How Many Calories Are in Scallion Cream Cheese?

November 30, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutritional data, a standard two-tablespoon serving of scallion cream cheese contains between 80 and 90 calories, though this can vary by brand. This makes it a flavorful and nutrient-dense spread, but understanding the precise caloric content is important for managing your dietary intake.

Quick Summary

The exact caloric content for scallion cream cheese ranges based on the brand, ingredients, and portion size, typically falling between 80 and 90 calories per 2-tablespoon serving. Key factors affecting the nutritional profile include the base cream cheese type (regular vs. whipped or low-fat) and any additional flavorings.

Key Points

Calories per Serving: A standard 2-tablespoon serving of scallion cream cheese contains 80-90 calories, but this can fluctuate by brand.
Fat is the Main Calorie Source: The majority of the calories come from the fat content of the cream cheese base.
Lighter Options Exist: Whipped and low-fat versions offer a lower calorie count per serving.
Portion Control is Key: Measure your servings to avoid overconsumption, as calories can add up quickly.
Healthier Alternatives: Vegan options (cashew/tofu) or mixing with Greek yogurt can lower calories and boost nutrients.
Homemade Advantage: Making your own allows full control over the ingredients, including using lower-fat cream cheese.
Nutrient Contribution: Scallions add minimal calories but provide small amounts of vitamins A, C, and K.

Scallion Cream Cheese: A Calorie Breakdown

When evaluating the calorie count of scallion cream cheese, it's essential to consider the base ingredients. The creamy, rich flavor comes primarily from the cream cheese itself, with the scallions adding minimal calories but significant flavor and nutrients. Most commercially available scallion cream cheese products fall within a consistent range per two-tablespoon (one-ounce) serving, though variations exist. For example, brands like Wegman's list their scallion cream cheese at 90 calories per one-ounce serving, while others might be slightly lower due to different formulations.

It's important to remember that these figures are based on specific serving sizes. As with any spread, the calories can quickly add up if portion sizes aren't measured. The standard serving is relatively small, so a bagel slathered with a thick layer can contain significantly more calories than expected.

Factors Influencing Calorie Count

Several elements contribute to the final calorie count of scallion cream cheese:

Base Cream Cheese: The primary driver of calories is the fat content of the cream cheese. Regular, full-fat versions will have more calories than their low-fat, non-fat, or whipped counterparts. Whipped cream cheese, in particular, incorporates more air during processing, which can lower the calories per tablespoon.
Additional Ingredients: While fresh scallions themselves are very low in calories, some commercial varieties may include other flavorings or stabilizers that can slightly affect the total nutritional profile.
Brand Variations: Different brands have different recipes. Some may use higher-fat cream cheese, while others might add ingredients for texture, all of which change the final caloric value. For instance, a dairy-free cashew-based scallion cream cheese might have a different caloric structure altogether.

Nutritional Information per 2 Tbsp (Approx. 28g)

Here's a representative nutritional profile for a standard serving of scallion cream cheese, based on data from several commercial products:

Calories: 80-90 kcal
Total Fat: 7-9g
Saturated Fat: 4-5g
Carbohydrates: 1-2g
Sugar: 1g or less
Protein: 1-2g
Sodium: 70-120mg

While this spread is not a significant source of protein or fiber, the addition of scallions provides trace amounts of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as some antioxidants.

Scallion Cream Cheese vs. Other Spreads: A Calorie Comparison


Spread Type	Serving Size	Calories (Approx.)	Total Fat (Approx.)	Notes
Scallion Cream Cheese	2 Tbsp	80-90	7-9g	Flavorful, savory option.
Regular Cream Cheese	2 Tbsp	100	10g	Higher in calories and fat due to no added ingredients or air.
Whipped Cream Cheese	2 Tbsp	50-60	4-5g	Lighter and lower in calories per tablespoon.
Low-Fat Cream Cheese	2 Tbsp	60-70	5-6g	Reduced fat content for a lighter spread.
Hummus	2 Tbsp	50	2.5g	A plant-based alternative, typically lower in saturated fat.
Avocado	2 Tbsp (mashed)	48	4.4g	Also a healthy, plant-based fat source.
Butter	2 Tbsp	200	23g	Significantly higher in fat and calories.

As the table shows, standard scallion cream cheese is relatively high in fat and calories compared to options like hummus or avocado, but it is lighter than traditional butter. Lighter versions of cream cheese can help reduce the caloric load. For those watching their intake, controlling the portion size is the most effective strategy.

Lower-Calorie Alternatives and How to Enjoy Scallion Cream Cheese Responsibly

If you're seeking to reduce calories without sacrificing flavor, several alternatives can be considered. Using a whipped or low-fat cream cheese base for your scallion spread is a straightforward way to cut calories. You can also explore vegan alternatives made from cashews or tofu, which can offer a different nutritional profile. A fat-free cream cheese base mixed with scallions and a little fat-free sour cream can provide a very low-calorie alternative.

Another approach is to simply use less. Instead of a thick layer, a thinner schmear can provide the taste without the excess calories. Pair it with a whole-grain bagel or toast to add fiber and nutrients, or use it as a flavorful dip for crisp vegetables like cucumbers, carrots, and celery.

How to Make a Lighter Homemade Version

Making your own scallion cream cheese at home gives you complete control over the ingredients. Start with a light or whipped cream cheese. You can even combine plain cream cheese with Greek yogurt for an extra protein boost and a tangy flavor.

Ingredients:

1 (8 oz) package light cream cheese, softened
3-4 scallions, finely chopped (both white and green parts)
1/4 tsp garlic powder
Pinch of black pepper

Instructions:

In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
Stir in the chopped scallions, garlic powder, and pepper until combined.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This process results in a fresh-tasting spread with fewer calories than many commercial versions.

Conclusion

While scallion cream cheese is a delicious and popular spread, its calorie count of 80-90 per two-tablespoon serving is important to be aware of, especially for those monitoring their intake. The fat content is the primary source of these calories, and using lighter versions or managing portion sizes can be effective strategies for moderation. For a comprehensive look at nutritional values, you can check resources like Nutritionix. Ultimately, with mindful preparation or consumption, scallion cream cheese can remain a flavorful part of a balanced diet.

For more detailed nutritional information on food items, consider exploring reputable health databases like Nutritionix.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard 2-tablespoon serving of scallion cream cheese is moderate in calories, typically providing 80-90 calories, which is higher than some other spreads but comparable to regular cream cheese.

To reduce the calories, use a light, low-fat, or whipped cream cheese as your base. You can also mix plain cream cheese with Greek yogurt to increase protein and lower fat content.

Yes, for a dairy-free option, you can use homemade spreads made from cashews or tofu. Hummus or mashed avocado with fresh herbs can also serve as flavorful, plant-based alternatives.

No, the scallions themselves are very low in calories. Most of the calories come from the cream cheese base, so adding more scallions will not significantly impact the overall calorie count.

Scallion cream cheese generally has a similar or slightly lower calorie count per standard serving than regular cream cheese, which can have up to 100 calories per 2 tablespoons. Using a whipped version further reduces calories.

Yes, scallion cream cheese is a versatile ingredient. It can be used as a dip for vegetables, mixed into pasta sauces for a creamy texture, or used as a spread for sandwiches and wraps.

The primary source of calories in scallion cream cheese is the fat content from the cream cheese base. This is why lighter versions with reduced fat have fewer calories.