How many calories are in garlic and herb soft cheese?

November 7, 2025 •

4 min read

The calorie count for garlic and herb soft cheese can vary significantly between brands, with some popular options ranging from 45 to 120 calories per two-tablespoon serving. This spreadable dairy product, beloved for its savory flavor, is primarily made from cheese, milk, cream, and a mix of herbs and spices. Understanding the specific nutritional information is key for those tracking their caloric intake, as factors like fat content and processing methods directly influence the final numbers.

Quick Summary

Calorie counts for garlic and herb soft cheese differ based on brand, fat content, and serving size. A typical two-tablespoon serving can range from 45 to over 100 calories. The cheese is primarily made from cream, milk, and herbs, with variations affecting its total fat, saturated fat, and sodium levels. Lower-fat options are available for those monitoring their intake, but serving sizes and overall diet balance remain crucial considerations. Making a homemade version is also an option for better ingredient control.

Key Points

Significant Variation in Calories: The calorie count for garlic and herb soft cheese ranges widely, from 25 to 120 calories per serving, depending on the brand and whether it is a full-fat, reduced-fat, or whipped version.
Brand Matters for Nutrition: Different manufacturers, like Boursin, Philadelphia, and Alouette, offer products with distinct calorie counts and fat percentages, with full-fat varieties being richer.
Fat Content is a Major Factor: The primary reason for calorie differences is the fat content; reduced-fat or whipped soft cheeses naturally contain fewer calories than their full-fat counterparts.
Look Beyond Calories: For overall health, it's important to consider saturated fat and sodium levels, especially in richer, full-fat spreads.
Mindful Serving is Key: Paying attention to serving sizes is crucial for managing caloric intake, as even a small amount can be calorie-dense.
Homemade Offers Control: Making your own garlic and herb soft cheese at home with ingredients like low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt allows for better control over fat and sodium.
Versatile and Creative Uses: The cheese can be used in numerous healthy ways, including as a flavor booster for eggs, a creamy pasta sauce base, or a topping for baked potatoes.

Understanding the Caloric Range in Garlic and Herb Soft Cheese

Many factors contribute to the total number of calories in garlic and herb soft cheese. The two most important are the specific brand and whether it is a full-fat or reduced-fat version. Different brands use varying proportions of cream, milk, and other ingredients, which directly impacts the fat and, therefore, the caloric density. For example, a single wedge of a light garlic and herb soft cheese might contain as few as 25 calories, while a two-tablespoon serving of a premium full-fat brand could have 120 calories or more. Therefore, checking the nutrition label on the package is the most accurate way to get specific data.

Comparing Popular Brands and Calorie Counts

To highlight the range in caloric content, here's a comparison of some popular garlic and herb soft cheese brands. Keep in mind that serving sizes can also differ slightly, so it's always best to check the label on the product you purchase.


Brand	Serving Size	Calories	Fat (g)	Sodium (mg)	Notes
Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs	2 Tbsp (1 oz/29g)	120	12	140	Rich, full-fat gourmet cheese.
Alouette Soft Spreadable Cheese – Garlic & Herbs	2 Tbsp (0.8 oz/23g)	80	8	100	Soft and creamy spread.
Philadelphia Garlic & Herb Cream Cheese	2 Tbsp (32g)	70	6	140	A standard, widely available option.
Philadelphia Whipped Garlic & Herb Cream Cheese	2 Tbsp (22g)	50	Varies	Varies	Lighter, fluffier texture.
President Rondele Light Garlic & Herbs	2 Tbsp	45	Varies	Varies	A lower-calorie alternative.

Beyond Calories: Other Nutritional Considerations

While calories are a key metric, it's also important to consider the other nutritional aspects of garlic and herb soft cheese. Many full-fat versions are high in saturated fat and sodium. A two-tablespoon serving can contribute a significant portion of your daily recommended saturated fat intake. Reduced-fat versions can lower these numbers, but it is always wise to read the label carefully. Pay attention to ingredients like stabilizers or added sugars, especially in lighter or whipped varieties.

