Andy Montoya
Cream cheese is a popular dairy product used as a spread and in various dishes. It is made from milk, cream, and salt, with added ingredients like stabilizers and thickeners. While it offers some benefits for bone and gut health, it is high in saturated fat and calories. The calorie count varies with the type of cream cheese, and one tablespoon (14.5g) typically contains around 50 calories. Whipped cream cheese has fewer calories, while flavoured varieties have more due to added ingredients. Cream cheese is a versatile ingredient used in both sweet and savoury dishes, contributing to their overall calorie content.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | 50.8 per tablespoon (14.5g) serving; 99.2 per ounce; 350 per 100g |
| Carbohydrates | Less than 1 gram per serving (0.8 grams); 5.52g per 100g |
| Fat | 87% of calories come from fat; 2.5 grams per tablespoon serving; 5.7 grams of saturated fat per ounce |
| Protein | 7% of calories come from protein; 6.15g per 100g |
| Vitamins | A, D, B2, and E; contains probiotics |
| Minerals | Calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, sodium, selenium |
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What You'll Learn
Calorie count: 50.8 per tablespoon
Cream cheese is a smooth, creamy fresh cheese product made from milk and cream, often with other ingredients added as stabilizers and thickeners, such as guar gum and carrageenan. 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 also the main ingredient in cheesecakes.
Cream cheese is a good source of vitamin A, providing about 5% of the daily value per tablespoon. Vitamin A is an essential micronutrient that plays a vital role in several bodily processes, including vision, immune response, and cell differentiation and proliferation. Cream cheese also contains calcium, vitamin D, and probiotics, which offer benefits for bone strength and gut health.
Despite these benefits, cream cheese is high in saturated fat and calories. A single tablespoon serving of cream cheese contains 50.8 calories, 87% of which come from fat. Cream cheese is also relatively high in sodium, containing 45.5 mg per tablespoon.
There are several varieties of cream cheese, including low-fat, flavored, and whipped, which can affect the calorie and fat content. Whipped cream cheese, for example, is much lower in calories, with Philadelphia Whipped Cream Cheese providing 50 calories per 2-tablespoon serving. Low-fat cream cheese can be used to thicken foods like soups and sauces as a healthier alternative to butter or flour.
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Low-fat alternatives
Cream cheese is a smooth, creamy fresh cheese product made from milk and cream. It contains minerals like calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, sodium, and selenium. Cream cheese is also available in low-fat varieties, which can be used to save on saturated fat intake.
If you're looking for low-fat alternatives to cream cheese, there are several options to choose from:
Neufchâtel
Neufchâtel is a soft and slightly crumbly cheese that originated in Normandy, France, but is also produced in the US. The American version is made with milk, giving it a fat content that is one-third lower than that of traditional cream cheese. It can be used in a 1:1 ratio in place of cream cheese in almost any recipe, including cheesecake, frosting, sauces, and spreads. However, it has a grainier texture and a slightly different flavour profile.
Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is a nutritious alternative to cream cheese, as it is rich in protein, calcium, and vitamin B12. It can be used in a 1:1 ratio to replace cream cheese in dips, spreads, frostings, and baked goods. To achieve a thicker consistency similar to cream cheese, Greek yogurt can be strained overnight using a cheesecloth.
Sour Cream
Sour cream is a thick and tangy product made by adding lactic acid bacteria to cream. It has a lower fat content than cream cheese, making it a good choice for reducing calories in recipes. Sour cream can be used in a 1:1 ratio in place of cream cheese, especially in soups, sauces, dips, and other savoury dishes.
Quark
Quark is a creamy, spreadable cheese that is popular in Europe. It has a mild flavour and soft texture similar to cream cheese, and it is highly nutritious, containing protein and calcium. Quark can be used in equal amounts to replace cream cheese in cheesecakes, frostings, cookies, sauces, and spreads. However, it is slightly more sour, so adjustments may be needed in the recipe.
Silken Tofu
For a vegan option, silken tofu makes a great substitute for cream cheese in certain recipes. It has a soft and creamy texture, and it is highly nutritious, containing protein, manganese, selenium, and calcium. Silken tofu is commonly used in vegan cheesecakes and bagel spreads, and it can be blended to achieve the desired consistency.
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Health benefits and risks
Cream cheese is a popular soft cheese with a smooth consistency and a mild taste. It is often used as a spread on bagels, bread, or crackers, as well as in dips and a variety of sweet and savoury dishes.
There are about 99.2 calories per ounce of cream cheese, as well as 5.7 grams of saturated fat. Whipped cream cheese is much lower in calories, with one brand providing 50 calories per 2-tablespoon serving. Cream cheese is a full-fat dairy product, so none of the fat content has been removed. It is high in saturated fat, which can increase the risk of heart disease and weight gain.
However, cream cheese can be beneficial because it is lower in fat and calories than butter. Low-fat cream cheese options are also available, which can help reduce the intake of saturated fat. Additionally, cream cheese is a good source of vitamin A, with just 1 ounce (28 grams) containing 87 mg of vitamin A, or 10% of the daily value. Vitamin A is important for vision, immune function, cell functions, and bone health. Cream cheese also contains small amounts of carotenoid antioxidants, including lutein and zeaxanthin, which are important for eye health.
