Philadelphia

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Common questions

Is Philadelphia healthy?

Philadelphia scores 68/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This product is a processed cheese with a relatively simple ingredient list, including whole milk and lactic cultures, which are beneficial for gut health and nutrient content.

How processed is Philadelphia?

Philadelphia is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Philadelphia's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Lactic Cultures, Whole Milk, Cream 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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Philadelphia

Philadelphia
68 Fair

Analysis updated September 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 3
Harmful ingredients 0
Owned by Kraft Heinz
Category Cheese
Summary

This product is a processed cheese with a relatively simple ingredient list, including whole milk and lactic cultures, which are beneficial for gut health and nutrient content. However, the presence of guar gum as a stabilizer adds to the processing level and can cause digestive issues for some individuals. The product's processing level limits its score, despite the absence of more harmful additives.

Key ingredients 6

Lactic Cultures
Good

Lactic cultures are beneficial bacteria used in the fermentation of dairy products, contributing to flavor and texture. They can improve gut health by promoting a healthy microbiome. Fermentation with lactic cultures is a traditional method that enhances the nutritional profile of dairy.

Benefits

Supports gut health and enhances the flavor and texture of dairy products.

See more about Lactic Cultures →
Whole Milk
Good

Whole milk is a nutrient-rich dairy product providing essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D. It contains healthy fats that are important for brain and heart health. The quality of milk can vary based on the source, with grass-fed options being more beneficial.

Risks

May pose a risk for individuals with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.

Benefits

Rich in calcium and vitamin D, supporting bone health and providing essential nutrients.

See more about Whole Milk →
Cream
Good

Traditional whole-fat dairy ingredient.

Risks

High in saturated fats, which may contribute to heart disease if consumed in excess.

Benefits

Enhances flavor and texture, providing fat-soluble vitamins and energy.

See more about Cream →
Milk Permeate
Neutral

Milk permeate is a byproduct of dairy processing, primarily composed of lactose and minerals. It is used to standardize dairy products and improve texture. While it is not harmful, it does not provide significant nutritional benefits.

Benefits

Provides minerals and lactose which can enhance the texture and flavor of dairy products.

Guar Gum
Neutral

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

Risks

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

Benefits

Helps improve the texture and consistency of food products.

See more about Guar Gum →
Acidulant
Neutral

Acidulants are used to adjust the acidity of food products, enhancing flavor and preserving freshness. They are generally recognized as safe when used in moderation. The specific type of acidulant used can vary, but common ones include citric acid and lactic acid.

Benefits

Helps maintain product freshness and enhances flavor.

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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