Philadelphia

Rated at 2 out of 5 green leaves, the Philadelphia Blueberry Cream Cheese does not meet the standards for those seeking cleaner food options. This rating reflects the product’s use of non-organic ingredients, the inclusion of GMOs, added sugars, and potentially harmful additives.

The product is made with pasteurized milk and cream, sweetened with sugar, and flavored with blueberry puree. It also contains whey protein concentrate and dried blueberries. However, the presence of added sugar is a significant drawback for health-conscious consumers. The product is further penalized for its use of additives such as natural flavor, modified food starch, carob bean gum, guar gum, and xanthan gum. These substances, often used to enhance texture and shelf life, detract from the product’s overall purity.

Furthermore, the color added to the cream cheese raises additional concerns. While the product does include natamycin, a natural mold inhibitor, and vitamin A palmitate, these do not compensate for the other non-preferred ingredients. The cheese culture, a necessary component for cream cheese, is overshadowed by the product’s shortcomings in terms of clean eating standards.

The product’s lack of organic certification leads to deductions in its rating. The use of GMO ingredients is another factor that diminishes the product’s appeal to those aiming for a wholesome diet.

For a product to be considered cleaner and healthier, it would require a shift towards organic ingredients, the elimination of GMOs, the removal of added sugars, and a reduction in food additives. Consumers seeking healthier alternatives might find this product lacking due to its composition and the inclusion of ingredients that do not align with a clean eating philosophy. The Philadelphia Blueberry Cream Cheese, with its current ingredient list, is not an ideal choice for those prioritizing health and ingredient transparency in their food selections.