Can You Get Double Cream in Australia? The Definitive Guide

Australia, with its diverse culinary landscape and love for all things delicious, often leaves international food enthusiasts wondering about the availability of specific ingredients. One such ingredient is double cream, a staple in many British and European recipes, known for its richness and high fat content. So, the burning question is: can you actually get double cream in Australia? The answer, thankfully, is yes, but finding it might require a bit of exploration and understanding of the local dairy market.

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Understanding Double Cream: What Makes It Special?

Before delving into its availability in Australia, it’s crucial to understand what exactly double cream is and what sets it apart from other creams available. Double cream is a type of cream that boasts a high butterfat content, typically around 48%. This high fat content is what gives it its incredibly thick, rich, and decadent texture.

The process of making double cream involves separating the milk fat from the milk, often through skimming or centrifugation. The result is a thick cream that can be easily whipped, used in cooking without curdling easily, and provides a luxurious mouthfeel to any dish it graces.

Double cream is prized for its versatility in both sweet and savory applications. It can be whipped to create a stable topping for desserts, used in sauces to add richness and body, or even served alongside fresh fruit for a simple yet elegant treat.

Double Cream vs. Other Creams: Navigating the Dairy Aisle

The dairy aisle can be a confusing place, especially when trying to find a specific type of cream. In Australia, you’ll typically encounter several different types of cream, each with its own fat content and intended use. Understanding the differences between these creams is essential for finding a suitable substitute if double cream isn’t readily available.

Cream (General): This is a broad category that includes all types of dairy cream.
Pure Cream: Typically contains around 35% milk fat. It’s lighter than double cream and suitable for pouring and lightly whipping. It might not hold its shape as well as double cream when whipped.
Thickened Cream: This cream has had thickening agents added to it, often gelatin or vegetable gum, to improve its stability and whipping properties. The fat content is usually around 35%.
Whipping Cream: Similar to pure cream, with a slightly higher fat content (around 35-40%). It whips well but is still less rich than double cream.
Sour Cream: This is cream that has been fermented with lactic acid bacteria, resulting in a tangy flavor and thick texture. It’s not a substitute for double cream in most recipes.

The key difference between double cream and these other creams lies in the significantly higher fat content. This higher fat content is what gives double cream its unique properties and makes it the preferred choice for certain culinary applications.

Finding Double Cream in Australia: Where to Look

While double cream might not be as ubiquitous as pure cream or thickened cream in Australian supermarkets, it is definitely available. You just need to know where to look and what to look for.

Major Supermarkets: Start by checking the refrigerated dairy section of major supermarket chains like Coles, Woolworths, and ALDI. While they may not always stock it, it’s worth checking regularly, as availability can vary. Look specifically for products labeled “Double Cream.”
Specialty Food Stores and Delicatessens: These are often the best places to find imported or locally produced double cream. Specialty cheese shops, delis with a wide range of dairy products, and gourmet food stores are all good places to explore.
Farmers’ Markets: Some farmers’ markets feature local dairy producers who may offer double cream made on site. This is a great way to support local businesses and get a truly fresh product.
Online Retailers: Several online retailers specialize in importing and selling specialty food items, including double cream. This can be a convenient option, especially if you live in a rural area or don’t have access to specialty stores. Look for reputable online retailers that ship dairy products safely and efficiently.

Brands to Look Out For

Keep an eye out for brands like:

King Island Dairy: A well-known Australian dairy brand that sometimes offers double cream.
Imported Brands: Look for imported brands from the UK or Europe, as these are more likely to be authentic double cream.

Understanding Product Labeling: What to Look For

When searching for double cream, it’s important to carefully read the product labeling. Pay close attention to the fat content, which should be around 48% for genuine double cream. Also, check the ingredients list to ensure that the product doesn’t contain any unnecessary additives or thickening agents.

Check the Percentage of Milk Fat: This is the most important factor to consider. Double cream should have a milk fat content of approximately 48%.
Read the Ingredients List: Avoid products that contain excessive additives, thickeners, or stabilizers. The ideal ingredients list should simply include cream.
Be Aware of Misleading Labels: Some products may be labeled “thick cream” or “extra thick cream” but may not actually be double cream. Always check the fat content to be sure.

Making Your Own Double Cream Substitute: When You Can’t Find the Real Deal

If you’re unable to find double cream, don’t despair! There are several ways to create a reasonable substitute using readily available ingredients. While it won’t be exactly the same, it can still provide a similar richness and texture in your recipes.

Combining Pure Cream and Butter

One popular method is to combine pure cream with melted butter. This increases the fat content of the cream, making it closer to double cream.

Here’s a simple method:

Melt unsalted butter (about 1/4 cup for every 1 cup of pure cream).
Let the melted butter cool slightly.
Slowly whisk the melted butter into the pure cream until well combined.
Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow it to thicken.

This mixture can be used in sauces, soups, and other cooked dishes. It may not whip as well as true double cream, but it will add a significant amount of richness.

Using Crème Fraîche

Crème fraîche, another cultured dairy product, can also be used as a substitute for double cream in some recipes. While it has a slightly tangy flavor, it’s very similar in texture and fat content. Crème fraîche is generally more readily available in Australia than double cream. It is an excellent alternative to add richness and stability to sauces and desserts, offering a tangier flavor profile than double cream. It is less sweet than double cream, it can impart a unique, delightful twist to your recipes.

Tips for Successful Substitution

Adjust the Liquid Content: When using a substitute for double cream, you may need to adjust the liquid content of your recipe to achieve the desired consistency.
Taste and Season: Always taste your dish and adjust the seasoning as needed. The flavor of the substitute may differ slightly from double cream.

