How Many Calories Are In 2 Tablespoons Of Strawberry Cream Cheese?

December 1, 2025 •

3 min read

According to manufacturers like Philadelphia, a standard 2-tablespoon serving of regular strawberry cream cheese contains around 70 to 80 calories, though this can fluctuate. The exact number of calories in 2 tablespoons of strawberry cream cheese is influenced by factors such as the specific brand and whether it is a regular or reduced-fat variety.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a two-tablespoon serving of strawberry cream cheese ranges from 70 to 90 calories, with differences based on the manufacturer and fat level. This article breaks down the nutritional content, compares several popular brands, and offers guidance on incorporating it into a balanced diet.

Key Points

Calorie Range: A standard 2-tablespoon serving of strawberry cream cheese contains 70 to 90 calories, depending on the brand.
Brand Variations: Calorie counts differ between brands; Philadelphia's regular is around 70-80 calories, while other brands might be higher.
Fat Content Matters: Reduced-fat or light versions, like Philadelphia's 1/3 Less Fat Strawberry, typically have fewer calories and less fat than their regular counterparts.
Sugar Contribution: As a flavored product, strawberry cream cheese has added sugars and carbohydrates that contribute to its overall calorie count.
Mindful Consumption: Enjoying strawberry cream cheese in moderation and controlling portion sizes are key to fitting it into a healthy diet.
Healthier Alternatives: Homemade versions using plain yogurt or cottage cheese with fresh strawberries offer a lower-calorie, higher-protein alternative.

Calorie Breakdown for Strawberry Cream Cheese

Understanding the calorie content of strawberry cream cheese requires a look at its macronutrient composition. Cream cheese is primarily made from milk and cream, making it rich in fat. The addition of strawberries and sugar contributes carbohydrates and, subsequently, more calories. A typical 2-tablespoon serving (about 30 grams) of regular flavored cream cheese can have approximately 70 to 90 calories.

Factors Influencing Calorie Count

Brand: Different manufacturers use varying recipes, affecting the final calorie total. Some brands might add more sugar for a sweeter flavor, while others may use more fruit or less fat. For instance, Philadelphia brand's regular strawberry spread has 70-80 calories, whereas other brands might list up to 90 calories for the same serving size.
Fat Content: The fat content is the primary driver of calories. Regular cream cheese contains more fat than its reduced-fat or light counterparts. Philadelphia's 1/3 Less Fat Strawberry Cream Cheese, for example, is around 70 calories per 2 tablespoons, less than some regular versions.
Sugar: The amount of added sugar is another significant factor. As a flavored spread, strawberry cream cheese almost always contains more sugar and carbohydrates than plain cream cheese. Those on a low-carb diet should pay close attention to the sugar content, as it can add up quickly.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

Beyond calories, a 2-tablespoon serving of strawberry cream cheese offers other nutrients. Here is a general breakdown based on popular brands, but for specific details, always check the product's nutrition label:

Calories: 70-90 kcal
Total Fat: 5-8g
Saturated Fat: 3-5g
Carbohydrates: 5-6g
Sugar: 5-6g
Protein: 1-2g

Note that these values can change depending on the brand and whether it's a regular or low-fat variety. For example, some low-fat options will have fewer calories and fat but may contain artificial sweeteners or thickeners.

Comparison of Popular Strawberry Cream Cheese Brands

To illustrate the variations, here's a quick comparison of several common brands for a 2-tablespoon (approx. 30g) serving.


Brand	Calories	Total Fat	Saturated Fat	Sugars
Philadelphia Strawberry	70-80	5g	3g	6g
Philadelphia 1/3 Less Fat Strawberry	70	4.5g	N/A	5g
Great Value Strawberry	85	8g	5g	5g
Market Pantry Strawberry	90	7g	5g	5g

This table highlights the importance of checking the label, as even a small serving size can have noticeable differences in calorie and fat content between brands. For more detailed nutritional information on many products, you can consult databases like Eat This Much.

Tips for Incorporating Strawberry Cream Cheese into a Healthy Diet

While strawberry cream cheese isn't the most nutrient-dense food, it can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Here are some smart strategies:

Portion Control: The 2-tablespoon serving size is a good benchmark. Measure your portions to avoid unknowingly consuming extra calories.
Choose Lower-Fat Versions: Opting for a reduced-fat or light version can help lower your overall calorie and fat intake per serving.
Pair with High-Fiber Foods: Spreading a thin layer on a whole-wheat bagel or multi-grain crackers adds fiber, which can help you feel full and satisfied for longer.
DIY Your Own Version: To control sugar and fat, try mixing plain Greek yogurt or low-fat cottage cheese with fresh, mashed strawberries. This significantly boosts protein while slashing calories and sugar.
Use as a Dip: Serve it with fresh fruit like apple slices or grapes for a sweet snack that feels decadent but is still relatively light.

Conclusion

In summary, 2 tablespoons of strawberry cream cheese typically contain between 70 and 90 calories, with popular brands like Philadelphia often falling in the 70-80 calorie range. The variation depends largely on the brand's formulation, particularly its fat and sugar content. For those mindful of their calorie intake, choosing a reduced-fat version or making a homemade alternative can be effective strategies. By being aware of these nutritional details and practicing mindful portion control, you can enjoy this flavorful spread without derailing your health goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not necessarily. While plain cream cheese often has fewer calories from sugar, strawberry versions contain added sugars and carbohydrates. The healthfulness depends on the specific product, and often, plain cream cheese is more versatile for savory dishes while strawberry cream cheese is purely a sweet spread.

Whipped versions of cream cheese often have fewer calories per tablespoon because they are aerated, meaning they are less dense. However, a 2-tablespoon serving might still have a similar calorie count to the regular spread, so it's best to check the specific nutritional information on the package.

The primary source of calories in strawberry cream cheese comes from its fat content. The added sugar also contributes a significant amount of carbohydrates, which adds to the overall calorie count.

Yes, you can. It's all about moderation and portion control. By sticking to the recommended 2-tablespoon serving size and pairing it with high-fiber foods, you can incorporate it into a balanced diet. Opting for a reduced-fat version can also be a helpful strategy.

For a healthier option, consider making your own. Blending plain Greek yogurt or low-fat cottage cheese with fresh, mashed strawberries and a small amount of sweetener allows you to control the ingredients and reduce the sugar and fat content.

Based on popular brands, a 2-tablespoon serving typically contains around 5 to 6 grams of sugar. This is an important factor to consider for those monitoring their sugar intake.

To reduce calories, you can either choose a reduced-fat variety from the store, make a homemade version with a lower-fat base like yogurt, or simply use a thinner layer when spreading it on your toast or bagel.