Cream cheese is also a source of probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that can improve gut health and support the immune system. Some Lactobacillus species found in cream cheese can reduce the inflammatory response, while others stimulate the immune system when exposed to infection.
While cream cheese does have some health benefits, it is important to note that it is low in protein, with a typical 1-ounce (28-gram) portion providing less than 2 grams. It also has a short shelf life, and its high water content poses a risk of microbial contamination.
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Cream cheese vs cottage cheese
Cream cheese is a soft, smooth, and spreadable cheese with a rich, indulgent texture and a mild, less tangy flavour. It is made from a combination of milk and cream and often has other ingredients added as stabilizers and thickeners, such as guar gum and carrageenan. It is typically sold in bar form or whipped tubs. Cream cheese is often used in baking, sauces, dips, and soups, and is a famous spread for bagels. It is also the main ingredient in cheesecakes. Cream cheese is a good source of vitamin A, calcium, selenium, and vitamins B2 and E. One tablespoon (14.5g) of cream cheese contains approximately 50 calories, with 87% coming from fat, 7% from protein, and 6% from carbohydrates. Whipped cream cheese is lower in calories and fat, and choosing low-fat cream cheese can help reduce saturated fat intake.
Cottage cheese, on the other hand, is curd-based with a lumpy texture and a higher protein content. It is made by draining curds of their whey, resulting in a soft and creamy texture with a unique, mildly tangy flavour. Cottage cheese is typically sold in small or large curd varieties, depending on the size of the curds. It is a versatile ingredient that can be blended into smoothies, spread on toast, or used as a base for pancakes. Cottage cheese is lower in calories, fats, and carbohydrates than cream cheese, and it is richer in proteins, vitamin B12, phosphorus, and sodium. It often has a milky taste and can be topped with honey, fruits, or syrup. Cottage cheese can be used as a substitute for cream cheese in some cases, such as in sauces and dips, and it is a good alternative for those seeking a lower-calorie, higher-protein option.
Both cream cheese and cottage cheese have their unique strengths and uses in the culinary world. Cream cheese is known for its rich, indulgent texture and flavour, making it a popular choice for dips, spreads, and baked goods during the holiday season. Cottage cheese, with its higher protein content and milder flavour, is favoured by those looking for a lighter, healthier option that can be easily incorporated into meals and snacks.
When it comes to nutrition, both cheeses offer different benefits. Cream cheese provides a good source of vitamins A, B2, and E, as well as calcium and selenium. Cottage cheese, on the other hand, excels in protein content and offers higher amounts of vitamin B12, phosphorus, and sodium. It is important to note that the specific nutritional values may vary depending on the brand and type of cheese, and it is always advisable to check the product labels for accurate information.
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Flavoured cream cheese
Cream cheese is a smooth, creamy fresh cheese product made from milk and cream, often with other ingredients added as stabilizers and thickeners, such as guar gum and carrageenan. It is available in a variety of flavours, including sweet and savoury options. The calorie count of flavoured cream cheese depends on the specific type and brand.
Sweet Flavours
Sweet-flavoured cream cheeses, such as mixed berry, strawberry, blueberry, or chocolate, tend to have a higher calorie count due to the added sugar or fruit puree. For example, the Philadelphia brand Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Spread contains 7 grams of sugar per serving, with a serving size of 2 tablespoons. Similarly, their whipped mixed berry and blueberry flavours are also described as very sweet, tasting more like fruit yogurt than cream cheese.
Savoury Flavours
Savoury-flavoured cream cheeses, such as chive, dill, or garlic & herb, may have a slightly higher sodium content due to added salt, but the calorie count typically remains unchanged. For example, the Philadelphia brand offers a Chive Cream Cheese, which is a classic flavour.
Making Your Own Flavoured Cream Cheese
You can also make your own flavoured cream cheese at home by blending store-bought or homemade cream cheese with your desired ingredients. This allows you to control the amount of sugar, salt, or other additives, potentially reducing the calorie count. Some unique flavour ideas include everything bagel pickle cream cheese, funfetti cream cheese, and wasabi cream cheese.
When making flavoured cream cheese, it is recommended to start with full-fat cream cheese for maximum flavour. Blend the cream cheese until it is smooth and lump-free before adding your desired flavours. Chill the flavoured cream cheese spreads in the fridge for at least 2 hours before serving.
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Frequently asked questions
There are about 99.2 calories per ounce of cream cheese, or 50.8 calories per tablespoon (14.5g). Whipped cream cheese is much lower in calories, with Philadelphia Whipped Cream Cheese listing a serving size of 2 tablespoons as 50 calories.
Yes, there are low-fat and plant-based alternatives to cream cheese that will have fewer calories. Neufchatel cheese is a similar cheese product that provides one-third to one-half less fat than traditional cream cheese.
Flavoured cream cheese will have a higher calorie count due to added ingredients. Sweet flavours like mixed berry or strawberry cream cheese will have added fruit or puree, increasing the sugar and calorie count. Savoury flavours like chive may have added salt, increasing the sodium content, but the calories will probably stay the same.
Cream cheese contains much higher calories compared to cottage cheese. It contains 350 calories, which is 368% more than cottage cheese, which contains 95 calories.
