Is Philadelphia Cream Cheese Considered Ultra-Processed?

October 7, 2025 •

4 min read

According to reports like one in the Daily Mail, some versions of Philadelphia cream cheese have been identified as ultra-processed due to the inclusion of stabilizers. This raises the question for many health-conscious consumers: Is Philadelphia cream cheese considered ultra-processed, and what does that mean for your diet?

Quick Summary

Philadelphia cream cheese's classification as ultra-processed depends on the specific product and the definition used. Containing added stabilizers, it fits a strict interpretation, though other rating systems may view its processing as minimal compared to complex ready-to-eat foods.

Key Points

NOVA Classification: The system most often used to classify foods considers industrial ingredients and complex processing as indicators of ultra-processed food.
Industrial Additives: Philadelphia contains stabilizers (guar gum, carob bean gum) and preservatives, which are industrial ingredients.
Conflicting Classifications: While some interpretations label it a UPF, other systems rate it with low processing concerns compared to other junk food.
Read the Label: The best method for consumers is to check ingredient lists for stabilizers, preservatives, and other additives.
Processing Spectrum: The level of processing varies widely among UPFs, and a product like cream cheese is simpler than many heavily engineered ready meals.
Moderation is Key: Enjoying Philadelphia in moderation within a balanced diet is a reasonable approach for most people.
Alternatives Exist: Homemade or artisanal cream cheeses with simple ingredient lists offer less-processed options.

Understanding Ultra-Processed Foods and the NOVA System

Before determining Philadelphia's status, it's crucial to understand the framework for classifying processed foods. The most widely used method is the NOVA classification system, which organizes foods into four categories based on their nature, extent, and purpose of processing.

Category 1: Unprocessed or Minimally Processed Foods. This group includes whole foods like fruits, vegetables, eggs, and fresh milk. Processing is limited to natural methods like drying, freezing, or pasteurization to increase shelf life or make food safe.
Category 2: Processed Culinary Ingredients. Items like salt, sugar, oils, and butter that are derived from Group 1 foods and used to season or cook meals.
Category 3: Processed Foods. Simple products made by combining Group 1 and 2 ingredients, such as canned vegetables or freshly baked bread with just flour, water, and yeast.
Category 4: Ultra-Processed Food and Drink Products (UPFs). These are industrial formulations typically containing five or more ingredients, often including additives like emulsifiers, stabilizers, and artificial flavors not found in a home kitchen. Examples include soft drinks, packaged snacks, and many ready meals.

A Closer Look at Philadelphia Cream Cheese Ingredients

So, where does Philadelphia fit in? The answer depends heavily on the specific product and geographical location, as ingredient lists can vary. A look at a typical ingredient list reveals:

Pasteurized Milk and Cream: The foundation of the product, fitting into NOVA Category 1.
Salt, Cheese Culture: Standard ingredients for cheesemaking.
Stabilizers (e.g., Guar Gum, Carob Bean Gum, Xanthan Gum): These are additives, not typically used in home cooking, designed to create a smooth, consistent texture and prevent liquid separation.
Preservatives (e.g., Sorbic Acid, Potassium Sorbate): Added to extend shelf life.
Other Ingredients (e.g., Whey Protein Concentrate, Vitamin A Palmitate): Depending on the product, additional industrially derived ingredients may be present.

The inclusion of stabilizers and preservatives is the key factor that pushes Philadelphia cream cheese, under a strict NOVA interpretation, into the ultra-processed category, or at least the grey area bordering Category 4.

The Conflicting Perspectives: Why Classifications Differ

The debate over Philadelphia's status highlights a broader issue with UPF classification—there is no universally agreed-upon definition, and different rating systems may offer conflicting verdicts.

The Pro-UPF Argument: Some sources cite the presence of additives like guar gum and preservatives as clear indicators of ultra-processing. These ingredients are industrial-use only and serve cosmetic rather than nutritional purposes, aligning with the core UPF definition.
The Counter-Argument: Other organizations, like the Environmental Working Group (EWG), have rated some Philadelphia products as having "low processing concerns". This perspective considers that while some processing occurs, it's minimal compared to heavily engineered foods like sugary cereals or frozen dinners. A tub of cream cheese is far less complex than a ready meal with dozens of ingredients, illustrating the wide spectrum of UPFs.

