The organic plant-based cream your fridge needs

What is La Fraîche?

What is La Fraîche and what is it made of?

La Fraîche is New Roots' plant-based alternative to crème fraîche. It's made from an organic cashew drink base (90%), coconut fat, pectin as a natural stabiliser, and vegan fermentation cultures. That's it: no dairy, no artificial additives.

How does La Fraîche compare to traditional Crème fraîche?

Remarkably similar. La Fraîche is traditionally fermented using vegan cultures, which gives it that characteristic slight tanginess and creamy texture you'd expect from a good crème fraîche. The balance between soft and sour is the result of an intentional fermentation process – not a compromise.  

Is La Fraîche lactose-free, gluten-free and allergen-safe?

Yes: la Fraîche is completely lactose-free and gluten-free. The only declared allergen is cashews. If you have a tree nut allergy, please check the label before use.  

Where is La Fraîche made?

La Fraîche is made at the New Roots creamery in Oberdiessbach, in the heart of Switzerland. The production is certified organic (CH-BIO-038) and meets FSSC 22000 food safety standards. Made in Switzerland, where quality meets innovation.

How is La Fraîche fermented and why does it matter?

We use the same traditional fermentation process as conventional crème fraîche, but with vegan cultures instead of dairy-based ones. The cashew base is pasteurised and then cultured over time, developing its characteristic sour-creamy depth naturally. No shortcuts, no flavour imitation. The fermentation is the flavour.

How can a product made of cashews be better for the environment than crème fraîche made of cow’s milk?

It all comes down to efficiency: feeding plants to animals and then consuming their milk wastes enormous amounts of land, water, and energy. Our cashew-based products generate almost 3× less CO₂ and use 40% less water than Swiss cow's milk products – even accounting for the transport of imported cashews. 

Are the ingredients really organic? Where do the cashews come from?

All ingredients are from certified organic farming. Our cashews are organically grown in Vietnam and Burkina Faso and are selected for their quality and suitability for our plant-based cheese alternatives. We work with fair trade partners such as Gebana to ensure fair wages and safe working conditions throughout the supply chain.

Utiliser La Fraîche en cuisine ?

What can I use La Fraîche for?

• La Fraîche is a true all-rounder. It works equally well in cold and hot dishes:

1. • Cold: dips, wraps, tacos, salad dressings, spreads
   • Hot: sauces, gratins, baked potatoes, pasta, rösti
   • Baking & desserts: tarte flambée, cheesecakes, creamy cake layer

Think of it the same way you’d use traditional crème fraîche: it belongs in both your everyday cooking and your weekend recipe experiments.

Can I heat La Fraîche – will it curdle?

Yes, you can cook with La Fraîche. It's suitable for hot dishes like sauces and gratins without curdling. For best results, add it towards the end of cooking over medium heat rather than boiling it directly.  

Can I use La Fraîche as a 1:1 substitute for crème fraîche, sour cream or cooking cream?

Yes. In most recipes, La Fraîche can replace crème fraîche, sour cream, or even kitchen cream in equal quantities. Its texture and fermented flavour profile make the swap seamless, whether you're cooking for vegans, lactose-intolerant guests, or simply curious about plant-based alternatives.

What are the nutritional values of La Fraîche?

Per 100g: 190 kcal · Fat 18g (of which saturates 11g) · Carbohydrates 3g (of which sugars <1g) · Protein 3.4g · Salt 0.01g. It’s a rich, creamy product: the fat content is comparable to full-fat dairy crème fraîche. The upside: no cholesterol, no animal hormones, no lactose.

Where can I buy La Fraîche in Switzerland?

La Fraîche is available at a wide range of Swiss retailers including Coop, Lidl and many independent health food stores. You can also order it online through our website and various European delivery services. Use our store locator to find the nearest point of sale.

Is La Fraîche healthier than traditional crème fraîche?

La Fraîche has a similar calorie content to traditional crème fraîche. It is not a light product, but a rich, plant-based alternative. It is naturally free from cholesterol, lactose, and animal-derived ingredients. 

How long does La Fraîche last and how should I store it?

La Fraîche is a refrigerated product, so it’s best to keep it cold at all times (2–8°C). The best-before date is printed on the packaging. Once opened, consume within a few days and keep refrigerated. As with any fermented product, a very slight change in aroma after opening is normal.