Cream Cheese

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

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, which limits its potential score despite having some beneficial ingredients like pasteurized milk and cream.

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 and cream, Cheese culture count in its favor; Guargum 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

Winco Foods
60 Fair

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 2
Harmful ingredients 1
Owned by Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
Category Cheese
Summary

This cream cheese is ultra-processed, which limits its potential score despite having some beneficial ingredients like pasteurized milk and cream. The presence of additives such as guar gum and xanthan gum, which are used to improve texture and stability, further impacts the rating. While these additives are generally safe, they contribute to the product's high level of processing.

Key ingredients 6

Pasteurized milk and cream
Good

Pasteurized milk and cream are primary sources of high-quality protein and healthy fats. They provide essential nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D. The pasteurization process ensures safety by eliminating harmful bacteria.

Benefits

Rich in calcium and vitamin D, supporting bone health and providing high-quality protein and fats.

See more about Pasteurized milk and cream →
Cheese culture
Good

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

Benefits

May contribute to gut health if probiotic strains are present, though this depends on the specific cultures used.

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Salt
Neutral

Salt is used for flavor enhancement and preservation in cheese. It is a common ingredient in many foods. While necessary for flavor, excessive consumption can lead to health issues such as hypertension.

Risks

Excessive salt intake can contribute to high blood pressure and cardiovascular issues.

Benefits

Provides essential sodium needed for various bodily functions.

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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. It is generally considered safe and is less processed than some other gums.

Benefits

Provides a natural source of thickening and stabilization in food products.

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Xanthan gum
Neutral

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

Risks

May cause digestive issues such as bloating or diarrhea in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Improves texture and stability of the product, enhancing mouthfeel.

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Guargum
Bad

Guargum is a thickening agent used to improve texture and stability in processed foods. It is derived from guar beans and is highly processed. While generally safe, it can cause digestive issues in sensitive individuals.

Risks

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

Benefits

Helps improve the texture and consistency of the product.

Processing

Group 4 · Ultra-processed

Ultra-Processed Foods

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