# Philadelphia Cream Cheese, Original > Health and ingredient intelligence for a real grocery product. Source: Supermarket Puzzle (Grocery Intelligence Index). Not a shop. ## Snapshot - **Brand:** Philadelphia - **Retailer listed:** Foodtown - **Category:** Dairy - **Size:** 8 oz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/philadelphia-cream-cheese-original-8-oz - **Slug:** `philadelphia-cream-cheese-original-8-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 3** - Processed foods Made from pasteurized milk and cream with added salt, starter culture, and a stabilizer (carob bean gum), this is a processed dairy product rather than an ultraprocessed formulation. ## Review Philadelphia Cream Cheese, Original — an 8-ounce refrigerated block that sits in the chilled dairy case alongside butter, specialty and spreadable cheeses, and near bagels and deli cream spreads. You’ll spot it in the mainstream refrigerated cheese aisle, often stacked in its familiar foil-wrapped brick and cardboard sleeve. This product fits weekend brunch carts and everyday grocery runs alike: think bagel breakfasts, holiday baking (cheesecakes and frostings), quick dips for parties, or a simple comforting snack at home. The Philadelphia brand leans on heritage and reliability, marketed as an American staple for home cooks and families who want creamy, predictable results; its audience ranges from home bakers and parents to busy cooks seeking a familiar, indulgent ingredient. Label messaging emphasizes ‘‘real cream and fresh milk’’ and the absence of added preservatives — a few classic health-halo claims that suggest simplicity without organic or natural certification. There’s no child-focused branding; instead the tone is broadly domestic and reassuring. In plain terms, this is a processed dairy product made from pasteurized milk and cream with a small amount of salt, culture, and a stabilizer (carob bean gum) to keep texture consistent. Sensory cues: dense, velvety, and spreadable with a mild tang; it offers a thick, creamy mouthfeel that holds up in batters and frostings. Packaging encourages refrigerated storage and ritual use — spreading on warm bagels, folding into batters, or whipping into frosting — and the serving experience is tactile and familiar: slice the corner, spread, bake, or blend. Nutrition cues are modest: about 100 calories, 110 mg sodium, 1 g sugar per serving. ## Diet flags - Vegetarian - Gluten-free ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 1.0 oz - **Servings per container:** 8 - **Calories:** 100 - **Total fat:** 10g (13% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 6g (30% DV) - **Cholesterol:** 30mg (10% DV) - **Sodium:** 110mg (5% DV) - **Total carbs:** 1g (0% DV) - **Total sugars:** 1g - **Protein:** 2g ## Ingredients Pasteurized Milk and Cream, Salt, Carob Bean Gum, Cheese Culture. ## Context tags - **Occasions:** weekend-brunch, holiday-baking, game-day-prep - **Vibes:** indulgent, comforting, nostalgic ## FAQ ### Is Philadelphia Cream Cheese healthy? Well, it depends on your definition of 'healthy'! Philadelphia Cream Cheese is creamy and delicious, but it’s not exactly a superfood. At 100 calories per ounce, it’s a nice addition to a balanced diet, especially if you’re pairing it with whole-grain crackers or veggies. Just keep in mind it’s higher in fat, particularly saturated fat, so moderation is key! ### Is it vegan? Nope, Philadelphia Cream Cheese isn’t vegan. It’s made from pasteurized milk and cream, which means it’s definitely a dairy product. If you’re looking for a vegan cream cheese alternative, there are some great nut-based options out there that can give you that creamy texture without the dairy! ### Is it gluten-free? Yes, you can rest easy if gluten is a concern for you! Philadelphia Cream Cheese is gluten-free, so it’s a great option for anyone with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Just be sure to check your other ingredients, like crackers or bread, to keep your snack truly gluten-free! ### Does it contain seed oils? Nope, no seed oils here! Philadelphia Cream Cheese sticks to a simple ingredient list without any of those controversial oils like canola or soybean. This means you can enjoy it without worrying about those pesky seed oils sneaking into your diet. ### Does it contain artificial sweeteners? Not at all! Philadelphia Cream Cheese is free from artificial sweeteners, so you can enjoy its naturally creamy flavor without any chemical aftertaste. It's nice to know you’re getting the real deal without any sneaky additives! ### Is it high in sugar? Nope, it’s actually quite low in sugar! With only 1 gram of total sugars per ounce and no added sugars, it’s a great choice if you’re looking to keep your sugar intake in check. So go ahead and spread it on your bagel or use it in recipes without worrying about a sugar rush! ### What are healthier alternatives? If you’re looking for alternatives, consider options like Greek yogurt or cottage cheese for a protein boost. There are also nut-based cream cheeses that are dairy-free and can offer a different flavor profile. Just remember, it really depends on what you’re using it for — each option brings its own unique taste and texture! ### Can kids eat it? Absolutely! Philadelphia Cream Cheese can be a tasty addition to kids’ snacks, whether it's spread on whole-grain bread or paired with fruit. Just keep an eye on portion sizes, especially since it’s higher in fat, but it’s definitely a fun and creamy treat for little ones! ### Is it good for weight loss? It can fit into a weight loss plan, but as with all things, moderation is key! At 100 calories per ounce, it can be part of a balanced diet if you use it wisely — think of it as a flavor enhancer rather than a main ingredient. Pairing it with healthy foods can help you enjoy its richness while keeping your overall calorie intake in check. ### Is it ultra-processed? While Philadelphia Cream Cheese is processed, it doesn’t fall into the 'ultra-processed' category. It contains familiar ingredients like milk and cream, rather than a long list of additives and preservatives. So, while it’s not the most 'natural' option out there, it’s not as heavily processed as some other products on the market! ## Related products - [Fage Total 0% Yogurt Greek Nonfat Strained, Plain](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/fage-total-0-yogurt-greek-nonfat-strained-plain-530-oz) (NOVA 1) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/fage-total-0-yogurt-greek-nonfat-strained-plain-530-oz - [Organic Valley Whole Milk](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/organic-valley-whole-milk-organic-64-oz) (NOVA 1) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/organic-valley-whole-milk-organic-64-oz - [Sargento Shredded Cheese, Off The Block, Fine 4 Cheese Mexican](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/sargento-shredded-cheese-off-the-block-fine-4-cheese-mexican-8-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/sargento-shredded-cheese-off-the-block-fine-4-cheese-mexican-8-oz - [Byrne Half & Half](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/byrne-dairy-half-half-16-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/byrne-dairy-half-half-16-oz - [Stonyfield Organic Milk, Reduced Fat 2%](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/stonyfield-farm-organic-milk-reduced-fat-2-64-oz) (NOVA 1) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/stonyfield-farm-organic-milk-reduced-fat-2-64-oz - [Tuscan Skim Milk, Quart](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/tuscan-dairy-farms-skim-milk-quart-32-oz) (NOVA 1) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/tuscan-dairy-farms-skim-milk-quart-32-oz - [Fage 0% Greek Yogurt](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/fage-0-greek-yogurt-32-oz) (NOVA 1) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/fage-0-greek-yogurt-32-oz - [Tuscan Fat Free Milk, Half Gallon](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/tuscan-dairy-farms-fat-free-milk-half-gallon-64-oz) (NOVA 1) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/tuscan-dairy-farms-fat-free-milk-half-gallon-64-oz ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. 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