Creative and Healthy Ways to Use Soft Cheese

Garlic and herb soft cheese is not just for crackers. Incorporating it into recipes can add flavor and creaminess without overwhelming the dish with calories. Here are some ideas for enjoying it more healthily:

Enhance Scrambled Eggs: Stir a small spoonful into your eggs while cooking for a rich, savory flavor. The amount is small, so the calorie impact is minimal.
Create a Light Pasta Sauce: Mix a tablespoon or two with some reserved pasta water to create a creamy, low-calorie sauce for your favorite noodles.
Add to Baked Potatoes: Instead of butter and sour cream, top a baked potato with a small dollop of the soft cheese and chives for a flavorful alternative.
Stuff Chicken Breasts: Create a pocket in a chicken breast and fill it with a mixture of the soft cheese and spinach before baking.
Make a Creamy Soup Base: Whisk in a small amount at the end of cooking a vegetable soup to make it creamier without using heavy cream.

Making Your Own Garlic and Herb Soft Cheese

For ultimate control over ingredients and nutrition, consider making your own garlic and herb soft cheese. This allows you to choose your base, such as full-fat cream cheese, low-fat cream cheese, or even Greek yogurt. A homemade version typically involves combining the chosen base with fresh minced garlic and herbs like parsley, chives, and dill, along with salt and pepper to taste. This method reduces preservatives and allows you to moderate the fat and sodium content. You can even create a vegan version using cashews or silken tofu as the base.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the calorie content of garlic and herb soft cheese depends on the specific product you choose. Brands like Boursin are higher in calories due to their rich, full-fat nature, while lighter options from Philadelphia or President offer a less caloric profile. For those concerned with fat and sodium, opting for reduced-fat or whipped varieties is a good strategy. By being mindful of serving sizes and exploring healthier applications, you can still enjoy the delicious, savory flavor of this versatile cheese spread.

Key Takeaways:

Caloric Variation: The calories in garlic and herb soft cheese vary significantly by brand and fat content, with popular options ranging from 45 to 120 calories per two-tablespoon serving.
Check the Label: The most accurate way to know the calories and nutrition is to check the specific product's label, as serving sizes and ingredients differ.
Reduced-Fat Options: Many brands offer reduced-fat or whipped versions that have a lower calorie and fat count than their full-fat counterparts.
Nutritional Details: Beyond calories, consider the saturated fat and sodium levels, which can be higher in rich, full-fat spreads.
Versatile Use: Garlic and herb soft cheese can be used in many recipes beyond crackers, such as in eggs, pasta sauces, or stuffed chicken.
Homemade Alternative: Making your own soft cheese using a base like Greek yogurt or low-fat cream cheese provides complete control over ingredients and nutritional content.

Frequently Asked Questions

A two-tablespoon serving (approximately 29g) of Boursin's full-fat garlic and fine herbs soft cheese contains around 120 calories.

Yes, many brands offer lower-calorie alternatives. For example, President Rondele's Light Garlic & Herbs soft cheese contains about 45 calories per two-tablespoon serving. Whipped varieties, such as Philadelphia's whipped garlic and herb cream cheese, also tend to have fewer calories.

Philadelphia's garlic and herb cream cheese is significantly lower in calories than Boursin, with about 70 calories per two-tablespoon serving, compared to Boursin's 120 calories for a similar-sized serving.

It can be. By making your own using a base like low-fat cream cheese, Greek yogurt, or even silken tofu, you can control the fat content and ingredients, potentially resulting in a lower-calorie product.

The fat content is the primary factor. Full-fat versions that use more cream will have a higher calorie count than reduced-fat or whipped varieties, which have less fat per serving.

You can use it healthily by controlling portion sizes and incorporating it into recipes sparingly. Try stirring a small amount into scrambled eggs, mixing it with pasta water for a light sauce, or using it as a flavorful spread on vegetables.

Many brands of garlic and herb soft cheese can be high in sodium, particularly the full-fat versions. Always check the nutrition label for the specific product, as sodium levels can vary significantly.