How to Determine for Yourself

The most effective strategy is to become an informed consumer by reading ingredient lists. A simple rule of thumb, supported by experts, is that the longer and more complex the ingredient list, especially with unfamiliar names, the higher the degree of processing. Compare a commercial cream cheese to a homemade version, which often includes only cream, lactic acid bacteria, and salt. This stark contrast reveals the industrial techniques used to create a consistent, long-lasting product.

Comparison: Philadelphia Cream Cheese vs. Simpler Alternatives


Feature	Philadelphia Original Cream Cheese	Homemade Cream Cheese	Minimally Processed Spread (e.g., fresh chevre)
Ingredients	Milk, cream, salt, cheese culture, stabilizers (guar/carob bean gum), preservatives (sorbic acid)	Milk, cream, salt, lemon juice or rennet	Milk, salt, bacterial culture
Processing Level	Ultra-processed (NOVA Group 4), containing industrial additives	Minimally processed (NOVA Group 1), made with simple kitchen ingredients	Processed (NOVA Group 3) or Minimally Processed (NOVA Group 1), depending on the brand
Additives	Yes, includes gums for texture and preservatives for shelf life	No, relies on natural coagulation	No, relies on natural fermentation
Shelf Life	Extended due to stabilizers and preservatives	Short, intended for immediate consumption	Moderate, but typically shorter than industrial versions

Conclusion: A Nuanced Answer

In short, whether you consider Philadelphia cream cheese ultra-processed depends on your definition and how strictly you apply the NOVA classification. The presence of industrial additives like gums and preservatives means it meets the criteria for a UPF under a strict interpretation. However, its ingredient list is far less complex than that of many other highly processed foods, which is why some systems may view it as having low processing concerns. For a consumer aiming to minimize ultra-processed foods, opting for a homemade version or checking the label for simple, minimal ingredient alternatives would be the safest bet. For most, enjoying Philadelphia in moderation as part of an otherwise balanced diet is unlikely to pose a significant health risk, but awareness of its processing level is key to making informed choices.

For more insight into food processing classifications, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) provides valuable information on identifying ultra-processed foods.

Read Labels to Make Informed Choices

The best takeaway is to always read the ingredient list, regardless of a product's reputation. Look for foods with short, recognizable ingredient lists. If you see industrial additives, it's a sign of higher processing, allowing you to decide if it aligns with your dietary goals. The classification isn't just about 'good' or 'bad,' but about understanding the food you're eating and the processes it has undergone to reach your plate.

Frequently Asked Questions

According to the NOVA system, ultra-processed foods are industrial formulations with five or more ingredients, often including additives like emulsifiers, stabilizers, and artificial flavors not found in a typical home kitchen.

Philadelphia cream cheese contains stabilizers, such as guar and carob bean gums, which are industrial additives used to create a smooth texture and prevent separation. The presence of these additives places it in the ultra-processed category under a strict interpretation.

Yes, ingredients can vary significantly by country. For example, while the US version lists multiple gums, preservatives, and other ingredients, the UK version might have a slightly different formulation.

Stabilizers like guar gum are generally considered safe for consumption by regulatory bodies. Their presence is primarily an indicator of an industrial-level processing technique rather than a direct health hazard, though a diet high in UPFs is associated with negative health outcomes.

To find a less-processed alternative, look for products with very short, simple ingredient lists, such as artisanal cream cheeses made with only milk, cream, and culture. You can also make your own cream cheese at home with simple ingredients.

Yes, while a product like Philadelphia may be technically ultra-processed due to its additives, it is far less complex and contains fewer ingredients than many other UPFs like frozen pizzas or packaged snacks, highlighting the broad spectrum of processing.

Some cream cheese is made with live cultures, which can offer probiotic benefits, but this does not change its classification based on industrial additives. It's important to check the label for specific live culture claims.