Philadelphia Original Cream Cheese, 1/3 Less Fat, 2 Ct

Common questions

Is Philadelphia Original Cream Cheese, 1/3 Less Fat, 2 Ct healthy?

Philadelphia Original Cream Cheese, 1/3 Less Fat, 2 Ct scores 65/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This cream cheese product is ultra-processed, which limits its potential health score despite containing beneficial dairy ingredients like pasteurized milk and cream.

How processed is Philadelphia Original Cream Cheese, 1/3 Less Fat, 2 Ct?

Philadelphia Original Cream Cheese, 1/3 Less Fat, 2 Ct is NOVA Group 4: Ultra-Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Philadelphia Original Cream Cheese, 1/3 Less Fat, 2 Ct's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Pasteurized milk and cream, Cheese culture count in its favor. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Philadelphia Original Cream Cheese, 1/3 Less Fat, 2 Ct

Philadelphia
65 Fair

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

$4.46 · 8 oz · pack of 2 · $0.28 / ounce
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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 2
Harmful ingredients 0
Owned by Kraft Heinz
Category Cheese
Summary

This cream cheese product is ultra-processed, which limits its potential health score despite containing beneficial dairy ingredients like pasteurized milk and cream. The presence of additives such as xanthan gum, guar gum, and carob bean gum, while common in processed foods, contributes to its processing level and reduces its overall healthiness. The product's clean label and lack of harmful ingredients like seed oils or artificial dyes are positive aspects, but the processing level remains a significant factor in its rating.

Key ingredients 6

Pasteurized milk and cream
Good

Pasteurized milk and cream are primary dairy ingredients providing essential nutrients like calcium and protein. The pasteurization process ensures safety by eliminating harmful bacteria. These ingredients are foundational in dairy products, contributing to a creamy texture and nutritional value.

Benefits

Rich in calcium and protein, supporting bone health and muscle maintenance.

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Cheese culture
Good

Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.

Benefits

Essential for cheese fermentation, contributing to flavor and texture.

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Salt
Neutral

Salt is used to enhance flavor and act as a preservative in food products. It is a common ingredient in processed foods, contributing to the overall sodium content. While necessary for flavor, excessive consumption can lead to health issues.

Risks

High sodium intake can contribute to hypertension and cardiovascular issues.

Benefits

Enhances flavor and acts as a preservative in food products.

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Xanthan gum
Neutral

Fermentation-derived thickener, well tolerated at food-use levels.

Risks

May cause digestive issues or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Improves texture and stability in food products.

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Carob bean gum
Neutral

Carob bean gum is a natural thickening agent derived from the seeds of the carob tree. It is used to improve texture and consistency in food products. As a natural additive, it is generally considered safe but offers no significant nutritional benefits.

Benefits

Provides a natural source of thickening and stabilizing properties.

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Guar gum
Neutral

Standard formulation ingredient — neither beneficial nor harmful at typical use.

Risks

May cause digestive discomfort or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Improves texture and consistency in food products.

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Processing

Group 4 · Ultra-processed

Ultra-Processed Foods

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