How many calories in a Philadelphia cream cheese roll?

October 20, 2025 •

4 min read

A standard eight-piece Philadelphia cream cheese roll can contain anywhere from 260 to over 500 calories, with the cream cheese being a significant calorie contributor. This rich filling, combined with rice and salmon, creates a delicious but calorie-dense sushi option, prompting many to question how many calories in a Philadelphia cream cheese roll.

Quick Summary

This guide examines the calorie range for a Philadelphia roll, its macronutrient composition, and key factors affecting its nutritional profile, such as cream cheese and rice content.

Key Points

Calorie Range Varies: Expect a standard Philly roll to have between 260 and 560 calories, depending heavily on portion size and ingredients.
Cream Cheese is the Key Factor: The rich, fatty nature of cream cheese adds substantial calories and saturated fat, making it a less healthy option than simpler rolls.
Higher in Fat: Compared to other sushi, Philadelphia rolls are significantly higher in fat due to the cream cheese, which can impact dietary goals.
Ingredients Drive the Count: The specific recipe—including the amount of rice, salmon, and avocado—directly influences the final calorie count.
Healthier Alternatives Exist: For a lower-calorie meal, consider options like sashimi, simple maki rolls, or brown rice alternatives.
Portion Control is Key: An 8-piece roll is a full meal; controlling your portion size is an effective way to manage calorie intake.

The Surprising Calorie Count of a Philadelphia Cream Cheese Roll

For many, the Philadelphia cream cheese roll is a beloved Americanized sushi staple, celebrated for its creamy texture and rich flavor. However, its indulgent ingredients can lead to a surprisingly high calorie count. A typical 8-piece roll, especially one from a restaurant, can range from 260 to over 500 calories, with averages often falling between 300 and 400 calories. This wide variation exists because the exact calorie content depends heavily on the specific recipe, portion size, and the quality and quantity of its components.

Key Ingredients and Their Caloric Impact

At its core, a Philadelphia roll consists of sushi rice, smoked or raw salmon, cream cheese, and often cucumber or avocado, all wrapped in nori seaweed. Understanding the contribution of each ingredient is key to appreciating the total calorie load.

Cream Cheese: The most significant calorie-booster, cream cheese is rich in fat. Just one tablespoon can add approximately 51 calories. A restaurant roll may contain multiple tablespoons, driving the fat and saturated fat content up considerably and pushing the overall calorie count higher.
Sushi Rice: Made with white rice, sugar, and vinegar, the seasoned rice contributes a large portion of the roll's carbohydrates. A typical 8-piece roll can contain 50 grams or more of carbohydrates, most of which come from the rice.
Salmon: A source of lean protein and healthy omega-3 fatty acids, salmon is a nutritious component. However, the use of smoked salmon, while delicious, can increase the sodium content.
Avocado: When included, avocado adds healthy monounsaturated fats and fiber, but also contributes to the total calorie count.

Comparison Table: Philly Roll vs. Other Sushi Favorites

To put the Philadelphia roll's nutritional profile into context, here's a comparison with other popular sushi options. Values are approximate for an 8-piece roll and can vary by restaurant.


Sushi Roll	Calories (Approx.)	Primary Calorie Source	Health Considerations
Philadelphia Roll	300-400	Cream cheese & Rice	High in saturated fat; lower than tempura, but higher than simple rolls
California Roll	250-300	Rice & Imitation Crab	Moderate calories; less fat than Philly roll; often lacks omega-3s from real fish
Shrimp Tempura Roll	400-500+	Tempura (fried batter)	Deep-fried ingredients add significant fat and calories; a less healthy choice
Spicy Tuna Roll	300-400	Spicy mayo & Rice	Often contains high-fat spicy mayo; calories comparable to Philly roll, but can be higher
Sashimi (Salmon)	<100	Lean Protein	Pure raw fish, no rice; highest protein, lowest carb and calorie option
Cucumber Roll (Kappa Maki)	<100	Cucumber & Rice	Very low calorie, high water content, vegetarian option; lacks protein

Making a Healthier Philadelphia Roll

While the traditional Philly roll might be a treat rather than an everyday item for health-conscious diners, it is possible to enjoy its flavor profile with a few modifications.

Tips for Reducing Calories and Fat:

Request Less Cream Cheese: Simply asking the chef to use half the usual amount of cream cheese can drastically cut calories and saturated fat.
Opt for Low-Fat Cream Cheese: If you're making your own roll, using a low-fat or even whipped cream cheese can lower the calorie count while still providing a creamy texture.
Replace with Avocado: Substitute some or all of the cream cheese with extra avocado. Avocado provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and fiber, making it a more nutritious alternative.
Choose Brown Rice: While the calorie difference isn't massive, brown rice offers more fiber, which aids digestion and can increase satiety.
Control Your Portions: Instead of eating an entire 8-piece roll, consider having a 4-piece portion alongside a lower-calorie side, such as a seaweed salad or miso soup.
Skip High-Calorie Sauces: Avoid adding extra dollops of spicy mayo or eel sauce, which add significant hidden calories.

Portion Size and Macronutrient Breakdown

The nutritional information for a Philadelphia roll is typically based on an 8-piece serving, which can be a substantial meal on its own. For example, a single 8-piece roll can contain around 11-14 grams of protein, 14-30+ grams of fat, and 40-55 grams of carbohydrates. The high fat and carbohydrate content makes it a less balanced meal compared to sashimi, which provides almost pure protein. When considering your overall dietary goals, it's important to recognize that the Philadelphia roll, while delicious, is not a low-fat or low-carb option.

Conclusion: The Bottom Line for Your Diet

While you can certainly enjoy the occasional Philadelphia cream cheese roll, it's not the leanest choice on the sushi menu. The high-fat cream cheese significantly contributes to its calorie count, making it a more indulgent option than simpler, fish-forward alternatives like sashimi or basic vegetable rolls. By being mindful of portions and opting for healthier modifications, such as less cream cheese or extra avocado, you can strike a better balance. The key is to enjoy it in moderation and understand what goes into your meal. For those strictly counting calories or looking for low-fat meals, there are better choices available. When in doubt, a simple salmon or cucumber roll is always a safer bet for a lighter meal.

For more detailed nutritional information and healthy eating tips, consult resources like the WebMD article on best and worst sushi options.

Frequently Asked Questions

A Philly roll is generally less healthy than other sushi options due to the high fat content from the cream cheese, though the salmon provides healthy omega-3s.

Just one tablespoon of cream cheese can add approximately 51 calories to a sushi roll, and many restaurant rolls contain more than that.

To reduce calories, ask for less cream cheese, use low-fat cream cheese, or substitute some of the cream cheese with avocado for a healthier fat source.

Yes, a Philadelphia roll is often higher in calories than a standard California roll due to the high-fat cream cheese, which adds more fat and calories than the imitation crab found in California rolls.

Sashimi is simply raw fish without rice and toppings, making it a very low-calorie, high-protein option. The Philadelphia roll, in contrast, is higher in calories and fat due to the rice and cream cheese.

Yes, using brown rice is a healthier option as it contains more fiber and nutrients than white rice, although it won't reduce the calories from the cream cheese.

The core ingredients are typically smoked salmon, cream cheese, and cucumber, all rolled in sushi rice and seaweed. Avocado is also a common addition.