Uses of Double Cream in Australian Cuisine (and Beyond)

While double cream might be more commonly associated with British and European cuisine, it can be used in a variety of Australian dishes as well. Its rich flavor and creamy texture make it a versatile ingredient for both sweet and savory applications.

Desserts: Use it as a topping for scones, cakes, and other desserts. It can also be whipped and used in mousses, trifles, and other decadent treats.
Sauces: Add it to pasta sauces, soups, and stews to create a richer, creamier texture. It’s particularly good in mushroom sauces and creamy tomato sauces.
Baked Goods: Incorporate it into baked goods such as cakes, muffins, and scones to add moisture and richness.
With Fruit: Simply serve it alongside fresh berries or other fruits for a simple yet elegant dessert.
Coffee: Add a dollop to your coffee for an extra creamy and luxurious treat.

The Future of Double Cream in Australia: Trends and Availability

The availability of double cream in Australia is likely to increase as the demand for specialty and gourmet ingredients grows. As Australian consumers become more adventurous in their culinary explorations, they are actively seeking out ingredients like double cream to recreate authentic international dishes.

Increased Demand: The growing popularity of international cuisine in Australia is driving demand for ingredients like double cream.
Local Production: More local dairy producers may start producing double cream to meet this growing demand.
Wider Availability: As demand increases, major supermarkets are likely to start stocking double cream more regularly.

The future looks bright for double cream enthusiasts in Australia. With a little bit of searching and some creative substitutions, you can enjoy the rich, creamy goodness of double cream in your favorite recipes. Keep an eye out for new brands and products, and don’t be afraid to experiment! The journey to finding the perfect double cream is part of the fun.

What exactly is double cream, and how does it differ from other types of cream available in Australia?

Double cream, originating in the UK, is a very rich cream with a high fat content, typically around 48% or more. This high fat content gives it a thick, luxurious texture and a distinctive flavour. It is known for its ability to be whipped to stiff peaks, used directly as a topping, or even clotted for scones.

In Australia, the “cream” category encompasses a wider range of products with varying fat percentages. While we have thickened cream (around 35% fat) and pouring cream (around 35-40% fat), neither quite matches the richness and fat content of true double cream. The Australian equivalents typically lack the same density and stability when whipped or used in cooking, making double cream a sought-after ingredient for specific culinary purposes.

Is it possible to buy genuine double cream in Australian supermarkets or specialty food stores?

Finding “genuine” double cream, precisely as it is known in the UK, can be challenging in Australia. While some supermarkets may stock imported double cream brands, these are often found in the international foods section and may be more expensive than locally produced creams. Availability can also vary depending on your location and the specific supermarket chain.

Specialty food stores, particularly those that focus on imported goods or catering to specific dietary needs, are a more reliable source. These stores are more likely to carry authentic double cream brands or offer similar high-fat cream products that can be used as a substitute. It’s always best to call ahead to confirm availability before making a trip.

What are the best substitutes for double cream if I can’t find it in Australia?

If you can’t find double cream in Australia, there are several viable substitutes you can use depending on your recipe. The best option is to use a combination of thickened cream (around 35% fat) and sour cream. The sour cream adds a slight tang that complements the richness and mimics the texture of double cream.

Another alternative, especially for whipping, is to use a high-quality thickened cream with a stabiliser like gelatine. Adding a small amount of softened gelatine helps the cream hold its shape better and prevents it from weeping. However, be mindful of the flavour imparted by any added stabilisers.

Can I make my own double cream at home using Australian cream products?

While you can’t technically “make” double cream from scratch, you can create a very close approximation by using a food processor and heavy cream. Start with Australian thickened cream that contains a high fat percentage, ideally around 40%. Chilling both the cream and the food processor bowl beforehand is crucial for success.

Process the chilled cream on medium speed, watching carefully to prevent it from turning into butter. The goal is to thicken the cream to a very dense consistency, resembling double cream. The process takes only a few minutes but yields a satisfactory substitute.

What is clotted cream, and can double cream be used to make it?

Clotted cream is a thick, rich cream traditionally made by heating full-cream cow’s milk using steam or a water bath and then leaving it in shallow pans for several hours to cool slowly. During this time, the cream content rises to the surface and forms “clots.” The result is a very thick and spreadable cream with a unique flavour.

Double cream is the ideal base for making clotted cream due to its high fat content. While it’s more challenging to create authentic clotted cream in Australia due to variations in milk and cream products, using the richest available cream, such as thickened cream, following a careful slow-heating and cooling process, will yield the best results.

Are there any dairy-free or vegan alternatives that can mimic the texture and richness of double cream?

Yes, there are several dairy-free and vegan options that can mimic the texture and richness of double cream, although the flavour profiles may differ slightly. Cashew cream, made by soaking raw cashews and blending them into a smooth, thick consistency, is a popular choice for both sweet and savoury applications.

Coconut cream, particularly the thick cream skimmed from the top of a can of refrigerated full-fat coconut milk, can also be whipped into a rich topping or used in cooking. Some commercially available vegan whipping creams are also designed to mimic the texture and stability of dairy-based creams, offering a convenient alternative.

What are some popular culinary uses for double cream in Australia?

While not as readily available as other cream varieties, double cream (or its substitutes) is valued in Australia for its versatility in a range of culinary applications. It’s commonly used in desserts, such as trifles, pavlovas, and cheesecakes, where its rich flavour and stable texture enhance the overall taste and presentation.

Double cream is also used in savoury dishes to add richness and creaminess to sauces, soups, and pasta dishes. Its high fat content prevents it from splitting or curdling easily, making it ideal for creating luxurious and decadent dishes. It is used to enhance dishes prepared by home cooks and professional chefs alike.