Double cream is a staple for many, but is there a difference between supermarket brands? Our taste test reveals that most are surprisingly similar, yet a few stand out.
British double cream contains about 48% fat, making it richer than whipping cream (35%) and just below clotted cream (55%+). This higher fat content means it whips firmer, holds its shape longer, and resists splitting when added to hot sauces. Most conventional creams are functional—white, neutral, and whippable—but truly exceptional cream is thick, luxurious, and complex in flavor.
In our blind tasting, we found that 70% of the creams tasted nearly identical. This reflects how homogenized our food system has become, with cream often made from milk pooled from thousands of farms. Even the packaging is similar: printed plastic tubs with peelable lids.
But the best creams stand apart. They are thick and gloopy, with a remarkable richness and a taste that evokes nostalgia. A spoonful straight from the tub can be surprisingly satisfying.
Read on for our full rankings and recommendations.