Top Picks for Authentic Mexican Crema Brands

Mexican crema is a staple in many kitchens, offering a rich and tangy addition to various culinary creations. As more people seek authentic flavors, several brands have emerged, standing out for their quality and taste. From artisanal small-batch producers to renowned household names, each offers a unique spin on this traditional ingredient. To help you discover the best options available, we have compiled a list of the top brands known for their exceptional Mexican crema, inviting you to explore their offerings below.

Illustration of mexican crema

Best brands of mexican crema in 2025

Lala

Grupo LALA's LALA brand is renowned for its high-quality Mexican crema, among other dairy products. The brand, part of Mexico City-based dairy giant Grupo LALA, has seen significant growth, particularly in premium and value-added categories. In 2019, Grupo LALA reported a 3.9% increase in second-quarter sales in Mexico, with plant-based products seeing triple-digit increases and crema being a key contributor to their success. The Omaha plant in the U.S., established in 2016, produces crema Mexicana, which is an important and growing product in their portfolio. The brand's focus on innovation, premiumization, and food safety has solidified its market leadership. For more insights into their operations and product range, visit their Omaha plant stewardship article.

Cacique

Cacique is a renowned brand for producing high-quality Mexican crema, known as Crema Mexicana, which is a smooth, pourable cream with a mild flavor, thinner and more subtle than standard sour cream. Introduced by Cacique Foods, this product maintains its form and flavor even when added to hot dishes, making it a versatile ingredient for various Mexican recipes. Since its introduction, Crema Mexicana has become a staple in many Mexican dishes, such as tacos, elotes, enchiladas, and soups. With only 25 calories per tablespoon and a rich, silky texture, it is an excellent addition to both sweet and savory dishes. Available at retailers across the U.S., Cacique's Crema Mexicana is a must-have for any Mexican cuisine enthusiast.

Nestle Media Crema

Nestle's Media Crema is a highly regarded product in the Mexican crema market, known for its rich, creamy texture and versatility in both savory and sweet recipes. It contains 18-30% milk fat, has no added sugar, and is stabilized with ingredients like carrageenan and sodium alginate. Media Crema is popular for its use in dishes such as pasta sauces, dressings, and soups, and it can be whipped to a fluffy consistency when refrigerated and cold. Despite not being Kosher or Halal certified, it remains a staple in many Latino households. The product is recommended to be used by the "Best if Used By Date" for optimal quality. For more information, visit the Nestle Media Crema FAQ page.

El Mexicano

El Mexicano is a renowned brand that has been producing high-quality, authentic Mexican crema since 1981, maintaining the highest standards of quality and freshness. Their Crema Mexicana is made from grade A cultured pasteurized milk, free from rBST hormones, and is certified by Real California Milk, Halal, and Kosher standards. This sour cream is smooth, rich, and delicately soured, perfect for enhancing traditional dishes like flautas, enchiladas, and nachos. El Mexicano has been recognized for its quality, earning the ISO Award and the Silliker Award for quality control. Their products are trans fat free and gluten free, ensuring a safe and delicious addition to any meal.

La Vaquita

La Vaquita is a renowned brand for producing high-quality Mexican crema, known for its rich, heavy, and fresh consistency. Their Crema Mexicana is a popular choice, offering a thinner and more fluid texture compared to conventional sour cream, with a slightly sweeter taste profile. Available in 8oz and 15oz bottles, this product is free of trans fats and is a staple in many Mexican and Southwest cuisine recipes. With 8.0% total fat and 18.0% saturated fat, it adds a smooth mouthfeel and authentic flavor to various dishes. La Vaquita's Crema Mexicana is a versatile ingredient ideal for enhancing enchiladas, soups, and homemade tacos.

Supremo

V&V Supremo Foods is renowned as one of the best producers of Mexican crema, offering high-quality products made from 100% pasteurized whole cow milk, Grade A, and free from rBGH artificial hormones. Their Crema Supremo is crafted in small artisanal batches, ensuring a smooth, silky, and pourable texture with a slightly tangy flavor. In 2022, the company expanded its crema segment with five new artisanal products, deepening its roots in Latin American cuisine. These cremas are perfect for traditional Mexican dishes and other culinary applications, enhancing flavors without curdling when heated. With a commitment to quality, tradition, and authenticity, V&V Supremo Foods continues to elevate the standards of Mexican crema.

Presidente

Presidente is not a brand associated with the production of Mexican crema; instead, it is a brand known for its brandy. For high-quality Mexican crema, brands like those described in cheesemakers' resources are more relevant. Crema Mexicana, for example, is a rich, pourable table cream made from whole pasteurized Grade A cream and fresh milk, with a serving size of 2 TBS (30g) containing 57 calories and 5g of total fat, which is 8% of the daily value. It is ideal for various Tex-Mex dishes and has a shelf life of 90 days from packaging. The storage recommendation is between 34-40°F.

Gran Valle

Gran Valle is a prominent brand in the Mexican crema market, known for its high-quality and authentic Mexican cream products. While specific market share data for Gran Valle is not provided in the sources, it is notable that the Mexican dairy market is dominated by companies like Grupo Industrial Lala SA de CV, which held a 44.80% market share in fluid milk in 2010. Gran Valle, as part of this market, likely benefits from the growing demand for traditional Mexican dairy products. The market size for dairy products in Mexico was significant, with the fluid milk category valued at $2.77 billion in 2010. Gran Valle's products are often preferred for their rich flavor and texture, making them a favorite among consumers. For more information, visit the Gran Valle website.

La Chona

La Chona is a prominent brand known for its high-quality Mexican crema and other dairy products, offering traditional flavors and premium ingredients. The brand has seen significant growth, with a 23% year-over-year increase in dollar sales, highlighting its popularity in the market. La Chona's Crema Mexicana is versatile, suitable for a wide range of dishes from savory to sweet, and is free of trans fat and gluten. The brand's products are highly regarded for their fresh flavor and thin consistency, making them ideal for various culinary uses. La Chona's commitment to quality has made it a favorite among consumers looking to add an authentic touch to their meals.

Tres Leches Crema

Tres Leches cake, while not specifically associated with a brand named "Tres Leches Crema," often utilizes high-quality crema or heavy whipping cream in its recipe. For the best results, using a reputable brand like Nestle's Media Crema, which is a key ingredient in traditional Tres Leches recipes, is recommended. Media Crema, with its rich and velvety texture, contributes significantly to the cake's moist and creamy flavor profile. This product is widely available and has been a staple in Latin American cuisine since the 1950s, when Nestle began printing the Tres Leches cake recipe on their condensed milk cans. The use of Media Crema ensures a consistent and delicious outcome, making it a favorite among bakers. To explore more about making Tres Leches cake and its delightful ingredients, visit Mexico in My Kitchen's recipe page.