Cream Cheese

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Common questions

Is Cream Cheese healthy?

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 contains beneficial ingredients like milk, butter, and buttermilk, which provide essential nutrients and probiotics.

How processed is Cream Cheese?

Cream Cheese is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Cream Cheese's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Milk, Butter, Buttermilk count in its favor; Palm Oil, Trisodium Phosphate are flagged as ingredients 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

Puck
65 Fair

Analysis updated July 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 4
Harmful ingredients 2
Category Cheese
Summary

This cream cheese contains beneficial ingredients like milk, butter, and buttermilk, which provide essential nutrients and probiotics. However, the presence of palm oil, a processed ingredient with environmental and health concerns, affects its overall quality. The product is moderately processed, which limits its score despite the presence of beneficial components.

Key ingredients 7

Milk
Good

Milk is a primary source of calcium and protein, essential for bone health and muscle maintenance. It is minimally processed, retaining most of its natural nutrients. The quality of milk can vary based on the source, with organic or grass-fed options offering additional benefits.

Risks

Some individuals may be lactose intolerant or allergic to milk proteins.

Benefits

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

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Butter
Good

Butter is a source of saturated fats and fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, and E. It is minimally processed and can be beneficial when sourced from grass-fed cows. Grass-fed butter contains higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids and CLA.

Risks

High in saturated fats, which should be consumed in moderation to avoid cardiovascular risks.

Benefits

Provides fat-soluble vitamins and beneficial fatty acids, especially when grass-fed.

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Buttermilk
Good

Buttermilk is a fermented dairy product that can aid digestion and provide probiotics. It is low in fat and retains some of the nutritional benefits of milk. The fermentation process enhances its digestibility and nutrient absorption.

Risks

May cause issues for those with lactose intolerance or milk allergies.

Benefits

Contains probiotics that support gut health and digestion.

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Cheese Culture
Good

Cheese cultures are beneficial bacteria used in the fermentation process of cheese. They enhance flavor and texture while providing probiotics that support gut health. The use of high-quality cultures can improve the nutritional profile of the cheese.

Benefits

Supports gut health through probiotic content and enhances cheese flavor.

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Salt
Neutral

Salt is used for flavor enhancement and preservation in food products. It is a necessary nutrient but should be consumed in moderation to prevent hypertension. The type of salt used can vary, with unrefined salts offering trace minerals.

Risks

Excessive intake can lead to high blood pressure and cardiovascular issues.

Benefits

Essential for maintaining fluid balance and nerve function.

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Palm Oil
Bad

Palm oil is high in saturated fats and often criticized for its environmental impact due to deforestation. It is a processed oil that can contribute to increased cholesterol levels. Sustainable sourcing can mitigate some environmental concerns.

Risks

High saturated fat content may increase cholesterol levels and cardiovascular risk.

Benefits

Provides a stable cooking fat with a long shelf life, but health benefits are limited.

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Trisodium Phosphate
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

Excessive consumption may lead to imbalances in phosphate levels, affecting kidney function.

See more about Trisodium Phosphate →

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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