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Philadelphia Cream Cheese: Is It Healthy? Ingredients Reviewed

Philadelphia Cream Cheese is a staple in many kitchens, prized for its smooth texture and rich flavor. Users frequently scan this item to understand how its fat density aligns with their daily nutrition goals. Our analysis reveals that while the ingredients are simple, the nutritional profile poses significant challenges for frequent consumption.

Updated July 22, 2026Product analysis

Health score

Watch out

0

/ 100
PoorExcellent

Verdict: unhealthy

It is a calorie-dense product that should be consumed sparingly.

Key takeaways

  • Contains 22g of saturated fat per 100g
  • High calorie density at 357.14 kcal per 100g
  • Low protein content of 7.05g per 100g
  • Significant environmental impact due to dairy farming
  • Contains salt as a preservative and flavor enhancer

Our read on this product

With 35.3g of total fat and 22g of saturated fat per 100g, Philadelphia Cream Cheese exceeds most dietary guidelines for heart-healthy fat intake. The inclusion of salt further contributes to its negative health score of 35/100. While the addition of cheese culture is a positive sign of traditional fermentation, it does not offset the heavy fat load. Consumers should view this as an indulgence rather than a primary protein or dairy source.

Best for

This product is suitable for individuals who enjoy occasional indulgences and are not monitoring their daily saturated fat or calorie intake.

Approach with care

Individuals managing heart health, high blood pressure, or those following a strict low-fat or low-calorie diet should avoid this product.

Ingredient breakdown

Good ingredients

cheese culture: Good

Neutral ingredients

pasteurized milk and cream: Neutral
carob bean gum: Neutral

Ingredients to watch

salt: Watch out
Neutral

pasteurized milk and cream

This is the primary base of the product, providing texture and flavor. It is heat-treated to ensure safety by killing harmful bacteria. These ingredients are rich in saturated fats, which should be consumed in moderation.

Watch out

salt

Used as a flavor enhancer and preservative. High intake is linked to increased blood pressure and cardiovascular risks. It is a concern for those following a low-sodium diet.

Neutral

carob bean gum

A natural thickening agent extracted from the seeds of the carob tree. It is considered safe and is primarily used to stabilize the texture of the cream cheese. It has no significant nutritional value or adverse health effects.

Good

cheese culture

Beneficial live bacteria added to the milk to initiate the fermentation process, which creates the characteristic tang and structure of cream cheese. These cultures are generally considered healthy as they can support gut microbiome diversity.

Nutrition facts

Values shown 100g

Energy

357.14 kcal

Protein

7.05g

Carbs

3.53g

Fat

35.3g

Fiber

0g

Sugar

3.53g

low

Sodium

388mg

medium

Saturated fat

22g

high

Fiber

0g

low

How it scores against your goal

Mood Effect

A
B
C
D
E

Provides quick satisfaction, but lacks B vitamins or tryptophan needed for sustained mood support.

Muscle Gain

A
B
C
D
E

The protein-to-fat ratio is too low to support muscle gain effectively.

Weight Loss

A
B
C
D
E

High caloric density and fat content make this a poor choice for weight loss.

Flu Recovery

A
B
C
D
E

Lacks the essential vitamins and antioxidants required for immune system support.

Fever Recovery

A
B
C
D
E

The heavy fat content is difficult to digest during acute illness.

Pcos Management

A
B
C
D
E

High saturated fat may contribute to systemic inflammation, which is unfavorable for PCOS.

Diabetes Management

A
B
C
D
E

Low sugar content is beneficial, but the high saturated fat may affect insulin sensitivity.

Myth busters

Not supported

Cream Cheese (Philadelphia) by Philadelphia is a good source of protein.

It contains only 7.05g of protein per 100g, which is insufficient to be considered a meaningful protein source.

Supported

Cream Cheese (Philadelphia) by Philadelphia contains beneficial probiotics.

It includes cheese culture, which involves live bacteria used in fermentation, contributing positively to gut health.

Not supported

Cream Cheese (Philadelphia) by Philadelphia is low in saturated fat.

It is very high in saturated fat, containing 22g per 100g of the product.

Frequently asked questions

Is Cream Cheese (Philadelphia) by Philadelphia considered a healthy food choice?

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Cream Cheese (Philadelphia) by Philadelphia is not considered a healthy choice due to its high saturated fat content and elevated caloric density.

What is the main health concern regarding Cream Cheese (Philadelphia) by Philadelphia?

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Cream Cheese (Philadelphia) by Philadelphia contains 22g of saturated fat per 100g, which can negatively impact cardiovascular health when consumed in excess.

What is the primary ingredient in Cream Cheese (Philadelphia) by Philadelphia?

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Cream Cheese (Philadelphia) by Philadelphia is primarily made from pasteurized milk and cream, which provides its characteristic texture and fat content.

Is Cream Cheese (Philadelphia) by Philadelphia suitable for a weight loss diet?

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Cream Cheese (Philadelphia) by Philadelphia is generally not recommended for weight loss because of its high calorie and fat-to-protein ratio.

What is a better alternative to Cream Cheese (Philadelphia) by Philadelphia?

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Cream Cheese (Philadelphia) by Philadelphia can be replaced by Greek yogurt or lower-fat cottage cheese to improve protein intake and lower saturated fat consumption.