Are Philadelphia Rolls High in Calories? The Cream Cheese Conundrum

October 27, 2025 •

4 min read

A single tablespoon of cream cheese can add over 50 calories to a sushi roll, making Philadelphia rolls a more calorie-dense choice than many people realize. Yes, due to their cream cheese and other ingredients, Philadelphia rolls are high in calories compared to leaner sushi options.

Quick Summary

Philadelphia rolls contain a significant number of calories, primarily from the high-fat cream cheese and fatty fish. While they offer some nutritional benefits, they are not the lowest-calorie sushi choice. Their calorie count is often higher than more traditional and simpler rolls.

Key Points

High Calorie Content: Philadelphia rolls are generally high in calories due to cream cheese, often exceeding 300-400 calories per 8-piece roll.
Cream Cheese is the Main Culprit: The primary reason for the higher calorie count is the cream cheese, which is rich in saturated fat and calories.
Comparison to Other Rolls: Philadelphia rolls are more caloric than simpler rolls like cucumber rolls but often less than tempura rolls.
Customization for Healthier Options: To reduce calories, you can ask for less cream cheese, use low-fat cream cheese, or choose a simpler, cream cheese-free roll.
Nutritional Breakdown: Key ingredients include fatty fish, rice, and a high-fat cream cheese, all contributing to the caloric density.
Best for Occasional Indulgence: For those monitoring their calorie intake, Philadelphia rolls are best consumed as an occasional treat rather than a regular staple.

The Cream Cheese Factor: Why Philadelphia Rolls Are Not a Light Choice

The Philadelphia roll is a popular American-style sushi roll known for its rich and creamy texture. Typically, it contains smoked salmon, cucumber, and, most importantly, a generous portion of cream cheese, which significantly increases its calorie and fat content. A standard 8-piece Philadelphia roll can range from 300 to nearly 400 calories, with variations depending on the restaurant and portion size. This places it in a higher-calorie category than many other types of sushi.

The cream cheese is the main calorie culprit, contributing substantial saturated fat to the roll. While the salmon and avocado add healthy fats and protein, they don't offset the caloric density brought by the cheese. When considering weight management or simply monitoring calorie intake, understanding the specific components is essential. For instance, a basic salmon and avocado roll, which shares some ingredients, will have a lower calorie count without the cream cheese.

Breaking Down the Calories: Ingredients and Their Impact

To understand why Philadelphia rolls are more caloric, it helps to look at the individual ingredients and their contributions:

Cream Cheese: The most significant contributor. A single tablespoon can contain over 50 calories and a high amount of saturated fat. Most restaurant-sized rolls use multiple tablespoons.
Sushi Rice: While a staple in all sushi, the sweetened white rice adds a considerable number of carbohydrates and calories. A standard cup of prepared sushi rice can contain over 200 calories.
Smoked Salmon: Provides a source of protein and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. However, smoked salmon often contains more sodium than raw salmon, which is an important nutritional consideration.
Avocado (if included): A source of monounsaturated fats, fiber, and vitamins. While a healthy addition, it also contributes to the overall calorie count.
Sauces and Toppings: Extra ingredients like spicy mayo or eel sauce can add hidden calories and sugar, further increasing the roll's total.

A Look at the Nutritional Comparison

To put the Philadelphia roll's calorie count into perspective, here is a comparison with other popular sushi options. It's clear that the cream cheese elevates its nutritional profile well above simpler rolls.


Sushi Roll	Estimated Calories (6-8 pieces)	Key High-Calorie Ingredient	Nutritional Consideration
Philadelphia Roll	300-390	Cream Cheese	High in saturated fat
California Roll	300-400	Mayonnaise-based sauce, Imitation crab	Can be higher if extra mayo is used
Spicy Tuna Roll	~300	Spicy mayonnaise	The sauce is the main calorie driver
Shrimp Tempura Roll	400-500+	Deep-fried shrimp, sauces	Often one of the highest calorie options due to frying
Cucumber Roll (Kappamaki)	<100	None	Very low in calories, mostly rice and vegetables

As the table demonstrates, the Philadelphia roll sits in the middle-to-high range of sushi calories, outdone only by rolls that include deep-fried ingredients or heavy sauces. This is a crucial distinction for those comparing different sushi types for dietary reasons.

Making Healthier Choices: How to Enjoy Your Sushi

If you love the taste of a Philadelphia roll but want a lower-calorie alternative, you have options. Many restaurants can customize orders to reduce the caloric load. Here are some simple adjustments:

Request less cream cheese. A smaller portion will still provide the flavor without the caloric penalty.
Go for a lightened version. Some places offer versions with less rice or low-fat cream cheese.
Choose a roll without the cream cheese. A classic salmon-avocado roll provides healthy fats and protein with fewer calories.
Opt for brown rice. While not a huge calorie saver, brown rice offers more fiber and nutrients than white rice, contributing to better satiety.
Order sashimi. The simplest option, sashimi is just slices of fish, providing protein without the added calories from rice or cheese.

The Bottom Line on Philadelphia Roll Calories

While delicious, it is important to acknowledge that Philadelphia rolls are higher in calories than many other sushi varieties, primarily due to the inclusion of full-fat cream cheese. For those watching their weight, they are best enjoyed as an occasional treat or in a modified, lighter version. By understanding the ingredients and their impact on the overall nutritional profile, you can make informed decisions and still enjoy a delicious sushi experience.

Conclusion

To summarize, the core reason Philadelphia rolls are considered high in calories is the presence of cream cheese. This ingredient adds significant fat and calories that are not present in simpler, more traditional sushi rolls. For a healthier, lower-calorie meal, consider alternatives like a simple salmon-avocado roll, sashimi, or vegetable rolls. Making small adjustments can allow you to satisfy your craving without derailing your nutritional goals.

For a detailed breakdown of different sushi types, consult a nutritional database.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard 8-piece Philadelphia roll typically contains between 300 and 400 calories, though this can vary by restaurant and portion size.

Cream cheese is high in saturated fat and calories, which in large amounts is not considered ideal for heart health.

Yes, a Philadelphia roll is generally less caloric than a shrimp tempura roll, which includes deep-fried components and heavy sauces that significantly increase the calorie count.

A great lower-calorie alternative is a simple salmon-avocado roll, which provides similar flavors without the added fat and calories from the cream cheese.

No, it won't prevent weight loss on its own. However, its higher calorie density means it should be consumed in moderation or as part of a balanced diet that accounts for its caloric contribution.

You can ask for less cream cheese, use a low-fat version, or switch to a roll that replaces the cream cheese with more vegetables or healthier ingredients.

No, calorie counts vary widely across different sushi rolls. Simple vegetable rolls and sashimi are much lower in calories than specialty rolls with creamy sauces, fried ingredients, or excessive rice.