Original Philadelphia

Common questions

Is Original Philadelphia healthy?

Original Philadelphia scores 65/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This product is a full-fat soft cheese made with pasteurized milk, providing a good source of protein and calcium.

How processed is Original Philadelphia?

Original Philadelphia is NOVA Group 4: Ultra-Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Original Philadelphia's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Fullfat soft cheese counts in its favor. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Original Philadelphia

Philadelphia
65 Fair

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

$5.97 · 16 oz · $0.37 / ounce
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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 1
Harmful ingredients 0
Owned by Kraft Heinz
Category Cheese
Summary

This product is a full-fat soft cheese made with pasteurized milk, providing a good source of protein and calcium. However, it is classified as ultra-processed due to the inclusion of additives like guar gum and citric acid, which are used to stabilize and acidify the product. While the ingredient list is relatively short, the presence of these additives and the processing level limit its health score.

Key ingredients 4

Fullfat soft cheese
Good

Fullfat soft cheese is a source of high-quality protein and calcium. It is made from pasteurized milk, which ensures safety and retains essential nutrients. The fat content provides a rich texture and flavor, making it a satisfying ingredient.

Risks

Excessive consumption may contribute to high saturated fat intake, which can impact heart health.

Benefits

Provides essential nutrients like calcium and protein, which are important for bone health and muscle maintenance.

Salt
Neutral

Salt is used to enhance flavor and preserve the cheese. It is a common culinary ingredient with no significant processing concerns. However, it should be consumed in moderation to avoid excessive sodium intake.

Risks

High sodium intake can lead to increased blood pressure and cardiovascular issues.

See more about Salt →
Guar gum
Neutral

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

Risks

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

See more about Guar gum →
Citric acid
Neutral

Citric acid is used as an acidulant to adjust the pH and enhance flavor. It is a naturally occurring compound found in citrus fruits and is widely used in food processing. It is generally considered safe and has minimal impact on health.

See more about Citric acid →

Processing

Group 4 · Ultra-processed

Ultra-Processed Foods

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Amazon pricing & content

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