Cream Cheese

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Common questions

Is Cream Cheese healthy?

Cream Cheese scores 60/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This cream cheese is ultra-processed, containing multiple thickening agents like guar gum, carob bean gum, and xanthan gum, which are highly processed and offer no nutritional benefits.

How processed is Cream Cheese?

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

Which ingredients drive Cream Cheese's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Pasteurized milk, Cream, Cheese culture count in its favor; Carob bean gum 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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Cream Cheese

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60 Fair

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 3
Harmful ingredients 1
Owned by Wakefern Food Corporation
Category Cheese
Summary

This cream cheese is ultra-processed, containing multiple thickening agents like guar gum, carob bean gum, and xanthan gum, which are highly processed and offer no nutritional benefits. While it includes beneficial ingredients like pasteurized milk and cream, the presence of these additives and its high processing level limit its healthiness compared to more traditional cheese products.

Key ingredients 7

Pasteurized milk
Good

Pasteurized milk is a primary source of calcium and protein, essential for bone health and muscle maintenance. The pasteurization process kills harmful bacteria, making it safe for consumption. It is a fundamental ingredient in dairy products, providing a rich nutrient profile.

Benefits

Rich in calcium and protein, supporting bone health and muscle function. Provides essential vitamins and minerals necessary for overall health.

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Cream
Good

Traditional whole-fat dairy ingredient.

Risks

High in saturated fats, which may contribute to heart disease if consumed in excess.

Benefits

Adds richness and flavor to foods, and provides fat-soluble vitamins like A and D.

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Cheese culture
Good

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

Benefits

Essential for the fermentation process in cheese making, contributing to flavor and texture.

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Salt
Neutral

Salt is used as a preservative and flavor enhancer in many foods. It is essential for maintaining fluid balance and nerve function. However, excessive intake can lead to hypertension and cardiovascular issues.

Risks

Excessive consumption can lead to high blood pressure and increased risk of heart disease.

Benefits

Essential for fluid balance and nerve function, and enhances flavor in foods.

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Guar gum
Neutral

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

Risks

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

Benefits

Improves texture and stability in food products, enhancing mouthfeel.

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Xanthan gum
Neutral

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

Risks

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

Benefits

Enhances texture and stability in food products, providing a smooth consistency.

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Carob bean gum
Bad

Carob bean gum is a thickening agent derived from carob seeds, used to stabilize and thicken food products. It is processed and can cause digestive discomfort in some people. While it helps in texture, it does not provide nutritional benefits.

Risks

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

Benefits

Used to stabilize and thicken food products, improving texture.

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Processing

Group 4 · Ultra-processed

Ultra-Processed Foods

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