Cream Cheese

Image: Open Food Facts (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Common questions

Is Cream Cheese healthy?

Cream Cheese scores 68/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This cream cheese is made from pasteurized cultured milk and cream, which provides high-quality protein and healthy fats.

How processed is Cream Cheese?

Cream Cheese is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Cream Cheese's score?

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

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Cream Cheese

Joseph Farms
68 Fair

Analysis updated September 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 1
Harmful ingredients 0
Category Cheese
Summary

This cream cheese is made from pasteurized cultured milk and cream, which provides high-quality protein and healthy fats. The inclusion of stabilizers like guar gum and carob bean gum is minimal, but it does contribute to its processed nature. While it lacks harmful additives, its processing level limits its score compared to less processed cheese varieties.

Key ingredients 4

Pasteurized cultured milk and cream
Good

This ingredient provides a source of high-quality protein and healthy fats. The pasteurization process ensures safety by eliminating harmful bacteria. Culturing adds beneficial probiotics that may support gut health.

Benefits

Rich in protein and healthy fats, which are essential for various bodily functions. The probiotics from culturing can aid in digestion and improve gut health.

Salt
Neutral

Salt is used to enhance flavor and preserve the product. It is a common culinary ingredient with no significant processing concerns. However, excessive consumption can lead to health issues such as hypertension.

Risks

High sodium intake may contribute to increased blood pressure and cardiovascular issues.

Benefits

Provides essential sodium needed for nerve and muscle function, but should be consumed in moderation.

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Guar gum
Neutral

Guar gum is a natural thickening agent derived from guar beans. It is used to improve texture and stability in food products. Generally recognized as safe, but excessive consumption may cause digestive discomfort.

Risks

May cause digestive issues such as gas or bloating if consumed in large amounts.

Benefits

Helps improve the texture and consistency of food products without significant health concerns when used in moderation.

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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 stabilize and thicken food products. Generally safe, but excessive intake may lead to digestive discomfort.

Risks

Excessive consumption may lead to digestive issues such as bloating or gas.

Benefits

Provides a natural way to thicken and stabilize food products, contributing to improved texture.

See more about Carob bean gum →

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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