Introduction
As the world of cream cheese continues to evolve, it can be difficult to keep up with the latest trends and determine which cream cheeses are the best and worst. In 2022, there will be a wide variety of cream cheeses available, ranging from traditional favorites to new and innovative flavors. In this article, we will explore the best and worst cream cheeses of 2022, taking into account factors such as taste, texture, and nutrition. We will also discuss the various types of cream cheese available, so you can make an informed decision when selecting the perfect cream cheese for your needs.
Best & Worst Cream Cheeses in 2022
As we enter 2022, the cream cheese market is booming with more options than ever before. With so many choices, it can be hard to know which cream cheese is the best and which is the worst. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compiled a list of the best and worst cream cheeses in 2022.
Best Cream Cheeses in 2022
- Philadelphia Cream Cheese: This classic cream cheese is a staple in many kitchens. It’s creamy, smooth texture and mild flavor make it a great choice for spreading on bagels or using in baking.
- Kite Hill Cream Cheese: This vegan cream cheese is made from almond milk and is a great alternative to traditional cream cheese. It has a slightly tangy flavor and is perfect for spreading on toast or using in recipes.
- Trader Joe’s Cream Cheese: This cream cheese is made with real cream and is a great option for those looking for a more affordable cream cheese. It has a mild flavor and is perfect for spreading on bagels or using in baking.
- Kraft Cream Cheese: This cream cheese is made with real cream and is a great option for those looking for a more affordable cream cheese. It has a mild flavor and is perfect for spreading on bagels or using in baking.
- Organic Valley Cream Cheese: This organic cream cheese is made with real cream and is a great option for those looking for a more natural cream cheese. It has a mild flavor and is perfect for spreading on bagels or using in baking.
Worst Cream Cheeses in 2022
- Kraft Singles Cream Cheese: This cream cheese is made with artificial ingredients and is not a great option for those looking for a more natural cream cheese. It has a strong artificial flavor and is not ideal for spreading on bagels or using in baking.
- Kraft Philadelphia Cream Cheese Spread: This cream cheese spread is made with artificial ingredients and is not a great option for those looking for a more natural cream cheese. It has a strong artificial flavor and is not ideal for spreading on bagels or using in baking.
- Kraft Philadelphia Light Cream Cheese: This cream cheese is made with artificial ingredients and is not a great option for those looking for a more natural cream cheese. It has a strong artificial flavor and is not ideal for spreading on bagels or using in baking.
- Kraft Philadelphia Fat Free Cream Cheese: This cream cheese is made with artificial ingredients and is not a great option for those looking for a more natural cream cheese. It has a strong artificial flavor and is not ideal for spreading on bagels or using in baking.
- Kraft Philadelphia Whipped Cream Cheese: This cream cheese is made with artificial ingredients and is not a great option for those looking for a more natural cream cheese. It has a strong artificial flavor and is not ideal for spreading on bagels or using in baking.
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Let’s be honest, you can’t have a bagel without slabbing some cream cheese on it. Some may argue that butter is superior, but that’s just because they haven’t found the right cream cheese. Next time you’re at the grocery store and come across the cream cheese section you’ll see so many options from classic and whipped to dairy-free.
Depending on preferences and dietary needs, your cream cheese selection will vary. However, we’ve scoured through the shelves to find every cream cheese and rank them from worst to best in terms of nutritional value, so you can make the best choice possible.
PER 2 TBSP: 100 calories, 10 g fat (6 g saturated fat), 35 mg cholesterol, 120 mg sodium, 2 g carbs (0 g fiber, 2 g sugar), 2 g protein, 50 mg calcium, 80 mg potassium
For original cream cheese, Tillamook is the worst in terms of nutrition with nearly 10 grams of fat and a low protein count.
PER 2 TBSP: 110 calories, 10 g fat (6 g saturated fat), 30 mg cholesterol, 100 mg sodium, 2 g carbs (0 g fiber, <1 g sugar), 2 g protein
This Publix-exclusive cream cheese has a lot of fat and saturated fat and more calories than other name brands.
PER 2 TBSP: 100 calories, 10 g fat (6 g saturated fat), 30 mg cholesterol, 95 mg sodium, 2 g carbs (0 fiber, <1 g sugar), 2 g protein
Don’t let the word organic fool you. This cream cheese has 10 grams of fat per 1o-ounce serving so it’s not a low-fat item. Its sodium content isn’t too bad, which is something to consider.
PER 2 TBSP: 110 calories, 10 g fat (6 g saturated fat), 25 mg cholesterol, 40 mg sodium, 2 g carbs (0 g fiber, 1 g sugar), 1 g protein, 44 mg calcium, 58 mg potassium
Now, this has the least amount of sodium from any cream cheese listed. This cultured spread doesn’t have any fiber and barely any protein, but a decent amount of potassium.
