Ingredient
Cream cheese
What is Cream cheese?
Cream cheese is a soft, mild-tasting cheese made from cream, often combined with milk. It is not matured, which means it is a fresh cheese, typically containing a higher fat content than other fresh cheeses.
Cream cheese is valued for its smooth texture and rich flavor, often used as a spread on bread, bagels, and crackers, or as an ingredient in desserts and dishes like cheesecakes. Nutritionally, it is a source of calcium and fats, but it can also be high in calories and saturated fats, so it's generally recommended in moderation.
When checking labels, it's important to note that cream cheese might contain stabilizers and preservatives to enhance texture and shelf life. For those sensitive to dairy, cream cheese will contain lactose, which is something to be considered.
Commonly found in: Bagels, Cheesecakes, Dips, Frostings, Sauces
What to watch
- High in calories and saturated fat, which can impact heart health if consumed in large amounts.
Benefits
- Contains calcium which is essential for bone health.
Cream cheese is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for consumption in the United States.
While providing essential nutrients like calcium, high intake of cream cheese can contribute to increased dietary cholesterol.
Cream cheese is derived from animal milk and is therefore not suitable for a vegan diet.
Scout's take
Cream cheese adds flavor and richness to the product, offering some nutritional value without strong positive or negative connotations.
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