Kirkland Signature Cream Cheese

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Common questions

Is Kirkland Signature Cream Cheese healthy?

Kirkland Signature Cream Cheese 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 made from pasteurized milk and cream, which are beneficial ingredients providing essential nutrients.

How processed is Kirkland Signature Cream Cheese?

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

Which ingredients drive Kirkland Signature Cream Cheese's score?

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

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Kirkland Signature Cream Cheese

Kirkland Signature
65 Fair

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

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Near you

Kirkland Signature is carried at Costco stores. Find one within 25 miles.

At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 2
Harmful ingredients 0
Owned by Costco
Category Cheese
Summary

This cream cheese is made from pasteurized milk and cream, which are beneficial ingredients providing essential nutrients. However, it is classified as ultra-processed due to the inclusion of additives like guar gum and xanthan gum, which are used as thickening agents. The presence of these additives and the level of processing limit its health score despite the absence of harmful seed oils or artificial sweeteners.

Key ingredients 6

Pasteurized milk and cream
Good

Pasteurized milk and cream are primary sources of calcium and protein. They provide essential nutrients and are minimally processed. The pasteurization process ensures safety by eliminating harmful bacteria.

Benefits

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

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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. While necessary in small amounts, excessive consumption can lead to health issues.

Risks

High sodium intake can 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 bloating and gas when consumed in large amounts.

Benefits

Provides texture and stability to the product.

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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 improve texture and consistency. Generally considered safe, it is less processed than some other thickeners.

Benefits

Improves texture and consistency 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 and diarrhea in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Provides stability and texture to processed foods.

See more about Xanthan gum →

Processing

Group 4 · Ultra-processed

Ultra-Processed Foods

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