PER 1 OZ: 100 calories, 10 g fat (6 g saturated fat), 30 mg cholesterol, 105 mg sodium, 1 g carbs (0 g fiber, <1 g sugar), 2 g protein, 22 mg calcium
If you’re looking for a low-sugar cream cheese option that isn’t dairy-free, this is a great option because it has less than 1 gram per serving.
PER 2 TBSP: 110 calories, 10 g fat (6 g saturated fat), 30 mg cholesterol, 100 mg sodium, 2 g carbs (0 g fiber, 1 g sugar), 2 g protein, 2% calcium
This cream cheese might be organic, but don’t let it trick you into thinking it’s low in fat and saturated fat.
PER 2 TBSP: 100 calories, 9 g fat (6 g saturated fat), 30 mg cholesterol, 80 mg sodium, 2 g carbs (0 g fiber, 2 g sugar), 1 g protein, 6% vitamin A, 4% calcium, 20% vitamin D
Now, this cream cheese has a lot of fat even though it’s lower in sodium. Plus, you’ll benefit from Vitamin A and Vitamin D with each serving.
PER 1 OZ: 100 calories, 9 g fat (6 g saturated fat), 30 mg cholesterol, 105 mg sodium, 2 g carbs (0 g fiber, 1 g sugar), 2 g protein
Keep an eye on the cholesterol and fat count with this cream cheese because they are pretty high for just an ounce of this creamy spread.
PER 2 TBSP: 100 calories, 9 g fat (6 g saturated fat), 30 mg cholesterol, 120 mg sodium, 3 g carbs (0 g fiber, 2 g sugar), 2 g protein, 50 mg calcium, 80 mg potassium
This cream cheese has slightly more sodium than the aforementioned, but not by much. Let’s not forget to mention the 80 milligrams of calcium which is a perk.
PER 2 TBSP: 90 calories, 9 g fat (6 g saturated fat), 30 mg cholesterol, 95 mg sodium, 2 g carbs (0 g fiber, 1 g sugar), 2 g protein, 27 mg calcium
This cream cheese spread has a lot of fat and saturated fat, but is relatively low in sodium so the choice is yours.
PER 2 TBSP: 100 calories, 9 g fat (6 g saturated fat), 30 mg cholesterol, 180 mg sodium, 3 g carbs (0 g fiber, 2 g sugar), 2 g protein, 50 mg calcium, 80 mg potassium
This might be vegetable cream cheese, but it’s packed with sodium and fat. It does have 2 grams of protein which is something.
PER 2 TBSP: 90 calories, 9 g fat (6 g saturated fat), 95 mg sodium, 2 g carbs (0 g fiber, 1 g sugar), 2 g protein, 27 mg calcium
At just under 100 calories, a serving of this cream cheese boasts a significant amount of fat and saturated fat so be cautious of that.
PER 2 TBSP: 100 calories, 8 g fat (5 g saturated fat), 30 mg cholesterol, 105 mg sodium, 6 g carbs (0 g fiber, 6 g sugar), 2 g protein, 50 mg calcium, 70 mg potassium
Similar to the other strawberry cream cheese spreads, this one is loaded with 6 grams of sugar so serve with caution.
PER 1 OZ: 90 calories, 8 g fat (2.5 g saturated fat), 0 mg cholesterol, 115 mg sodium, 4 g carbs (1 g fiber, 1 g sugar), 1 g protein, 10 mg calcium, 1 mg iron, 110 mg potassium
This vegan cream cheese has iron unlike its counterparts listed here. You’ll even get a hint of potassium too.
PER 1 OZ: 80 calories, 8 g fat (7 g saturated fat), 0 mg cholesterol, 140 mg sodium, 2 g carbs (0 g fiber, 0 g sugar), 1 g protein
This cream cheese is a standout because it has no fiber and absolutely no sugar. Typically cream cheese has some sugar, but not this one.
PER 2 TBSP: 80 calories, 8g fat ( 5g saturated fat), 25 mg cholesterol, 90 mg sodium, <1 g carbs (0 g fiber, <1 g sugar), 1 g protein
Ask any New Yorker if they’ve had Temp Tee and the answer will be yes. While this whipped cream cheese is fluffy and easily spreadable, it’s packed with fat and saturated fat.
PER 2 TBSP: 80 calories, 7 g fat (6 g saturated fat), 0 mg cholesterol, 100 mg sodium, 3 g carbs (0 g fiber, 0 g sugar), 1 g protein
This cream cheese spread has a whopping a lot of fat and saturated fat for a two tablespoon serving—just something to think about.
PER 1 OZ: 80 calories, 7 g fat (6 g saturated fat), 0 mg cholesterol, 100 mg sodium, 3 g carbs (0 g fiber, 2 g sugar), <1 g protein
This Modern Kitchen cream cheese might be animal-free, but it has a high fat and saturated fat content.
