What is Philadelphia vegan cream cheese made of? A Comprehensive Nutrition Guide

October 27, 2025 •

4 min read

With the plant-based market growing exponentially, more and more consumers are curious: What is Philadelphia vegan cream cheese made of? Philadelphia has created its dairy-free alternative to mimic the classic taste and creamy texture using different primary ingredients depending on the region.

Quick Summary

Philadelphia's dairy-free cream cheese alternative uses a base of coconut oil combined with either fava bean protein (in the US) or almond and oat flour (in the UK and Europe). This creates a smooth, spreadable product with a tangy flavor achieved through vegan cultures and stabilizers.

Key Points

Regional Variations: Philadelphia vegan cream cheese has different recipes depending on the region, with the US version using fava bean protein and the UK/Europe version using almond and oats.
Coconut Oil for Creaminess: The primary ingredient providing the creamy, smooth texture in both regional variants is coconut oil.
Lactic Acid for Tangy Flavor: The characteristic tangy taste of cream cheese is replicated using ingredients like lactic and citric acid, as well as vegan cultures.
Lower Sugar Content: The plant-based alternative generally contains significantly less sugar compared to traditional dairy Philadelphia cream cheese.
Versatile Culinary Uses: This dairy-free spread is suitable for both sweet and savory applications, from baking cheesecakes and making frosting to stirring into soups and creating dips.
Saturated Fat from Coconut Oil: It's important to note that the coconut oil base means the vegan version can sometimes have a higher saturated fat content than the dairy original.
Gluten-Free Status: The US version is labeled gluten-free, but consumers should check specific regional labels as ingredients can differ.

The Core Ingredients of Philadelphia Vegan Cream Cheese

The composition of Philadelphia's vegan cream cheese varies depending on where you purchase it, with the main plant-based protein source differing between the US and UK/European markets. This targeted approach allows the company to cater to regional tastes and ingredient availability while maintaining a consistent brand experience. The core goal is to replicate the smooth texture and signature tangy flavor of traditional cream cheese without using any dairy products.

US Ingredients: Coconut Oil and Fava Bean Protein

In the United States, Philadelphia's vegan cream cheese relies on a blend of coconut oil and fava bean protein to achieve its desired characteristics. The ingredients list typically includes:

Water: The primary liquid base for the spread.
Coconut Oil: Provides the essential fatty creaminess and smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Fava Bean Protein: Acts as the protein source, contributing to the body and structure of the cream cheese alternative.
Modified Potato Starch: A thickening agent that helps achieve the right consistency.
Stabilizers (Guar Gum, Xanthan Gum, Carob Bean Gum): Prevent separation and ensure a consistently smooth product.
Lactic Acid and Citric Acid: Ingredients that provide the characteristic tangy, slightly sour flavor.
Sorbic Acid: A preservative to extend shelf life.
Natural Flavor: Helps enhance the overall taste profile.

UK/European Ingredients: Almond and Oats

In contrast, the UK and European versions of Philadelphia's plant-based cream cheese are crafted from a combination of almonds and oats. The ingredients list includes:

Almond Protein: Derived from almonds, this protein contributes to the texture and richness.
Oat Flour/Bran: The oat component helps with creaminess and provides a slightly different flavor profile compared to the fava bean version.
Coconut Oil: Similar to the US version, it provides the fatty creaminess.
Vegan Culture: A key component that produces the tangy, fermented notes crucial for recreating the cream cheese taste.
Salt: Balances the flavor.
Stabilizer (Guar Gum or Locust Bean Gum): Ensures the proper consistency.

Nutritional Comparison: Vegan vs. Dairy Philadelphia

For those on a nutrition diet, understanding the differences between plant-based and traditional dairy cream cheese is important. The nutritional profiles can vary, particularly in fat, sugar, and protein content.


Nutritional Value (per 100g)	Plant-Based Philadelphia (UK)	Original Philadelphia (UK)
Energy	217 kcal	226 kcal
Fat	21g	21g
Saturated Fat	17g	14g
Sugars	1.2g	4.3g
Fibre	1.5g	0.2g
Protein	2.9g	5.4g
Salt	0.76g	0.75g

As seen in the table, the calorie and total fat content are quite similar. However, the plant-based version has a slightly higher saturated fat content due to the use of coconut oil. It also contains significantly less sugar and more fiber, while providing less protein than its dairy counterpart. Ultimately, neither option is a significant source of vitamins and minerals, but the plant-based alternative is a viable option for those looking to reduce their sugar intake or follow a vegan diet.

