essentials — from butter and spreads to juices, cheese and eggs — making Freshways a convenient one-stop supplier for your business.
If you have any questions about our cream range or products, call 0208 746 2046. Cafés, care homes, restaurants, shops and other hospitality businesses can also create an account to order online and access our full range.
