Frederic Melton
Cream cheese is a smooth, creamy fresh cheese product made from milk and cream, often with other ingredients added as stabilizers and thickeners. It is a popular spread for bagels, bread, or crackers and is also used as an ingredient in dips and in a variety of sweet and savoury dishes. Cream cheese is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, vitamin D, and probiotics. It also contains high levels of saturated fat, with about 99.2 calories per ounce, or 50.8 calories per tablespoon.
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What You'll Learn
Calorie count depends on the type of milk used
The calorie count of cream cheese depends on several factors, one of the most important being the type of milk used. Cream cheese is a dairy product made primarily from milk and cream, with other ingredients like salt, stabilizers, and thickeners. The fat content of the milk used directly impacts the calorie count of the final product.
Cream cheese made with milk and cream, for example, has a higher fat content and, therefore, more calories. A single tablespoon (14.5 grams) serving of regular cream cheese provides 50.8 calories, with 87% coming from fat, 7% from protein, and 6% from carbohydrates. In contrast, whipped cream cheese, which is aerated, has a lighter, less dense texture and is lower in calories.
Low-fat cream cheese alternatives, such as Neufchatel cheese, are made with milk instead of cream, resulting in a reduced fat content. Neufchatel cheese provides one-third to one-half less fat than traditional cream cheese, translating to lower calories. Plant-based cream cheese options are also available, which can be beneficial for bone health and are often fortified with calcium and vitamin D.
The way cream cheese is processed and its age can also influence its nutritional profile and calorie count. Additionally, the method of preparation and serving size can affect the overall calorie intake. For example, a typical everything bagel with cream cheese has around 460 calories, while jalapeno poppers with cream cheese come to about 280 calories per serving.
It's worth noting that while cream cheese can be part of a healthy diet in moderation, it is high in saturated fat. Low-fat alternatives or portion control can help reduce calorie intake. Additionally, cream cheese provides some essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium, vitamin A, vitamin K, folate, and choline.
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Low-fat options
Cream cheese is a smooth, creamy fresh cheese product made from milk and cream, often with other ingredients added as stabilizers and thickeners. It is a good source of vitamin A, with a single tablespoon containing 5% of the recommended daily value.
Regular cream cheese is sold in bar form or whipped tubs, and its calorie and fat content can vary depending on how it is purchased. For example, one tablespoon (14.5g) of cream cheese contains 50.8 calories, with 87% of those calories derived from fat. Whipped cream cheese, on the other hand, is much lower in calories.
If you're looking for low-fat options, there are a few varieties available:
- Low-fat cream cheese: This option has about one-third to one-half less fat than traditional cream cheese, but it may have a smaller serving size. The reduced-fat version typically has around 60-70 calories, compared to 80-90 calories in the regular version. However, some people argue that low-fat does not necessarily mean fewer calories or a healthier product, as it may contain more sugars or stabilizers.
- Neufchatel cheese: This is a similar cheese product to cream cheese, but it is made from milk instead of milk and cream. It typically has one-third to one-half less fat than traditional cream cheese. For example, a single tablespoon of Neufchatel cheese provides 2.5 grams of fat and 1.5 grams of saturated fat, compared to 5 grams of total fat and saturated fat in regular cream cheese.
- Laughing Cow cheese: This is a low-calorie option, with just 25 calories per wedge, but it is not specifically mentioned as a cream cheese variety.
When choosing a low-fat option, it's important to consider your preferences for taste, texture, and nutritional profile. Some people prefer the taste and macronutrient profile of full-fat dairy products, while others may prioritize the reduced-fat content of low-fat options. Additionally, low-fat cream cheese can be used as a healthier alternative to butter or flour for thickening foods like soups and sauces.
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Cream cheese has less fat than butter
Cream cheese is a processed cheese product made from milk and cream, with other ingredients added as stabilizers and thickeners. It is a relatively recent addition to the human diet, and has a creamy, spreadable texture. Cream cheese has a tangy flavour, and is lighter and less rich than butter.
Butter, on the other hand, is made by churning milk or cream. It has been consumed since the agricultural ages, and has a sweet cream flavour. Butter is semi-solid at room temperature, and solid when refrigerated. It has a rich, fatty taste and is used to enhance the flavour of other foods.
Cream cheese has a lower fat content than butter. A single tablespoon of cream cheese contains 5 grams of fat, 4.5 grams of which are saturated fat. Whipped cream cheese is lower in fat and calories than regular cream cheese. Cream cheese also has a lower calorie content than butter, with 350 calories per 100 grams compared to 717 calories for the same amount of butter.
