Cream cheese

Cheese, cream

Source: USDA Nutrient Database. Protein daily value based on ISSN Position Stand for an individual weighing ~150 lbs.

Cream cheese FAQ

Table of Contents

• Is cream cheese gluten free?
• Is cream cheese keto?
• Is cream cheese halal?
• Is cream cheese low FODMAP?
• Is cream cheese high in potassium?
• Is cream cheese vegan?
• Is cream cheese vegetarian?
• Is cream cheese kosher?
• What are some cream cheese alternatives?
• Is cream cheese high in cholesterol?
• Does cream cheese contain carbs?
• Does cream cheese contain protein?
• Does cream cheese contain sugar?
• Is cream cheese high in saturated fat?
• Is cream cheese low fat?
• Is cream cheese low in fiber?
• Is cream cheese low in sodium?
• Does cream cheese contain calcium?
• Does cream cheese contain lactose?
• Does cream cheese contain tyramine?
• Is cream cheese high histamine?
• Is cream cheese high in phosphorus?
• Is cream cheese high in purines?
• Is cream cheese paleo?
• Can you eat cream cheese on the Atkins Diet?

Is cream cheese gluten free?

Yes, cream cheese is typically gluten free. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, and cream cheese is mostly made from milk and cream, which naturally do not contain gluten. However, it’s important for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance to double check the label, as some brands may add fillers or flavorings that do contain gluten.

Is cream cheese keto?

Yes, cream cheese is considered very keto-friendly. It’s low in carbohydrates and high in fats, which is ideal for the ketogenic diet. One tablespoon of cream cheese contains about 1 gram of carbohydrates and 4 grams of fat, making it a good choice for this diet. Note that the ketogenic diet typically suggests a daily intake of less than 20-50 grams of carbohydrates.

Is cream cheese halal?

In general, cream cheese can be halal if it has been processed in accordance with Islamic law, which includes using non-animal-based enzymes or halal-certified animal-based enzymes. However, not all cream cheese found in the market is guaranteed to be halal. Always check for a halal certification on the package.

Is cream cheese low FODMAP?

Yes, cream cheese is considered a low FODMAP food. It contains less than 1 gram of FODMAPs per serving (about 2 tablespoons). FODMAPs are a group of sugars that can cause digestive issues in some people. The recommended daily intake of FODMAPs is under 25 grams for people following the low FODMAP diet.

Is cream cheese high in potassium?

No, cream cheese is not high in potassium. One ounce of cream cheese provides 19 mg, which is less than 1% of the recommended daily value for potassium. This is considerably less than the recommended daily value of potassium for adults which is about 3,500-4,700mg. Therefore, cream cheese is not a significant source of potassium.

Is cream cheese vegan?

No, cream cheese is not vegan. The main ingredient in cream cheese is cow’s milk, which is an animal product and therefore not suitable for those following a vegan diet. There are, however, alternative cream cheeses that are not made with cow’s milk that could qualify as vegan. When in doubt, check the label.

Is cream cheese vegetarian?

Yes, cream cheese is vegetarian. While it uses animal-derived products (specifically milk), it does not require the slaughter of any animals (which is the main guideline in most definitions of vegetarianism).

Is cream cheese kosher?

Cream cheese can be kosher if it is produced under kosher certification. Many popular brands like Philadelphia Cream Cheese have kosher options available. However, specific brands should still be checked for a hechsher (kosher symbol) to ensure they comply with Kosher dietary laws.

What are some cream cheese alternatives?

Nut-based cheeses are a good option for vegans or those with dairy allergies, such as those made from cashews or almonds. For those looking to reduce their caloric intake, Neufchâtel cheese is a popular choice as it is similar in taste and texture but has fewer calories and less fat than regular cream cheese. Plain Greek yogurt is also a good alternative — it offers a similar sour flavor similar to cream cheese, while offering more protein and less fat per serving than cream cheese.

Is cream cheese high in cholesterol?

Cream cheese does contain cholesterol, though it’s not extremely high in it. One serving of cream cheese (one tablespoon) contains about 15 mg of cholesterol. For context, the American Heart Association recommends consuming no more than 300 mg of cholesterol per day. Therefore, while cream cheese does have cholesterol, it’s not considered extremely high as long as your intake is moderate.

Does cream cheese contain carbs?

