Cream Cheese

Image: Open Food Facts (CC BY-SA 3.0)

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 is ultra-processed, which limits its potential score despite having a relatively simple ingredient list.

How processed is Cream Cheese?

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

Which ingredients drive Cream Cheese's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Pasteurized milk and cream counts in its favor; Xanthan, Locust Bean, Guar Gums 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

Sprouts Farmers Market
65 Fair

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 1
Harmful ingredients 3
Owned by Sprouts Farmers Market
Category Cheese
Summary

This cream cheese is ultra-processed, which limits its potential score despite having a relatively simple ingredient list. The presence of stabilizers like xanthan, locust bean, and guar gums indicates a higher level of processing, which can be a concern for some consumers. However, the primary ingredients of pasteurized milk and cream are beneficial, providing essential nutrients typical of dairy products.

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 a staple in dairy products. The pasteurization process ensures safety by eliminating harmful bacteria.

Benefits

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

See more about Pasteurized milk and cream →
Salt
Neutral

Salt is used for flavor enhancement and preservation. It is a common ingredient in processed foods. While necessary for bodily functions, excessive intake can lead to health issues.

Risks

High sodium intake can contribute to hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.

Benefits

Essential for maintaining fluid balance and nerve function.

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Cheese cultures
Neutral

Cheese cultures are essential for the fermentation process in cheese making. They contribute to the development of flavor and texture. As a natural component of cheese, they are generally considered safe.

Benefits

Contributes to the development of flavor and texture in cheese.

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Xanthan
Bad

Part of Stabilizers. Stabilizers like xanthan, locust bean, and guar gums are used to improve texture and shelf life. They are highly processed and can cause digestive issues in sensitive individuals. Their presence indicates a higher level of processing.

Risks

May cause digestive discomfort or allergic reactions in some individuals.

Locust Bean
Bad

Part of Stabilizers. Stabilizers like xanthan, locust bean, and guar gums are used to improve texture and shelf life. They are highly processed and can cause digestive issues in sensitive individuals. Their presence indicates a higher level of processing.

Risks

May cause digestive discomfort or allergic reactions in some individuals.

Guar Gums
Bad

Part of Stabilizers. Stabilizers like xanthan, locust bean, and guar gums are used to improve texture and shelf life. They are highly processed and can cause digestive issues in sensitive individuals. Their presence indicates a higher level of processing.

Risks

May cause digestive discomfort or allergic reactions in some individuals.

Processing

Group 4 · Ultra-processed

Ultra-Processed Foods

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