Plain Cream Cheese

Common questions

Is Plain Cream Cheese healthy?

Plain Cream Cheese scores 75/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This plain cream cheese is a processed food with a relatively simple ingredient list, including pasteurized milk and cream, which are beneficial for providing calcium and protein.

How processed is Plain Cream Cheese?

Plain Cream Cheese is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Plain Cream Cheese'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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Plain Cream Cheese

Good & Gather
75 Good

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

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Near you

Good & Gather is carried at Target stores. Find one within 25 miles.

At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 2
Harmful ingredients 1
Owned by Target Corporation
Category Cheese
Summary

This plain cream cheese is a processed food with a relatively simple ingredient list, including pasteurized milk and cream, which are beneficial for providing calcium and protein. However, the presence of processed additives like guar gum, carob bean gum, and xanthan gum, which are used for texture and stability, detracts from its overall healthiness. These additives can cause digestive issues for some individuals and are not traditional components of cheese, impacting the product's score.

Key ingredients 6

Pasteurized Milk And Cream
Good

Pasteurized milk and cream are primary sources of calcium and protein, essential for bone health and muscle maintenance. The pasteurization process ensures safety by eliminating harmful bacteria. These ingredients provide a rich, creamy texture and flavor to the product.

Benefits

Rich in calcium and protein, supporting bone health and muscle maintenance. Provides a creamy texture and flavor.

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 development of flavor and texture in cheese. May enhance digestibility through fermentation.

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Salt
Neutral

Salt is used as a preservative and flavor enhancer in cheese products. It helps in controlling the fermentation process and adds to the overall taste. 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 products.

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Guar Gum
Neutral

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

Risks

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

Benefits

Improves texture and stability of the product.

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Xanthan Gum
Neutral

Xanthan gum is a common food additive used to thicken and stabilize products. It is produced through fermentation and is generally considered safe in small amounts. While it helps maintain texture, it is not a traditional ingredient in cheese.

Risks

Excessive consumption may lead to digestive issues in some individuals.

Benefits

Helps in thickening and stabilizing the product, maintaining texture.

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Carob Bean Gum
Bad

Carob bean gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener in processed foods. It is a processed additive that can lead to digestive discomfort in some people. While it aids in maintaining product consistency, it is not a traditional cheese ingredient.

Risks

Potential to cause digestive discomfort such as bloating and gas.

Benefits

Acts as a stabilizer and thickener, improving product consistency.

See more about Carob Bean Gum →

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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