Philadelphia Cream Cheese Original

Common questions

Is Philadelphia Cream Cheese Original healthy?

Philadelphia Cream Cheese Original 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 is ultra-processed, which limits its score despite having a relatively simple ingredient list.

How processed is Philadelphia Cream Cheese Original?

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

Which ingredients drive Philadelphia Cream Cheese Original's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Pasteurized milk and cream, Cheese culture count in its favor; Stabilizers (carob bean and/or xanthan and/or guar gums) 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 Original

Philadelphia
65 Fair

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

$5.97 · 16 oz · $0.37 / ounce
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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 2
Harmful ingredients 1
Category Cheese
Summary

This cream cheese is ultra-processed, which limits its score despite having a relatively simple ingredient list. The presence of stabilizers like carob bean, xanthan, and guar gums indicates a higher level of processing, although these are not harmful in small amounts. The primary ingredients, pasteurized milk and cream, are beneficial, providing essential nutrients such as protein and calcium.

Key ingredients 4

Pasteurized milk and cream
Good

Pasteurized milk and cream are primary sources of high-quality protein and calcium. They provide essential nutrients like vitamin D and B12, which are important for bone health. The pasteurization process ensures safety by eliminating harmful bacteria.

Risks

Lactose intolerance can be a concern for some individuals consuming dairy products.

Benefits

Rich in calcium and protein, supporting bone health and muscle maintenance. Contains essential vitamins like B12 and D.

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 by introducing beneficial bacteria.

See more about Cheese culture →
Salt
Neutral

Salt is used for flavor enhancement and preservation in cheese products. It is a common ingredient in processed foods and provides sodium, an essential mineral. However, excessive consumption can lead to health issues like hypertension.

Risks

High sodium intake is associated with increased risk of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.

Benefits

Provides essential sodium needed for various bodily functions.

See more about Salt →
Stabilizers (carob bean and/or xanthan and/or guar gums)
Bad

Stabilizers like carob bean, xanthan, and guar gums are used to improve texture and shelf life in processed foods. They are highly processed and can cause digestive issues in sensitive individuals. Their presence indicates a higher level of food processing.

Risks

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

Benefits

Helps maintain product texture and stability over time.

Processing

Group 4 · Ultra-processed

Ultra-Processed Foods

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