How Many Calories in a Small Cup of Philadelphia Cream Cheese?

December 5, 2025 •

3 min read

According to product specifications, a single-serve 1 oz cup of Philadelphia Original Cream Cheese Spread contains approximately 70 calories. Understanding how many calories in a small cup of Philadelphia cream cheese can help you make informed decisions for your diet and daily intake.

Quick Summary

Single-serve Philadelphia cream cheese cups typically contain 70 to 80 calories, depending on the exact product and portion. The calorie count varies between spread and brick formats due to differences in density. It is vital to check product-specific nutrition labels for the most accurate information.

Key Points

Single-Serve Cup Calories: A typical 1 oz single-serve cup of Philadelphia Original Cream Cheese Spread contains 70 calories.
Brick vs. Spread Differences: Due to differences in density, the brick version of Philadelphia cream cheese has a higher calorie count per ounce compared to the lighter, whipped spread.
Light Varieties for Fewer Calories: Opting for a "light" version of Philadelphia cream cheese significantly reduces both calories and fat content.
Portion Control is Key: For those monitoring intake, measuring a 1-2 tablespoon serving from a tub is important, as excess consumption can quickly increase calories.
Check the Label: Always verify the nutrition facts on the specific product packaging, as flavors, formats, and serving sizes affect the final calorie count.
Mindful Consumption: Enjoy cream cheese in moderation and consider it an accent flavor rather than a primary food source to keep your diet balanced.

A small, single-serve cup of Philadelphia Original Cream Cheese Spread contains approximately 70-80 calories, with variations depending on the precise product and packaging. A typical 1-ounce (28g) cup has around 70 calories, while a slightly larger 1.1-ounce serving (approximately 2 tablespoons) is about 80 calories. This is an important distinction for anyone tracking their caloric intake, as the term "small cup" can refer to slightly different products.

Factors Affecting Cream Cheese Calories

Several factors can influence the calorie count in a small portion of Philadelphia cream cheese. Recognizing these differences is key to managing your intake effectively.

Product Type (Spread vs. Brick)

One of the most significant factors is whether the product is a cream cheese spread from a tub or a traditional block from a brick. Spreads, which are often whipped, contain more air and moisture, resulting in a lower calorie density per ounce compared to the denser cream cheese bricks. A 1 oz serving of the standard Original Cream Cheese brick contains about 100 calories, which is notably higher than the single-serve spread cup.

Variety (Original vs. Light vs. Flavored)

Philadelphia offers various versions of its cream cheese, each with a different nutritional profile:

Light or Reduced-Fat: These versions are specifically formulated to have fewer calories and less fat. For example, a light version can have around 40% less fat than the original, resulting in fewer calories per serving. A 35g mini tub of Philadelphia Light can contain as few as 52 calories.
Flavored: Flavored cream cheese spreads, such as strawberry or chive and onion, can have different calorie counts. Some may contain added sugars that increase the total calorie count. A small 1.2 oz mini tub of strawberry cream cheese spread, for instance, contains 100 calories.

Portion Control for Your Diet

For those watching their calorie consumption, portion control is paramount. While a single-serve cup provides a convenient pre-portioned amount, using a larger tub requires careful measurement. A standard serving of 1 to 2 tablespoons is recommended to enjoy the creamy flavor without overindulging. To maintain a balanced diet, it is always best to be mindful of serving sizes and the overall caloric impact of the foods you consume.

Comparison of Philadelphia Cream Cheese Products

This table provides a snapshot of the caloric differences between various Philadelphia cream cheese products. Always consult the specific product label for the most accurate information.


Product	Serving Size	Calories (approx.)	Fat (approx.)	Saturated Fat (approx.)
Original Spread (Single-Serve)	1 oz (28g)	70	7g	4g
Original Spread (Tub)	2 tbsp (31g)	80	7g	4.5g
Original Brick	1 oz (28g)	100	9g	6g
Light Spread (Mini Tub)	35g	52-79	3.7-7.2g	2.5-4.8g

Making Healthier Choices with Cream Cheese

While cream cheese is often seen as a fatty food, it can be part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation. The key lies in selecting the right product and controlling your portions. Opting for light varieties can significantly reduce your fat and calorie intake. Additionally, using cream cheese as an accent flavor rather than a primary component of a meal can help keep calories in check. Consider alternatives like Neufchâtel cheese, which has a similar taste but less fat, as suggested by wellness experts.

For more general information on cream cheese and its nutritional profile, Healthline offers an excellent overview.

Conclusion

In summary, a small, single-serve cup of Philadelphia cream cheese spread generally contains around 70 calories. However, this number can change based on the product format (spread vs. brick), with the denser brick version having a higher calorie count per ounce. Reduced-fat and flavored varieties also introduce differences. For accurate tracking, always rely on the nutritional information printed on the specific product packaging. Mindful portioning and considering lighter options are the best strategies for incorporating cream cheese into a health-conscious diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

A single-serve 1 oz cup of Philadelphia Original Cream Cheese Spread contains approximately 70 calories.

Yes, the whipped spreads sold in tubs are aerated, making them less dense and containing fewer calories per ounce than the solid cream cheese bricks.

A 1 oz serving of standard Philadelphia Original Cream Cheese (the brick format) contains approximately 100 calories.

The calorie count for Philadelphia Light varies, but a small 35g mini tub can contain as few as 52 calories, representing a lower-calorie alternative to the original.

A standard serving is typically defined as 1 ounce, which is equivalent to about 2 tablespoons, according to package labeling.

Compared to some other cheeses, regular cream cheese is relatively high in calories and fat. Moderation is important for dietary management.

Yes, flavored varieties often have different calorie counts than the plain original due to added ingredients like sugars. For example, a 1.2 oz strawberry mini tub has 100 calories.