PER 2 TBSP: 80 calories, 7 g fat (4 g saturated fat), 20 mg cholesterol, 170 mg sodium, 2 g carbs (0 g fiber, 1 g sugar), 2 g protein, 4% calcium
Despite being vegetable cream cheese, this is packed with sodium and just over 7 grams of fat. You’d think because it has the word vegetable it would be the healthiest, but that’s not the case.
PER 2 TBSP: 80 calories, 7 g fat (4.5 g saturated fat), 20 mg cholesterol, 125 mg sodium, 2 g carbs (0 g fiber, 1 g sugar), 2 g protein, 2% calcium
This cream cheese staple has absolutely no fiber, but at least you’ll get 2 grams of protein with each serving.
PER 29 g: 80 calories, 7 g fat ( 1.5 g saturated fat), 0 mg cholesterol, 170 mg sodium, 3 g carbs (1 g fiber, 0 g sugar), 3 g protein
Made from sunflower seeds and other natural ingredients, Spero boasts less saturated fat than traditional cream cheese and its probiotics aid in better gut health.
PER 29 g: 80 calories, 7 g fat (1.5 g saturated fat), 0 mg cholesterol, 170 mg sodium, 3 g carbs (1 g fiber, 0 g sugar), 3 g protein
Add some flavor to your next bagel with this low-calories herb cream cheese that contains no sugar per serving.
PER 29 g: 80 calories, 7 g fat (1.5 g saturated fat), 0 mg cholesterol, 170 mg sodium, 3 g carbs (1 g fiber, 0 g sugar), 3 g protein
Just like the salmon cream cheese you’d get from the local bagel store but better with a bit of protein and fiber.
PER 2 TBSP: 70 calories, 6 g fat (3.5 g saturated fat), 20 mg cholesterol, 140 mg sodium, 2 g carbs (0 g fiber, 2 g sugar), 3 g protein, 2% calcium
This cream cheese isn’t much different from the flavors before it, but it does have slightly more fat and protein per serving.
PER 2 TBSP: 80 calories, 6 g fat (4g saturated fat), 20 mg cholesterol, 105 mg sodium, 5 g carbs (0 g fiber, 4 g sugar), 1 g protein, 2% calcium
Add some strawberry cream cheese to your next dessert for some extra sweetness with less than 5g of sugar. There’s no fiber and barely any protein in this spread, but that’s to be expected.
PER 2 TBSP: 70 calories, 6 g fat (0 g saturated fat), 0 mg cholesterol, 200 mg sodium, 2 g carbs (1 g fiber, 1 g sugar), 2 g protein, 28 mg calcium, 73 mg potassium
Kite Hill’s cream cheese is arguably my favorite dairy-free option since it tastes most like the “real thing.” It has a slightly higher fat count than the aforementioned spreads, but no saturated fat which is a bonus.
PER 2 TBSP: 60 calories, 6 g fat (0 g saturated fat), 0 mg cholesterol, 200 mg sodium, 2 g carbs (1 g fiber, 1 g sugar), 2 g protein, 29 mg calcium, 76 mg potassium
With marginally higher calcium and potassium counts, this cream cheese is essentially the same as the plain but with some chives mixed in.
PER 2 TBSP: 70 calories, 6 g fat (0 g saturated fat), 0 mg cholesterol, 180 mg sodium, 3 g carbs (1 g fiber, 1 g sugar), 2 g protein, 29 mg calcium, 93 mg potassium
Vegetables on a bagel are delicious – don’t knock it until you’ve tried it. Plus, you’ll get 1 gram of fiber as an added bonus.
PER 2 TBSP: 70 calories, 6 g fat (0 g saturated fat), 0 mg cholesterol, 180 mg sodium, 3 g carbs (1 g fiber, 1 g sugar), 2 g protein, 36 mg calcium, 80 mg potassium
For those everything bagel lovers, put a slab of this everything cream cheese on your next breakfast sandwich. Even though it’s slightly higher in calories, it has a bit more calcium and potassium to make up for it.
PER 29 g: 90 calories, 6 g fat (1.5 g saturated fat), 30 g sodium, 7 g carbs (< 1 g fiber, 5 g sugar), 2 g protein
Say goodbye to artificial strawberry cream cheese and opt for this lower sugar alternative. It has a little less protein than the above, but some is better than none, right?
PER 2 TBSP: 90 calories, 6 g fat ( 1.5 g saturated fat), 30 mg sodium, 7 g carbs (<1 g fiber, 5 g sugar), 2 g protein
Instead of a high-calorie and high-sugar pumpkin spice latte, opt for this pumpkin cream cheese that’s low in salt and sugar—you’ll still get that beloved seasonal flavor.
