Is Cream Cheese Dairy Free?
No — cream cheese is dairy.
Cream cheese is a fresh cheese, so it contains milk, lactose, and casein. Reach for almond or coconut-based spreads for dairy-free bagels.
Cream cheese is a dairy product.
If you are lactose intolerant or vegan, skip traditional cream cheese and use plant-based spreads or hummus instead.
- Cream cheese contains milk.
- Dairy-free alternatives are easy to find.
- Look for live cultures in plant-based spreads for tang.
Ingredient Analysis
Milk + cream
Provide the rich mouthfeel but contain lactose.
Stabilizers
Gums aid texture and are dairy free but do not change the dairy status.
Plant-based tubs
Almond or coconut-based cream cheese keeps the same functionality.
Is it GF/DF/Vegan/Healthy?
Gluten-Free
Cream cheese is gluten free but dairy rich.
Dairy-Free
Made completely from dairy.
Vegan
Contains milk.
Healthy
High in fat; choose lighter plant-based spreads if needed.
What to Look for on Labels
Choose plant-based callouts
Look for “dairy free” or “vegan cream cheese” on the front panel.
Check for allergens
Nut-based cream cheese alternatives may contain almonds or cashews.
Use minimal ingredients
Clean-label dairy-free cream cheese lists nuts, cultures, and salt.
Related Collections
Dairy-Free Snacks
45 productsNo milk, cheese, or dairy
Lactose-Free Options
45 productsDairy without lactose
Plant-Based Alternatives
45 productsVegan dairy and meat alternatives
Vegan Frozen Meals
45 productsPlant-based convenience
Allergy-Friendly Snacks
45 productsFree from common allergens
Gluten-Free Staples
45 productsSafe for celiac and gluten sensitivity
Keto-Friendly Options
45 productsLow carb, high fat
Low Sodium Foods
45 productsComplete low-sodium grocery guide
Clean Ingredient Champions
45 productsCleanest ingredient lists
Organic Certified Products
45 productsUSDA organic verified
Healthy Snacks for Kids
45 productsNutritious options kids enjoy
Kid-Friendly Lunch Box
45 productsSchool lunch ideas
Quick Breakfast Options
45 productsEasy morning meals
Better Pancakes & Waffles
45 productsHealthier breakfast options
Holiday Party Snacks
45 productsFestive entertaining
Christmas Treats
45 productsHoliday season snacks
Thanksgiving Meal Shortcuts
45 productsEasy holiday meal prep
Potluck Staples
45 productsCrowd-pleasing dishes
Movie Night Snacks
45 productsMake movie night healthier
Game Day Spread
45 productsParty snacks for sports
Freezer Staples
45 productsEssential frozen foods