Is Philadelphia Cream Cheese Low Carb and Keto-Friendly?

November 15, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the official product website, a standard 1-ounce serving of original Philadelphia cream cheese contains only 1g of total carbohydrates, making it an excellent candidate for a low-carb or ketogenic lifestyle. It is a versatile dairy product celebrated for its creamy texture and rich flavor, fitting easily into many dietary plans.

Quick Summary

Original Philadelphia cream cheese is low in carbohydrates and suitable for a keto or low-carb diet. Its full-fat, plain varieties contain minimal carbs per serving, contrasting with higher-carb flavored or reduced-fat options. It provides fats important for ketosis and can be used in numerous low-carb recipes.

Key Points

Low Carb and Keto-Friendly: The original, full-fat version of Philadelphia cream cheese contains only 1g of carbohydrates per serving, making it suitable for a low-carb diet.
Choose the Right Variety: Avoid flavored and reduced-fat versions, as they often contain added sugars and have a higher carbohydrate count that can disrupt ketosis.
High in Fat: With 10 grams of fat per serving, it's an excellent source of dietary fat for those following a ketogenic diet to fuel their body.
Versatile Ingredient: It can be used in a variety of low-carb recipes, from fat bombs and keto cheesecakes to creamy sauces and dips.
Check Labels: Always verify the nutrition facts on the specific product you purchase, as carb counts can vary between product lines and regional formulations.

Is Original Philadelphia Cream Cheese Low Carb?

Yes, the original, full-fat version of Philadelphia cream cheese is low carb and is widely considered keto-friendly. Its minimal carbohydrate content per serving makes it a staple for those following a ketogenic diet or a general low-carb eating plan. The key is to choose the right variety, as not all Philadelphia products are created equal regarding carbohydrate count. Always check the nutrition label, especially for flavored or light versions, which may contain added sugars or fillers that increase the carb load.

The Nutritional Breakdown of Original Philly Cream Cheese

A 1-ounce (or 2-tablespoon) serving of original Philadelphia cream cheese contains the following approximate nutrition information, based on product data:

Calories: 100
Total Fat: 10 grams
Saturated Fat: 6 grams
Cholesterol: 30 mg
Sodium: 110 mg
Total Carbohydrates: 1 gram
Dietary Fiber: 0 grams
Total Sugars: 1 gram
Protein: 2 grams

This breakdown clearly shows why the original product is ideal for a low-carb diet, where the goal is to keep daily carbohydrate intake minimal. The high fat content is also beneficial for achieving and maintaining a state of ketosis, where the body burns fat for fuel instead of glucose.

Low-Carb Comparison: Philadelphia vs. Other Options

It is essential to understand how different cream cheese products compare in terms of carb content. Here is a comparison to help you make the best choice for your diet.


Product	Serving Size	Total Carbs (approx.)	Notes
Philadelphia Original Cream Cheese (Block)	1 oz (2 tbsp)	1g	Ideal for keto/low-carb.
Philadelphia Original Cream Cheese Spread (Tub)	2 tbsp	2g	Slightly higher carbs, still low.
Philadelphia 1/3 Less Fat Neufchâtel	2 tbsp	2g	Reduced fat means slightly higher carbs.
Philadelphia Flavored Cream Cheese (e.g., Strawberry)	2 tbsp	3-5g+	Contains added sugars, not keto-friendly.
Mascarpone Cheese	1 oz	0.8g	Slightly lower carbs, good alternative.
Generic Cream Cheese (Reduced Fat)	1 oz	2-3g	Varies by brand, check labels carefully.

Why Choose Full-Fat Philadelphia on a Keto Diet?

On a ketogenic diet, the goal is to consume high amounts of fat, moderate protein, and very few carbohydrates. Full-fat Philadelphia cream cheese fits this perfectly. The extra fat helps you feel full and satisfied, which can prevent overeating and cravings. In contrast, reduced-fat or non-fat versions often increase the carb and sugar content to compensate for the loss of flavor and texture, which can disrupt ketosis. Moreover, fat is a crucial component for hormone regulation and brain health, so opting for full-fat products is a healthier choice for those on keto.

How to Enjoy Philadelphia Cream Cheese on a Low-Carb Diet

There are numerous ways to incorporate this creamy ingredient into your low-carb meal plan. Its versatility goes beyond simply spreading it on a low-carb bagel or cracker. Here are some ideas:

No-Bake Keto Cheesecake: Blend softened cream cheese with a low-carb sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit and heavy cream for a simple, decadent dessert.
Cream Cheese Pancakes: Mix cream cheese with eggs, a low-carb sweetener, and a dash of cinnamon for a fluffy, high-fat breakfast.
Fat Bombs: Combine softened cream cheese with coconut oil, cocoa powder, and a keto-friendly sweetener. Freeze in molds for a quick, energy-boosting snack.
Creamy Sauces and Dips: Add cream cheese to pan sauces to thicken them without using starchy flours. Create a savory dip for veggie sticks by mixing it with herbs and spices.
Stuffed Chicken or Jalapeños: Fill chicken breasts or jalapeño peppers with a mixture of cream cheese, herbs, and cheese for a rich, satisfying main course or appetizer.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict

For those seeking a low-carb and keto-friendly option, original, full-fat Philadelphia cream cheese is an excellent choice. With just 1 gram of total carbohydrates per serving, it aligns perfectly with strict low-carb requirements while providing essential fats. The key to success is sticking to the plain, full-fat variety and avoiding sweetened or reduced-fat versions that contain more carbs and sugar. By being mindful of serving sizes and choosing the right type, you can confidently include Philadelphia cream cheese in your low-carb lifestyle, enjoying its rich flavor and culinary versatility without compromising your dietary goals.

Other Considerations for a Low-Carb Lifestyle

While Philadelphia cream cheese is a great low-carb choice, remember to monitor overall carbohydrate intake. Staying hydrated, consuming plenty of non-starchy vegetables, and balancing your fat and protein macros are all critical components of a successful low-carb or keto diet. For further reading on healthy low-carb and keto principles, a resource like I'd Rather Be A Chef can provide additional helpful information.

Disclaimer: Always consult a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet, especially if you have underlying health conditions like diabetes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the original, full-fat Philadelphia cream cheese is suitable for a ketogenic diet due to its low carbohydrate and high fat content. Just be mindful of portion sizes to stay within your daily carb limits.

An 8-ounce block of original Philadelphia cream cheese contains 1 gram of total carbohydrates per 1-ounce serving (2 tablespoons).

No. While the original version is low carb, flavored varieties (like strawberry or chive) and reduced-fat products often contain added sugars and starches, which increase the carb count.

Mascarpone cheese is a good low-carb alternative with a similar texture and a slightly higher fat content. Neufchâtel, or 1/3 less fat cream cheese, is also an option, but has a slightly higher carb count than original cream cheese.

The most reliable way is to read the nutrition facts label on the product packaging. This will give you the precise total and net carb count for that specific product and serving size.

When fat is removed from a product like cream cheese, manufacturers often add thickeners, stabilizers, and sometimes sugars to maintain a palatable texture and flavor, which can increase the total carbohydrate count.

Absolutely. Full-fat Philadelphia cream cheese is a fantastic ingredient for low-carb and keto baking, used in recipes like no-bake cheesecakes, frostings, and fat bombs, as it is high in fat and low in carbs.