Is Philadelphia Cream Cheese Low in Carbs?

January 10, 2026 •

3 min read

According to the brand's own nutritional information, original Philadelphia cream cheese contains just one gram of carbohydrates per two-tablespoon serving, confirming that Philadelphia cream cheese is indeed low in carbs. This minimal carb count makes it a popular and versatile ingredient for those following low-carbohydrate diets like keto.

Quick Summary

Original Philadelphia cream cheese contains minimal carbs, making it suitable for low-carb and keto diets. Flavored or whipped varieties often contain added sugars and higher carb counts, so checking labels is crucial. Use it for spreads, baking, sauces, and dips to add rich flavor without excess carbohydrates.

Key Points

Original is Low Carb: Plain, full-fat Philadelphia cream cheese contains only 1-2 grams of carbs per serving, making it suitable for low-carb and keto diets.
Flavored Versions Have Hidden Carbs: Sweetened and flavored varieties often contain significant added sugars and should be avoided on a low-carb diet.
Always Check the Label: The carb content varies between product types (block, spread, light, flavored), so always read the nutrition label to confirm.
Versatile for Low-Carb Cooking: It can be used in savory dips, sauces, keto baking (like 'fathead dough'), and as a stuffing for vegetables.
High in Fat for Keto: The high-fat content of original cream cheese makes it an excellent ingredient for reaching fat macros on a ketogenic diet.

Understanding Philadelphia Cream Cheese and Carb Counts

For anyone monitoring their carbohydrate intake, whether for a keto diet, managing blood sugar, or general health, understanding the nutritional profile of common foods is key. Philadelphia cream cheese is a popular household staple, and its carb content is surprisingly low, especially in the original, full-fat version. This section breaks down the carb count of different Philadelphia cream cheese products and explains why the full-fat, plain version is the best choice for low-carb lifestyles.

The Original, Full-Fat Block: A Low-Carb Staple

The classic, original block of Philadelphia cream cheese is a reliable choice for low-carb diets. A standard 1-ounce (or 2-tablespoon) serving contains approximately:

100 calories
10 grams of fat
1-2 grams of total carbohydrates
1 gram of sugar
2 grams of protein

The total carb count is typically so low that it often counts as only 1 net carb per serving, making it a perfectly acceptable and keto-friendly food. Its high-fat content also makes it a satisfying option for those on a ketogenic diet who need to prioritize fat intake.

The Catch: Flavored, Spread, and Light Versions

While the original version is a safe bet, the carb content can increase significantly depending on the product type. Manufacturers often add ingredients to flavored or whipped cream cheeses to improve taste or texture, which can add hidden carbs and sugars.

Flavored spreads: Varieties like 'Brown Sugar Cinnamon' or 'Mixed Berry' typically contain added sugars and fruit purees, drastically increasing the carb count. For example, some flavored cream cheese spreads can contain 7 or more grams of sugar per serving.
Whipped cream cheese: The whipped varieties often contain stabilizers and other ingredients that can slightly raise the carb count, though they are generally still lower than sweetened flavored versions. Always check the specific nutrition label.
Low-fat and fat-free options: Some low-fat or fat-free cream cheeses may contain higher carb counts to compensate for the reduction in fat and flavor. The full-fat version is often the better choice for those focusing on low-carb eating.

Always read the nutrition label to confirm the carb count of the specific product you are buying.

Comparison Table: Carbs in Different Philadelphia Products


Product	Carbs per 2 Tbsp	Notes
Original Cream Cheese (Block)	~1-2g	Ideal for low-carb/keto. Check serving size.
Original Cream Cheese Spread (Tub)	~2g	Slightly higher carbs due to different ingredients.
Light Cream Cheese	~1.5-2g	Lower in fat, sometimes slightly higher in carbs.
Flavored Cream Cheese (e.g., Brown Sugar)	7+g	Contains high amounts of added sugar. Not keto-friendly.
Whipped Cream Cheese	~2g	Often has different texture but similar low-carb profile to spread.

Creative Low-Carb Uses for Philadelphia Cream Cheese

Philadelphia cream cheese's low carb profile and rich texture make it a versatile ingredient for cooking and baking on a low-carb diet. Here are just a few ideas:

Keto Baking: Use it as a base for low-carb cheesecakes, frostings, and fat bombs. It can also be a key ingredient in 'fathead dough' for low-carb pizza crusts and bread.
Savory Dips: Create a savory dip by mixing cream cheese with herbs, spices, and ingredients like garlic, chives, or minced dill pickles. Serve with celery sticks or low-carb crackers.
Sauces: Cream cheese can thicken and enrich sauces for pasta or casseroles. It's a great way to add creaminess to a dish without flour-based thickeners.
Stuffed Vegetables: Stuff bell peppers, mushrooms, or celery sticks with a cream cheese mixture for a quick, filling, and low-carb snack.
Cheesy Roll-Ups: For a satisfying, high-fat meal, combine cream cheese with ingredients like steak, bacon, or smoked salmon and roll it up in sliced provolone cheese or cucumber.

Conclusion: A Yes for Low-Carb Dieters

So, is Philadelphia cream cheese low in carbs? For the plain, full-fat version, the answer is a definitive yes. With only one to two grams of carbs per serving, it is a safe and delicious choice for those on low-carb and ketogenic diets. However, dieters must exercise caution with flavored or whipped products, as these can contain significant amounts of added sugar. By sticking to the basics and reading labels, you can enjoy the rich, creamy flavor of Philadelphia cream cheese while staying on track with your nutritional goals. For more comprehensive information on keto-friendly foods, consult a reputable source on low-carb nutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Original Philadelphia cream cheese typically contains 1 gram of total carbohydrates per serving, with no fiber, resulting in 1 net carb.

Whipped Philadelphia cream cheese is still relatively low in carbs, but it may contain slightly more carbs per serving than the block version. Always check the nutrition label for the specific product.

Yes, original, full-fat Philadelphia cream cheese is a popular and excellent choice for a keto diet due to its low carb and high fat content.

You should avoid any flavored or sweetened varieties, such as brown sugar cinnamon or strawberry, as these have high amounts of added sugar.

Cream cheese is one of the lowest-carb dairy options, along with certain hard cheeses. However, other cheeses vary in carb content, so checking labels is always best.

For low-carb diets like keto, the full-fat version is often preferred because it provides more fat, which is the primary energy source on keto. Low-fat versions can sometimes have slightly higher carb counts.

Yes, Philadelphia cream cheese is the classic and ideal ingredient for making delicious low-carb cheesecakes. It provides the signature creamy texture without adding unnecessary carbs.