Yes, cream cheese does contain carbohydrates. In a typical 1 tablespoon serving of regular cream cheese is around 1.2 grams of carbohydrates. However, it’s critical to note that the carbs content is minimal therefore cream cheese is considered a low-carbohydrate food. It covers less than 1% of the daily recommended value of carbohydrates, assuming an average 2,000 calorie diet.

Does cream cheese contain protein?

Yes, cream cheese contains some protein, but not much. A 1-tablespoon serving of regular cream cheese provides about 1 grams of protein. This is about 1% of the daily recommended value of protein intake for an average adult.

Does cream cheese contain sugar?

Yes, regular cream cheese does contain a small amount of sugar. There’s about 1 gram of sugar in a typical 1-tablespoon serving of cream cheese. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend limiting added sugars to less than 10% of calories daily.

Is cream cheese high in saturated fat?

Yes, cream cheese is high in saturated fat. A 1-tablespoon serving of regular cream cheese contains about 3 grams of saturated fat. This is around 15% of the daily recommended intake for saturated fats, based on a 2,000 calorie diet, which suggests limiting saturated fats to around 20 grams per day.

Is cream cheese low fat?

Regular cream cheese is not considered a low-fat food. A 1-tablespoon serving contains about 5 grams of total fat, which accounts for about 6% of the recommended daily intake for total fat for a 2,000 calorie diet. However, there are low-fat or non-fat versions of cream cheese available on the market that are lower in fat content.

Is cream cheese low in fiber?

Yes, cream cheese is low in fiber. A typical serving of cream cheese (about 1 tablespoon) contains close to 0 grams of fiber. In comparison, the recommended daily intake for fiber is around 25 to 38 grams for adults.

Is cream cheese low in sodium?

Yes, cream cheese is low in sodium. “Low-sodium” or “low salt” means a serving has 140 mg or less of sodium. A standard serving of cream cheese contains approximately 46 milligrams of sodium. The American Heart Association recommends an ideal limit of no more than 1,500 mg per day, so a serving of cream cheese does not contribute much to that total.

Does cream cheese contain calcium?

Yes, cream cheese does contain calcium, although the amount is relatively small. A tablespoon of cream cheese provides approximately 14 mg of calcium, which is about 1% of the recommended daily intake for adults (1,000-1,300 mg, depending on age and gender).

Does cream cheese contain lactose?

Yes, cream cheese contains lactose as it is a dairy product. Dairy products are known to contain lactose, which is a sugar naturally occurring in milk and milk derivatives. People with lactose intolerance may have trouble digesting cream cheese.

Does cream cheese contain tyramine?

Yes, cream cheese does contain lower levels of tyramine, a compound that can trigger migraine attacks in people sensitive to it. However, it’s worth noting that fermented or aged foods typically contain higher amounts of tyramine. Since cream cheese is not a fermented or aged cheese, its tyramine levels are generally lower than in other types of cheese like blue cheese or cheddar.

Is cream cheese high histamine?

No, cream cheese is not high histamine. However, it can trigger histamine production in individuals with certain sensitivities or intolerances. Since histamine levels are not typically measured in foods, a specific level cannot be provided.

Is cream cheese high in phosphorus?

No, cream cheese is not high in phosphorus. A serving of 2 tablespoons of cream cheese contains approximately 16 milligrams of phosphorus, which meets 1% of the recommended daily value (DV). To put that in perspective, the recommended daily intake for an average adult is 700 milligrams.

Is cream cheese high in purines?

No, cream cheese is not considered high in purines. Purines are chemical compounds that can contribute to gout when broken down into uric acid in the body. While specific quantities of purines in cream cheese aren’t typically measured or reported, it’s generally classified as a low-purine food.

Is cream cheese paleo?

Strictly speaking, cream cheese is not Paleo-friendly. The Paleo diet emphasizes whole foods that could be obtained through hunting and gathering during the Paleolithic era, so it typically excludes dairy products like cream cheese. However, some variations of the diet allow for certain dairy products.

Can you eat cream cheese on the Atkins Diet?

Yes, cream cheese is allowed on the Atkins diet. This diet focuses on low carbohydrate intake, and cream cheese fits this criteria as it’s low in carbs. Two tablespoons of cream cheese only contains about 1.2 grams of carbohydrates, while the Atkins diet typically allows 20-25 grams of net carbs during the initial phase.