Is Cream Cheese Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Philadelphia
Philadelphia's Cream Cheese is reviewed here as a dairy. Zerotox gives it 60/100 based on the current ingredient profile, so it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.
The ingredient review below focuses especially on Sugar, Natural Flavor.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes water, coconut oil, and sugar, which are common in processed dairy products. Modified potato starch and corn starch are used as thickeners, raising concerns about processing. Sorbic acid serves as a preservative, indicating a reliance on synthetic additives, which lowers the overall quality assessment.
Main concern
Contains sugar, which raises concerns about added sweeteners in processed foods.
Why it matters: This ingredient is flagged in our analysis based on regulatory and scientific sources. Check the Ingredients section for details and see Data sources for methodology.
Regulation status: Ingredient safety is assessed from EU/EPA/CIR and similar databases; formulations may vary. Always read the product label.
Pros
- Contains strawberries, providing natural flavor and color.
- Uses lactic acid and citric acid, which are common in dairy products for flavor.
- Includes xanthan gum and guar gum, which help stabilize the texture.
- Sorbic acid is effective in preventing spoilage.
Concerns
- Contains sugar, which raises concerns about added sweeteners in processed foods.
- Modified potato and corn starches indicate a reliance on processed ingredients.
- Coconut oil, while natural, is high in saturated fat, which may be a concern for some consumers.
- Natural flavor is vague and may include synthetic components.
Ingredients breakdown
Below, each ingredient is described in the context of this dairy, not just listed as a raw label.
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Is Water safe in this dairy?
Good
Water is used here as base. Water serves as a primary ingredient, providing moisture and a base for the cream cheese. Its presence is essential for the desired texture and consistency.
Role in formula: base
Original: water
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Is Coconut Oil safe in this dairy?
Medium
Coconut Oil is used here as base. Coconut oil is used for its creamy texture and flavor. While it is a natural fat, it is high in saturated fat, which raises health concerns when consumed in excess.
Role in formula: base
Original: coconut oil
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Is Sugar safe in this dairy?
Bad
Sugar is used here as sweetener. Sugar is added for sweetness, contributing to the overall calorie content. Its presence raises concerns about excessive sugar intake, which is linked to various health issues.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: sugar
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Is Modified Potato Starch safe in this dairy?
Medium
Modified Potato Starch is used here as thickener. Modified potato starch is used to improve texture and stability. While it helps achieve the desired consistency, it is a processed ingredient that may raise quality concerns.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: modified potato starch
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Is Strawberries safe in this dairy?
Good
Strawberries is used here as flavor. Strawberries provide natural flavor and color to the cream cheese. Their inclusion adds a fruit component, enhancing the overall taste profile without synthetic additives.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: strawberries
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Is Fava Bean Protein safe in this dairy?
Good
Fava Bean Protein is used here as base. Fava bean protein is included as a source of plant-based protein, contributing to the nutritional profile. It is a natural ingredient that supports texture without synthetic intervention.
Role in formula: base
Original: fava bean protein
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Is Salt safe in this dairy?
Good
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt is used to enhance flavor in this cream cheese. It is a common ingredient in dairy products, contributing to taste without raising significant health concerns.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: salt
-
Is Modified Corn Starch safe in this dairy?
Medium
Modified Corn Starch is used here as thickener. Modified corn starch acts as a thickening agent, improving texture. Its processed nature raises questions about the overall quality of the ingredient list.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: modified corn starch
-
Is Natural Flavor safe in this dairy?
Bad
Natural Flavor is used here as flavor. Natural flavor is a vague term that can encompass a variety of substances, some of which may be synthetic. This lack of transparency raises concerns about ingredient quality.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: natural flavor
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Is Xanthan Gum safe in this dairy?
Medium
Xanthan Gum is used here as stabilizer. Xanthan gum is a common thickening agent that helps stabilize the product. While it is generally recognized as safe, it is a processed ingredient that may not appeal to all consumers.
Role in formula: stabilizer
Original: xanthan gum
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Is Carob Bean Gum safe in this dairy?
Medium
Carob Bean Gum is used here as stabilizer. Carob bean gum is used for its thickening properties. It is a natural ingredient, but its processing raises questions about the overall quality of the product.
Role in formula: stabilizer
Original: carob bean gum
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Is Guar Gum safe in this dairy?
Medium
Guar Gum is used here as stabilizer. Guar gum is included to enhance texture and stability. While it is derived from a natural source, it is still a processed ingredient that may not align with all consumer preferences.
Role in formula: stabilizer
Original: guar gum
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Is Lactic Acid safe in this dairy?
Good
Lactic Acid is used here as acidulant. Lactic acid is used to provide acidity and enhance flavor. It is a natural component of dairy fermentation, contributing positively to the product's profile.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: lactic acid
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Is Citric Acid safe in this dairy?
Good
Citric Acid is used here as acidulant. Citric acid is added for its tart flavor and as a preservative. It is a natural acid that helps maintain product freshness without significant safety concerns.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: citric acid
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Is Vegetable Juice safe in this dairy?
Good
Vegetable Juice is used here as colorant. Vegetable juice is used for coloring, providing a natural alternative to synthetic dyes. Its inclusion supports a cleaner ingredient profile.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: vegetable juice (color)
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Is Sorbic Acid safe in this dairy?
Medium
Sorbic Acid is used here as preservative. Sorbic acid is a synthetic preservative that helps prevent spoilage. While effective, its synthetic nature raises concerns about the overall quality of the ingredient list.
Role in formula: preservative
Original: sorbic acid
How we score
Our safety scores and ingredient breakdowns are based on regulatory and scientific sources. See Data sources & methodology and How Zerotox works for full details.
Product info
Product ID: 2390203
More from this brand: Philadelphia products in Zerotox
Similar products: dairy in Zerotox database
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.