How Vegan Cream Cheese Achieves Its Signature Texture and Taste

Creating a convincing vegan cream cheese that closely resembles the dairy original is a complex process. The smooth, creamy mouthfeel and tangy flavor are the two defining characteristics that Philadelphia's research and development team worked to perfect over a period of two years.

Key techniques and ingredients involved include:

Using Refined Coconut Oil: This is critical for mimicking the melting and spreading properties of dairy fat. It gives the product a smooth, velvety texture when cold but also allows it to get slightly melty on a warm bagel.
Employing Stabilizers and Starches: Ingredients like guar gum, xanthan gum, and modified starches are essential to bind the water and fats together, preventing separation and creating a firm, cohesive spread.
Introducing Vegan Cultures: Just as dairy cream cheese uses bacterial cultures to create flavor, the vegan version incorporates special cultures to produce lactic and other acids. This fermentation process is what gives the spread its signature tangy 'cheesy' character.
Balancing Flavors with Acids and Salt: The addition of lactic acid, citric acid, and salt provides the necessary balance to the creamy base, ensuring the taste is familiar and satisfying.

Culinary Applications: Beyond the Bagel

Philadelphia's vegan cream cheese is highly versatile and can be used in almost any recipe that calls for the traditional dairy version. Its application extends far beyond simply spreading it on a bagel.

Here are some popular uses:

Classic Spreads: A perfect topping for toasted bagels, crackers, and sourdough bread. Add toppings like avocado, capers, or chives for extra flavor.
Sweet Treats: An excellent base for creating desserts, including vegan cheesecakes, cream cheese frosting for cakes or cinnamon rolls, and fruit dips.
Savory Dishes: Can be stirred into pasta sauces, soups, or casseroles to add a creamy element. It can also be used for appetizers like crab and cream cheese-stuffed mushrooms, using hearts of palm as a vegan substitute for crab.
Whipped Dips: Can be whipped to create an airy, frothy spread that is ideal for dipping vegetables or crackers.

Conclusion: The Plant-Based Cream Cheese Choice

Ultimately, what is Philadelphia vegan cream cheese made of? The answer is a well-engineered blend of plant-based ingredients designed to closely mimic the beloved dairy product. With different formulations for the US (coconut oil and fava bean protein) and UK/Europe (coconut oil, almond, and oats), the company has successfully expanded its reach to vegan and flexitarian consumers alike. While its nutritional profile is not a perfect match for the dairy version, it offers some advantages, such as lower sugar and higher fiber content, while requiring consideration of its saturated fat levels. Whether used in a classic bagel application or a creative culinary dish, Philadelphia's plant-based cream cheese provides a reliable and tasty alternative for those following a dairy-free diet.

For more information on the UK product line, visit the official website: Philadelphia Plant Based.

Frequently Asked Questions

The US version of Philadelphia vegan cream cheese is primarily made from water, coconut oil, modified potato starch, and fava bean protein. It also contains stabilizers, lactic and citric acids for flavor, and preservatives.

The UK and European versions are made with a combination of almond protein and oat flour, along with water, coconut oil, salt, and vegan culture to create the creamy, tangy spread.

The tangy flavor in vegan cream cheese is developed through vegan cultures and the addition of ingredients like lactic and citric acid, which mimic the fermentation process of dairy-based cream cheese.

The US version is labeled as gluten-free. While the UK version specifies 'gluten-free oat bran,' ingredient lists can vary by region, so it is always best to check the product label for specific allergen information.

Yes, Philadelphia's vegan cream cheese is suitable for baking and can be used to make cheesecakes, frostings, and other baked goods that typically call for traditional cream cheese.

Due to its coconut oil base, the vegan cream cheese can have a similar or sometimes slightly higher saturated fat content per serving compared to the traditional dairy version.

Many consumers and taste testers find that the plant-based version successfully replicates the creamy texture and tangy profile of the original, though some may notice a slight difference in taste.

This product is available at many major grocery retailers across the US and UK. In the US, it can be found in stores like Safeway and Walmart, while in the UK it is sold at Tesco and other supermarkets.