ORIGINAL CREAM CHEESE, ORIGINAL

Common questions

Is ORIGINAL CREAM CHEESE, ORIGINAL healthy?

ORIGINAL CREAM CHEESE, ORIGINAL 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 score despite having a relatively simple ingredient list.

How processed is ORIGINAL CREAM CHEESE, ORIGINAL?

ORIGINAL CREAM CHEESE, ORIGINAL is NOVA Group 4: Ultra-Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive ORIGINAL CREAM CHEESE, ORIGINAL's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Pasteurized milk and 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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ORIGINAL CREAM CHEESE, ORIGINAL

Crystal Farms
60 Fair

Analysis updated September 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 2
Harmful ingredients 1
Owned by Milton G. Waldbaum Company
Category Cheese
Summary

This cream cheese is ultra-processed, which limits its score despite having a relatively simple ingredient list. The presence of additives like guar gum, carob bean gum, and xanthan gum, which are used for thickening and stabilizing, contributes to its processing level. While it contains beneficial ingredients like pasteurized milk and cream, the use of these additives and its processing level prevent it from scoring higher.

Key ingredients 6

Pasteurized milk and cream
Good

Pasteurized milk and cream provide essential nutrients like calcium and protein. The pasteurization process ensures safety by eliminating harmful bacteria. It is a primary source of high-quality dairy fats and proteins.

Benefits

Rich in calcium and protein, supporting bone health and muscle maintenance.

See more about Pasteurized milk and cream →
Cheese culture
Good

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

Benefits

Contributes to the fermentation process, enhancing flavor and texture.

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Salt
Neutral

Salt is used for flavor enhancement and preservation in cheese. It is a common ingredient in many foods. Excessive consumption can lead to health issues like hypertension.

Risks

High sodium intake may contribute to hypertension and cardiovascular issues.

Benefits

Enhances flavor and acts as a preservative in cheese.

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Guar gum
Neutral

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

Risks

May cause digestive discomfort such as gas and bloating when consumed in large amounts.

Benefits

Provides texture and stability to processed foods.

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Xanthan gum
Neutral

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

Risks

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

Benefits

Improves texture and stability in processed foods.

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Carob bean gum
Bad

Carob bean gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener in food products. It is derived from the seeds of the carob tree and is processed to extract the gum. Overconsumption may lead to digestive issues.

Risks

Potential to cause digestive issues like bloating and gas if consumed in excess.

Benefits

Helps improve texture and consistency in food products.

See more about Carob bean gum →

Processing

Group 4 · Ultra-processed

Ultra-Processed Foods

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