Philadelphia

Rated at 2/5 green leaves, the Philadelphia Brown Sugar & Cinnamon Cream Cheese falls short in the realm of cleaner food options. The product is not organic, nor does it utilize non-GMO ingredients, which detracts significantly from its potential to be considered a healthier choice. With the addition of brown sugar, it carries added sugars that many health-conscious consumers aim to minimize in their diets.

The presence of ingredients such as modified food starch and various gums—guar, carob bean, and xanthan—raises concerns. These additives are often used to alter texture and consistency, but their inclusion is typically unfavorable among those seeking whole, unprocessed foods. The term “natural flavor” also appears on the ingredient list, a vague descriptor that lacks transparency and can encompass a range of substances, not all of which align with a clean eating philosophy.

Natamycin, a natural mold inhibitor, is used to extend the product’s shelf life. While it is derived from a natural source, its necessity and desirability in a clean diet are questionable. Additionally, the product is fortified with Vitamin A Palmitate, a common practice to boost nutritional value, but not one that compensates for the other less desirable ingredients.

The product’s score reflects its standing in a market that increasingly demands transparency and simplicity in food ingredients. Consumers seeking out products that align with a clean eating lifestyle would find that this cream cheese does not meet the stringent criteria set by such a diet. The use of non-organic ingredients, GMOs, added sugars, and various additives places this product in a category that demands reevaluation for those striving to consume purer, less processed foods.

The Philadelphia Brown Sugar & Cinnamon Cream Cheese, with its 2/5 green leaves rating, underscores the need for food products to evolve to meet the rising standards of consumers who prioritize health and ingredient integrity above all else.