Andy Montoya
Philadelphia Cream Cheese is a popular soft cheese with a smooth and creamy texture, often used as a spread or in dips. It is typically made from pasteurized milk and cream, with added salt and carob bean gum. While it is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin D, calcium, and antioxidants, Philadelphia Cream Cheese is also high in fat, calories, and sodium. This makes it a less healthy option, especially for those at risk of heart disease or weight gain. However, when consumed in moderation and paired with healthier foods, Philadelphia Cream Cheese can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | 99.2 per ounce |
| Fat | High |
| Saturated fat | High |
| Sodium | High |
| Carbohydrates | N/A |
| Protein | Low |
| Lactose | Low |
| Probiotics | Yes |
| Vitamin A | High |
| Riboflavin | Yes |
| Antioxidants | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
Philadelphia cream cheese is high in fat and calories
Philadelphia cream cheese is a full-fat dairy product, meaning none of the fat content has been removed. It is high in saturated fat, with 5.7 grams of saturated fat per ounce. As a result, it is calorie-dense, with 99.2 calories per ounce.
Numerous health bodies recommend limiting saturated fat intake to 10% of calories, which is equivalent to around 14 slices of bacon per day. A review by the Cochrane Collaboration found that reducing or replacing saturated fat with other healthy fats reduced the risk of cardiovascular events by 14%. However, other reviews have found no evidence of health benefits from lowering saturated fat intake.
Philadelphia cream cheese is also a source of calories, sodium, and sugar. Cheese is the number one source of saturated fat and one of the top sources of sodium and calories in the American diet. The product also has processing concerns, including the use of antibiotics and milk-boosting hormone injections in dairy production.
While Philadelphia cream cheese does provide some health benefits, such as being a source of vitamin A and probiotics, its high-fat content and calorie density mean it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Combining it with vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, and seeds is a healthier way to incorporate it into your diet.
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It's a good source of vitamin A and riboflavin
Philadelphia 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. Cheese is the number one source of saturated fat in the American diet, and one source recommends limiting saturated fat to 10% of calories. Philadelphia Cream Cheese is also high in calories, with about 99.2 calories per ounce.
However, Philadelphia Cream Cheese does have some health benefits. It is a good source of vitamin A, with about 5% of the daily value per tablespoon. Vitamin A acts as an antioxidant and supports immune function, and is important for vision, cell functions, and bone health. Philadelphia Cream Cheese is also a source of riboflavin, a type of vitamin B that has similar benefits.
Philadelphia Cream Cheese is also a low-lactose option, with about 0.5 grams per tablespoon. It contains lactic acid bacteria, which are probiotics. Probiotics are helpful gut bacteria that can improve symptoms in people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Overall, Philadelphia Cream Cheese can be a part of a healthy diet in moderation, but it is important to be aware of its high saturated fat and calorie content. To make it healthier, it can be combined with vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.
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It's low in lactose and protein
Philadelphia cream cheese is a full-fat dairy product, which means 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. It is also high in calories, with about 99.2 calories per ounce.
However, it is low in lactose, with about 0.5 grams per tablespoon. This means that people with lactose intolerance may be able to digest it more easily than other dairy products.
Philadelphia cream cheese is also a good source of vitamin A, with about 5% of the recommended daily value per tablespoon. Vitamin A acts as an antioxidant and supports immune function, vision, cell functions, and bone health.
Despite these benefits, Philadelphia cream cheese is low in protein, with a typical 1-ounce (28-gram) portion providing less than 2 grams. This is significantly less than many other forms of soft cheese, such as brie and goat cheese. Protein is essential for maintaining muscle mass and strength, as well as helping you feel full after meals. Therefore, it is important to eat other good sources of protein, such as meat, fish, eggs, beans, lentils, and other dairy foods, in addition to Philadelphia cream cheese.
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It contains probiotics and antioxidants
Philadelphia 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. Cheese is the number one source of saturated fat in the American diet, and one source states that Philadelphia Cream Cheese contains a high level of saturated fat. However, another source notes that Philadelphia Cream Cheese is low in processing concerns.
Despite this, Philadelphia Cream Cheese may have some health benefits. Firstly, it is a good source of vitamin A, which acts as an antioxidant and supports immune function. Vitamin A is important for vision, cell functions, and bone health. Philadelphia Cream Cheese also contains lactic acid bacteria, which are probiotics. Probiotics are helpful gut bacteria that can improve symptoms in people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). They can also reduce inflammation and support immune health, thereby improving gut health.
In addition to vitamin A, cream cheese also contains small amounts of other carotenoid antioxidants, including lutein and zeaxanthin, which are important for eye health.
While Philadelphia Cream Cheese may have some health benefits, it is important to consume it in moderation as part of a balanced diet. It is often used as a spread on bagels, bread, or crackers, or as an ingredient in dips and desserts. To make this a healthier option, combine it with vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.
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There are healthier alternatives available
It's important to remember that while Philadelphia cheese, or any other cream cheese for that matter, can be a tasty treat and provide some nutritional benefits, there are also healthier alternatives available if you're looking for a spread or dip with similar consistency and flavour.
One option is ricotta cheese, which has a similar creamy texture but offers more protein and less fat than regular cream cheese. It's also worth noting that part-skim ricotta exists, which has an even lower fat content while still maintaining a rich, creamy taste. Greek yogurt is another excellent substitute, as it provides the same tang and creaminess but with significantly less fat and more protein. For an even healthier option, go for plain Greek yogurt, which tends to have fewer added sugars than flavoured varieties.
If you're looking for a plant-based alternative, there are a number of dairy-free cream cheeses on the market that are made from nuts, soy, or other bases. These tend to be lower in saturated fat and calories than regular cream cheese, but be sure to read the labels, as some may have higher levels of added sugars or other undesirable ingredients. You could also try making your own nut-based cheese at home, which allows you to control exactly what goes into it and can be a fun and tasty experiment.
Lastly, hummus is another great option for a spread or dip. While it has a different flavour profile than cream cheese, it offers a similar creamy texture and is packed with healthy fats, protein, and fibre, especially if you make it yourself with chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. You can also experiment with different types of hummus, like beet hummus or avocado hummus, to change things up and add extra nutrients.
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Frequently asked questions
Philadelphia Cream Cheese is made from pasteurized milk and cream, salt, carob bean gum, and cheese culture.
Philadelphia Cream Cheese is high in fat and calories, and contains sodium and saturated fat. Therefore, it should be consumed in moderation. However, it is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin D, riboflavin, calcium, and antioxidants, and it is low in lactose.
Cream cheeses made from cashews tend to have lower levels of saturated fat and sodium, and higher levels of protein. There are also low-fat and plant-based alternatives available.
The healthiest way to incorporate Philadelphia Cream Cheese into your diet is to combine it with vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.
