Cream Cheese

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Cream Cheese scores Ultra-Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:

• Artificial Colors (Artificial Color*): Synthetic colors are definitive UPF markers.
• Chemical Preservatives (Potassium Sorbate And Calcium Propionate (As Preservatives)*): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.
• Corn-Based Sweeteners (Corn Syrup Solids*): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Modified Starches (Modified Food Starch*): Chemical modification is a hallmark of UPF.
• Other Additives (Sodium Tripolyphosphate*): Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.

Within Cheese, this product is more processed than about 94% of the 19,171 products we've analyzed.

Processing classification reflects ingredient and additive analysis, not a judgment of any product's safety, quality, or healthfulness.

What These Ingredients Tell Us

We group Cream Cheese's ingredients into ingredient categories and note how each relates to food processing. The notes below describe the category, not this specific product's formulation.

Stabilizers & GumsUPF marker

In this product: Stabilizers (Carob Bean And/Or Xanthan And/Or Guar Gums And/Or Carrageenan)**.

Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.

Industrial EnzymesUPF marker

In this product: Enzymes.

Industrial enzyme use indicates significant processing.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Calcium Caseinate*.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Sugar*.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Synthetic VitaminsProcessing indicator

In this product: Vitamin A Palmitate.

Fortification often compensates for processing losses.