Best Cream Cheeses of 2026
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Cream cheese is a versatile and delicious spread that is perfect for any occasion. Made from a blend of milk and cream, cream cheese has a smooth and creamy texture that is perfect for spreading on bagels, crackers, or toast. It is also a popular ingredient in many recipes, including cheesecakes, dips, and frosting. Cream cheese comes in a variety of flavors, including plain, herb and garlic, and strawberry. Whether you are looking for a sweet or savory spread, cream cheese is a great choice for any meal or snack.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 9 Cream Cheeses
Good Culture Pasture Raised Cream Cheese 7 oz
The Good Culture Cream Cheese is a great way to add a gut-friendly boost to your meals. Made with milk from pasture-raised cows and live probiotics, it offers a smooth, rich flavor that enhances everything from breakfast to dessert. You can easily spread it on bagels, sandwiches, or use it in recipes for a creamy texture. Plus, it’s a wholesome choice since it’s gluten-free, keto-friendly, and kosher, making it suitable for many diets. This cream cheese lets you enjoy delicious taste while supporting your digestive health.
365 by Whole Foods Market Organic Cream Cheese 8 oz
The 365 Whole Foods Organic Cream Cheese offers you a wholesome choice for your spreads and recipes. Made by Whole Foods Market, you can trust the quality and care behind this product. It is certified organic, meaning it is made with ingredients grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, which is great for your health and the environment. Plus, this cream cheese is suitable for vegetarians, making it a convenient option if you follow a vegetarian diet. Whether you use it for cooking or as a simple spread, this cream cheese brings natural goodness right to your table.
Organic Valley Cream Cheese Spread 8oz
The Organic Valley Cream Cheese is a fresh spread made from cow's milk, perfect for adding creamy texture to your meals. Since it’s made from non-GMO ingredients, you can feel good about choosing a product free from genetically modified components. This cream cheese is also certified Halal and Kosher, making it suitable for a variety of dietary needs and ensuring it meets specific religious standards. Packaged in an 8-ounce tub, it’s convenient for everyday use, whether you’re spreading it on bagels or using it in recipes. With Organic Valley Cream Cheese, you get quality and versatility in one tub.
Hoosier Hill Farm Cream Cheese Powder
Hoosier Hill Farm Cream Cheese Powder is made from real cream cheese and is a great pantry staple for easy desserts and better baked goods. This gluten-free, hormone-free, GMO-free, peanut-free, and tree nut-free product can be blended into quiches or omelettes, whisked into soups and sauces, or used as a spread. To make 8 ounces of cream cheese, mix 1 1/2 cups cream cheese powder with 1/2 cup cold water. The product is made in the USA and contains milk.
Hersheys Cream Cheese Baking Chips Pack of 2
The Hersheys Cream Cheese Chips are a tasty ingredient to enhance your baking projects. With two packs included, you have enough for multiple recipes or special occasions without running out quickly. These chips are versatile and can be used in a variety of baked goods like cookies, brownies, and cakes, making them a handy staple in your kitchen. They are also perfect for sharing at family gatherings or parties, adding a creamy and delicious touch that everyone will enjoy. Whether you're baking for yourself or others, these chips make the process simple and enjoyable.
Kraft Philadelphia Cream Cheese Pouches
The Philadelphia Cream Cheese Pouches offer great convenience for food service needs. Each individual pouch contains one ounce of creamy goodness, making it easy to use just the right amount without waste. These pouches are kosher, ensuring they meet dietary requirements for many consumers. Additionally, they are shipped with ice and thermal packaging, preserving freshness during transit. This thoughtful packaging means you can trust that your cream cheese will arrive in perfect condition, ready for use in your favorite dishes or as a spread.
Cultures for Health Cream Cheese Starter | 4 Packets
The Cultures for Health Cream Cheese Starter pack includes 4 packets of non-GMO direct-set culture with vegetable rennet included, making it beginner-friendly and easy to use with step-by-step instructions. The homemade spreadable cheese can be used in a variety of foods like bagels, cheesecake, buffalo chicken dip, and more. Making your own cheese at home is healthier as you can choose the ingredients and the product is pathogen-tested for safety.
Prompt Prep Philadelphia Cream Cheese Pouches 50 Pack
The Prompt Prep Cream Cheese Pouches offer a rich, creamy texture that makes spreading on bagels, toast, or crackers a smooth and enjoyable experience. These individually packed 50 pouches help you control portions easily and keep the cream cheese fresh, whether you're at home, work, or on the go. Made with real milk and cream, this product delivers a genuine, rich flavor without any artificial preservatives, ensuring quality in every bite. Plus, its versatility means you can use it not just as a spread but also to enhance your baking and cooking, from cheesecakes to creamy sauces.
Belgioso Mascarpone Cream Cheese 16 Oz Pack of 2
The Belgioso Mascarpone Cheese offers a smooth and slightly sweet fresh cheese made from rich cow's milk cream. Unlike traditional cheeses, it is crafted without using cheese starters or rennet, making it a pure and fresh option for your recipes. The cheese is created by gently removing moisture from heavy cream with a hint of citric acid, which helps preserve its creamy texture and delicate flavor. This process results in a soft and velvety cheese that is perfect for adding a luxurious touch to desserts, sauces, or spreads, giving you a versatile ingredient to enhance your cooking or baking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is cream cheese good for you?
Cream cheese has some nutritional benefits. It is rich in calcium, which is important for strong bones and teeth. It also contains protein, which helps in muscle building and repair. Additionally, cream cheese provides vitamin A, which is essential for maintaining healthy skin and vision.
2. What's the difference between cream cheese and Philadelphia cream cheese?
Philadelphia cream cheese is unique due to its specific blending process of milk, cream, starter culture, and coagulating enzyme. This results in a smooth and creamy texture with a mild, slightly sweet flavor. This distinctive quality makes Philadelphia cream cheese versatile and suitable for various dishes and desserts.
3. Can you eat cream cheese on a diet?
While cream cheese can be included in a diet, it should be consumed in moderation. Cream cheese is high in fat and calories, but it is a good source of vitamin A. If you are watching your calorie intake, you may opt for lower-fat versions like whipped cream cheese.
4. What's the difference between cream cheese and regular cheese?
Cream cheese is similar to cottage cheese but has a higher fat content. In countries like Canada and the United States, cream cheese typically consists of about one-third milk fat with a moisture content of 55 percent. Regular cheese, on the other hand, can vary in fat content and moisture depending on the specific type.
5. Is cream cheese bad for your stomach?
For individuals with lactose intolerance or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), soft cheeses like cream cheese can be problematic due to their high lactose content. These individuals may experience digestive issues when consuming cream cheese.
6. Why is Philadelphia cream cheese so good?
Philadelphia cream cheese is known for its classic flavor. It is made with simple ingredients like pasteurized milk and cream, salt, and cheese culture. The combination of these ingredients gives Philadelphia cream cheese its iconic thick and creamy taste that many people enjoy.
During our cream cheese research, we found 24 cream cheese products and shortlisted 9 quality products. We collected and analyzed 78,785 customer reviews through our big data system to write the cream cheeses list. We found that most customers choose cream cheeses with an average price of $22.50.
The cream cheeses are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of cream cheeses, including Good Culture, 365 by Whole Foods Market, Organic Valley, Hoosier Hill Farm, Hersheys. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
Ashley Abels is a former restaurant executive and has worked in the restaurant industry for 15 years. She is also a gourmet who loves tasting different cuisines and trying out all kinds of cooking methods. The food she writes about will make you want to try it!