Philadelphia Cream Cheese

Common questions

Is Philadelphia Cream Cheese healthy?

Philadelphia Cream Cheese scores 65/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. Philadelphia Cream Cheese contains beneficial ingredients like pasteurized milk and cream, whey protein concentrate, and cheese culture, which contribute to its nutritional value and flavor.

How processed is Philadelphia Cream Cheese?

Philadelphia Cream Cheese is NOVA Group 4: Ultra-Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Philadelphia Cream Cheese's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Pasteurized milk and cream, Whey protein concentrate, Cheese culture count in its favor; Sorbic acid is flagged as an ingredient of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Philadelphia Cream Cheese

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 3
Harmful ingredients 1
Owned by Kraft Heinz
Category Cheese
Summary

Philadelphia Cream Cheese contains beneficial ingredients like pasteurized milk and cream, whey protein concentrate, and cheese culture, which contribute to its nutritional value and flavor. However, it is classified as ultra-processed due to the presence of additives such as guar gum and sorbic acid, which are used for texture and preservation. These additives, along with the processing level, limit the product's health score despite its beneficial components.

Key ingredients 8

Pasteurized milk and cream
Good

This ingredient provides a rich source of high-quality protein and healthy fats. Pasteurization ensures safety by eliminating harmful bacteria. It is a fundamental component of cream cheese, contributing to its creamy texture and nutritional value.

Benefits

Rich in protein and healthy fats, supporting muscle maintenance and providing energy.

See more about Pasteurized milk and cream →
Whey protein concentrate
Good

Whey protein concentrate is a high-quality protein source with a complete amino acid profile. It is beneficial for muscle repair and growth. Derived from milk, it enhances the protein content of the product.

Risks

May cause digestive issues in lactose-intolerant individuals.

Benefits

Supports muscle growth and repair due to its complete amino acid profile.

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Cheese culture
Good

Cheese culture is essential for the fermentation process in cheese making. It contributes to the development of flavor and texture. It is a natural and beneficial component of cheese products.

Benefits

Enhances flavor and texture through natural fermentation processes.

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Salt
Neutral

Salt is used to enhance flavor and act as a preservative. It is a common ingredient in cheese products. 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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Carob bean gum
Neutral

Carob bean gum is a natural thickener derived from the seeds of the carob tree. It is used to improve texture and stability in food products. It is generally considered safe and has minimal health impacts.

Benefits

Improves texture and stability in food products.

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Guar gum
Neutral

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

Risks

May cause digestive discomfort such as bloating and gas in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Provides thickening and stabilizing properties in food products.

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Vitamin A palmitate
Neutral

Vitamin A palmitate is a synthetic form of vitamin A used to fortify foods. It is important for vision and immune function. While beneficial, it is added in synthetic form, which some consumers may prefer to avoid.

Risks

Excessive intake can lead to hypervitaminosis A.

Benefits

Supports vision and immune health as a source of vitamin A.

See more about Vitamin A palmitate →
Sorbic acid
Bad

Sorbic acid is a preservative used to prevent mold and yeast growth. While effective, it is a synthetic additive that some consumers prefer to avoid. Its presence indicates a level of processing in the product.

Risks

Potential for allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Prevents spoilage by inhibiting mold and yeast growth.

See more about Sorbic acid →

Processing

Group 4 · Ultra-processed

Ultra-Processed Foods

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