Philadelphia
Flavor:
Strawberry Cream Cheese
Ingredients:
Pasteurized Milk and Cream, Sugar, Strawberry Puree, Whey Protein Concentrate Whey, Dried Strawberries, Salt, Modified Food Starch, Carob Bean Gum, Vegetable Juice (Color), Natural Flavor, Natamycin (a Natural Mold Inhibitor), Vitamin A Palmitate, Cheese Culture.
Rating: Not Clean
- 2 out of 5
Ingredient Score:
Rated at 2 out of 5 green leaves, the Philadelphia Strawberry Cream Cheese falls short of the cleaner food options promoted by our website. This product is not organic and does not use non-GMO ingredients, two factors that significantly impact our rating. Additionally, the inclusion of added sugars raises concerns regarding its nutritional profile.
The ingredient list reveals the presence of pasteurized milk and cream, which are foundational for cream cheese, but the product’s healthfulness is compromised by the addition of sugar, strawberry puree, and whey protein concentrate. While the strawberry puree may contribute to the product’s fruit content, the dried strawberries included are less than ideal due to their diminished nutritional value compared to fresh fruit.
A major point of contention is the presence of potentially harmful additives. The product contains natural flavors, whose ambiguous nature often obscures the true source and composition of these additives. Furthermore, the inclusion of modified food starch and carob bean gum, which are used as thickeners or stabilizers, raises questions about the necessity and health implications of such processed ingredients in a product that could potentially do without them.
The use of natamycin as a natural mold inhibitor is a reminder of the product’s need for preservatives, which, while necessary for shelf life, may not align with the clean eating principles many consumers are seeking. The addition of vitamin A palmitate is an attempt to fortify the cream cheese, but it does not counterbalance the presence of less desirable ingredients.
The product’s composition suggests there is considerable room for improvement. To elevate its rating and meet the standards for cleaner, healthier food options, a reformulation that emphasizes organic, non-GMO ingredients and eliminates unnecessary additives would be essential. The current ingredient list positions the Philadelphia Strawberry Cream Cheese as a product that does not meet the criteria for consumers prioritizing health and ingredient transparency in their food choices.
Certifications:
None
Product formulations and certifications may change. For current nutrition facts and ingredient
line information, check product packaging.
Categories:
None
Alternatives
No Items found.
How We Rate
Every company today has a responsibility to be a net positive for the planet,
for society, and for our ecosystem