PER 2 TBSP: 80 calories, 6 g fat (3.5 g saturated fat), 15 mg cholesterol, 100 mg sodium, 6 g carbs (0 g fiber, 5 g sugar), 1 g protein, 2% calcium
With slightly less cholesterol than Philadelphia’s other cream cheeses, satisfy your pumpkin spice cravings at only 80 calories.
PER 2 TBSP: 70 calories, 5 g fat (3 g saturated fat), 20 mg cholesterol, 110 mg sodium, 4 g carbs (0 g fiber, 3 g sugar), 3 protein, 2% DV calcium
When you can’t decide between cream cheese and butter why not both? This spread has a slightly higher sodium content and more protein than the others.
PER 2 TBSP: 70 calories, 5 g fat ( 4.5 g saturated fat), 0 mg cholesterol, 120 mg sodium, 5 g carbs (0 g fiber, 2 g sugar), 0 g protein, 6 mg calcium, 14 mg potassium
This creamy spread is perfect for bagels and toast at the most important meal of the day – breakfast. This low-sugar spread will satisfy those sweet fruity cravings, but steers clear of any protein.
PER 2 TBSP: 60 calories, 5 g fat ( 4.5 g saturated fat), 120 mg sodium, 3 g carbs (0 g 0 fiber, 0 g sugar), 0 g protein, 6mg calcium, 15mg potassium
Ditch the onion dip and use some of this instead – it’s a game changer. Not only is it low-carb, but also has potassium and calcium.
PER 2 TBSP: 60 calories, 5 g fat ( 4.5 g saturated fat), 0 mg cholesterol, 115 mg sodium, 3 g carbs (0 g fiber, 0 g sugar), 0 g protein, 6 mg calcium, 15 mg potassium
Free from dairy, soy, wheat and nuts, add this low-calorie classic cream cheese style spread to family favorite recipes for enhanced creaminess.
PER 2 TBSP: 60 calories, 5 g fat (4.5 g saturated fat), 0 mg cholesterol, 190 mg sodium, 4 g carbs (0 g fiber, 0 g sugar), 0 g protein, 6 mg calcium, 18mg potassium
Similar to the above, this cream cheese is packed with a little more salt and potassium, but nothing crazy.
PER 2 TBSP: 60 calories, 5 g fat ( 3.5 g saturated fat), 20 mg cholesterol, 160 mg sodium, 2 g carbs (0 g fiber, 2 g sugar), 3 g protein, 2% calcium
Add a little kick to your bagel in the morning with this spread that’s high in sodium and has a larger protein count than Philadelphia’s other spreads.
PER 2 TBSP: 6o calories, 5 g fat (3.5 g saturated fat), 20 mg cholesterol, 150 mg sodium, 2 g carbs (0 g fiber, 2 g sugar), 3 g protein, 2% calcium
While this may be reduced-fat, that doesn’t detract from high sodium and cholesterol count.
PER 2 TBSP: 80 calories, 5 g fat ( 3 g saturated fat), 20 mg cholesterol, 100 mg sodium, 6 g carbs (0 g fiber, 5 g sugar), 2 g protein, 2% calcium
Between 70-80 calories per serving seems about average for Philadelphia cream cheese. This spread has 5 grams of sugar and a decent amount of carbs, but the flavor likely explains it.
PER 2 TBSP: 70 calories, 4.5 g fat (3 g saturated fat), 20 mg cholesterol, 100 mg sodium, 6 g carbs (0 g fiber, 6 g sugar), 2 g protein, 2% calcium
Blueberry anything is delicious and that’s no exception for this cream cheese. With 6 grams of carbs, it has a little more than other spreads, but nothing absurd.
PER 2 TBSP: 70 calories, 4.5 g fat (3 g saturated fat), 20 mg cholesterol, 100 mg sodium, 5 g carbs (0 g fiber, 5 g sugar), 2 g protein, 2% calcium
Pineapples may not belong on pizza, but they definitely belong on bagels. You’ll find no fiber and 5 grams of sugar per serving, but it’s still delicious.
PER 2 TBSP: 80 calories, 4.5 g fat (3 g saturated fat), 20 mg cholesterol, 100 mg sodium, 7 g carbs (0 g fiber, 7 g sugar), 2 g protein, 2% calcium
Out of all of Philadelphia’s cream cheese spreads, this one has the highest sugar count.
PER 2 TBSP: 50 calories, 4 g fat (2.5 g saturated fat), 15 mg cholesterol, 85 mg sodium, 2 g carbs (0 g fiber, 1 g sugar), 1 g protein
This is the healthiest cream cheese spread on the list. It has less cholesterol, salt, and calories than its non-whipped counterparts and only 1 gram of sugar.