Cream cheese is also a good source of vitamin A, with one tablespoon containing 5% of the recommended daily value. It also contains vitamin K, folate, choline, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, sodium, selenium, and B complex vitamins. However, cream cheese does not contain substantial amounts of many nutrients.
While cream cheese has lower fat and calorie content than butter, the difference is not substantial, and cream cheese cannot be used as a substitute for butter in every case. Low-fat cream cheese, however, can be used to reduce saturated fat intake, which is associated with an increased risk of heart disease.
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Whipped cream cheese is lower in calories
Cream cheese is a smooth, creamy fresh cheese product made from milk and cream. It often has other ingredients added as stabilizers and thickeners, such as guar gum and carrageenan. Cream cheese is available in bar form or whipped tubs. The way you buy the product will affect its calorie and fat content.
A single tablespoon (14.5g) of cream cheese contains 50.8 calories, 87% of which come from fat, 7% from protein, and 6% from carbohydrates. Cream cheese has minimal carbohydrates, with a single serving providing less than 1 gram of carbs (0.8 grams), primarily in the form of sugar.
Whipped cream cheese is much lower in calories than regular cream cheese. Whipped cream cheese is made by whipping milk and real cream to create a light, fluffy texture. This process adds air to the mixture, increasing its volume and diluting the calories. Whipped cream cheese is a good option for those looking for a lower-calorie alternative to regular cream cheese. It is also easier to spread, making it a convenient choice for bagels, dips, and crackers.
In addition to being lower in calories, whipped cream cheese can also be lower in fat. For example, Neufchatel cheese is a similar product to traditional cream cheese but is made with milk instead of milk and cream, resulting in one-third to one-half less fat. Low-fat cream cheese options are also available, which can reduce saturated fat intake, associated with an increased risk of heart disease.
Overall, whipped cream cheese is a lower-calorie alternative to regular cream cheese, offering a light and fluffy texture that is convenient for spreading and dipping. It is important to note that while whipped cream cheese has fewer calories, it may not be a substantial difference, and it should not be considered a direct substitute for butter or other spreads in terms of calorie content.
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Calories in cream cheese desserts
Cream cheese is a popular soft cheese with a smooth consistency, often used as a spread. It is made from milk and cream, with other ingredients added as stabilizers and thickeners, such as guar gum and carrageenan. The nutritional value and calorie count of cream cheese depend on the type of milk used and its fat content. Cream cheese is typically high in fat, with a single serving providing around 5 grams of total fat, including saturated fat, polyunsaturated fat, and monounsaturated fat.
When it comes to cream cheese desserts, the calorie count can vary depending on the ingredients used and the serving size. A popular cream cheese dessert is cheesecake, which can be made with different ingredients and flavors, affecting its calorie content. For example, a traditional New York-style baked cheesecake made with cream cheese, eggs, sugar, and a graham cracker crust can range from 250 to 350 calories per slice, depending on the recipe and portion size.
Another factor that can influence the calorie count of cream cheese desserts is the type of cream cheese used. Whipped cream cheese, for instance, tends to be lower in calories than regular cream cheese due to its higher air density, resulting in a reduced calorie count per serving. Flavored cream cheeses, such as strawberry or chive, may also have a higher calorie count due to added ingredients. For example, sweet flavors may include additional fruit or puree, increasing the sugar and calorie content.
It's worth noting that cream cheese desserts can also provide some nutritional benefits. Cream cheese is a good source of vitamin A, with a single ounce containing around 10% of the recommended daily value. It also contains small amounts of other vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K, folate, choline, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium. Additionally, cream cheese can offer probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that support immune function and promote a healthy gut.
In summary, while cream cheese desserts can vary in their calorie content, they also provide some nutritional benefits. The calorie count depends on the ingredients used, the type of cream cheese, and the serving size. As with any dessert, moderation is key to maintaining a balanced diet.
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Frequently asked questions
There are about 99.2 calories per ounce of cream cheese, or 50.8 calories per tablespoon.
Yes, there are low-fat and plant-based alternatives to cream cheese. Neufchatel cheese, for example, provides one-third to one-half less fat than traditional cream cheese.
Cream cheese can be used as a spread on whole-grain bread or bagel products, adding vegetables and lean protein to create a well-rounded meal. It can also be used with a baked potato or in a sauce.
