Manufacturing sour cream begins when bacteria is added to regular cream via sour cream processing equipment that ferments and thickens the cream. Sour cream gets its name from the belief that this fermentation process "sours" the cream. However, this is a misnomer, as the product does not taste sour at all. The chief uses for sour cream is as a condiment with baked potatoes, in dips and as an ingredient in cakes and pastries. Eastern European recipes call for sour cream in certain sauces and soups. More recently, Americans have grown accustomed to using sour cream in Mexican inspired recipes.

Makers of sour cream now offer the product in low fat and even no fat varieties. Bakers, food manufacturers and retail store owners depend on sour cream producers to supply this necessary ingredient and condiment. You'll find it helpful to keep the following points in mind as you search for sour cream producers:

1. Hear what the most recognized sour cream manufacturers are saying about using and keeping the product.

2. Use a large wholesale foods company as your sour cream distributor.

3. Consider using or selling organic sour cream made by a leading sour cream manufacturer.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy directly and exclusively from top selling makers of sour cream

Leading sour cream processors in the United States market the product nationally and assist buyers with suggestions for product use and storage.

I recommend: Kraft Foods makes a sour cream product that's been around for more than 100 years and it’s available to sour cream distributors nationwide. Known as Breakstone's on the east coast and Knudsen's on the west, the Kraft product is perhaps the most well known sour cream in the United States. Check out the website for usage tips and recipes. Daisy Brand is perhaps the largest sour cream manufacturer in the country. Daisy packages the product in five-pound tubs that are better suited to the food service industry.

Reach out for sour cream suppliers who sells the brands favored by retailers

Experienced dairy suppliers can provide you with commercially made sour cream for preparing your product or with units suitable for individual sale.

I recommend: Houston-based SYSCO is a national supplier of hundreds of name brand products for the wholesale foods industry, including sour cream. It sells to hospitals, hotels, colleges, restaurants and stadiums and customers recognize them for top quality customer service. White Rose, anchored in the New York metropolitan area, has grown to become one of the largest food suppliers in the country. It sells grocery and dairy products to independent retailers and supermarket chains on the east coast.

Try the organic product that leading makers of sour cream are offering

Your customers may prefer using and selling dairy products processed without hormones, antibiotics or potentially harmful pesticides.

I recommend: Wisconsin-based Horizon Organic, since 1992, has amassed a following of farmers, retailers and food service professionals with its high quality organic dairy products. Operating out of Oregon, Nancy's Yogurt started making its organic sour cream, yogurt, cottage cheese and cream cheese at a time when the natural foods industry was still in infancy. Today, they distribute the company's products nationwide. You can sign up for Nancy's e-newsletters to stay informed about their premium dairy products.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Producers of sour cream know that this dairy item can add value and richness to many prepared foods. Encourage your chefs to find new ways of using sour cream in their standard recipes.