Philadelphia cream cheese is a popular soft, cream cheese that is commonly used on bagels, in cheesecakes, and in a variety of dishes and recipes. For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, it is important to understand if Philadelphia cream cheese contains gluten or is safe to eat on a gluten-free diet.
What is Gluten?
Gluten is a group of proteins found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. For most people, gluten does not pose a problem, but for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, gluten triggers an abnormal immune response that damages the small intestine. This can lead to symptoms like diarrhea, bloating, abdominal pain, and malnutrition. The only treatment for celiac disease is maintaining a strict lifelong gluten-free diet.
Gluten in Dairy Products
Plain dairy products like milk, cheese, yogurt, and butter do not naturally contain gluten. However, during processing, dairy products can become cross-contaminated with gluten-containing ingredients. Sources of gluten cross-contamination include:
- Added flavors or seasonings
- Stabilizers or emulsifiers
- Shared equipment with gluten-containing foods
Many dairy products explicitly label when they are “gluten-free.” When a product does not contain a gluten-free claim, it is important to scrutinize the ingredients list for gluten-containing ingredients or cross-contamination risks.
Philadelphia Cream Cheese Ingredients
According to the Kraft Heinz Company, Philadelphia cream cheese contains just five basic ingredients:
- Pasteurized milk and cream
- Salt
- Cheese cultures
- Vitamin D3
- Natamycin (a natural mold inhibitor)
None of these ingredients contain gluten. In addition, Kraft Heinz states that Philadelphia cream cheese undergoes gluten testing and any product testing above 20 parts per million is not sold.
Verdict: Philadelphia Cream Cheese is Gluten-Free
Based on its simple ingredient list and testing procedures, Philadelphia cream cheese can be considered gluten-free. The Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG) and Celiac Disease Foundation have also stated that regular Philadelphia cream cheese is safe for gluten-free diets when unflavored.
However, it is important to note that while the original cream cheese is gluten-free, Philadelphia produces many different flavors and varieties that may have additional ingredients or cross-contamination risks.
Flavored Philadelphia Cream Cheese
Flavored varieties of Philadelphia cream cheese may contain added ingredients that could introduce gluten:
- Philadelphia Garden Vegetable Cream Cheese: Contains wheat flour
- Philadelphia Herb and Garlic Cream Cheese: Contains wheat flour
- Philadelphia Honey Walnut Cream Cheese: No gluten ingredients, but produced on shared equipment with gluten
- Philadelphia Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese: No gluten ingredients, but produced on shared equipment with gluten
Always carefully read the ingredients list and check for allergen statements on flavored cream cheese. Avoid any flavors that list wheat, barley, rye or malt ingredients or contain a “produced in a facility…” statement about gluten.
Tubs vs. Individually Wrapped Slices
There is no difference in the ingredients between Philadelphia cream cheese sold in tubs versus pre-sliced packs. However, there have been some consumer reports of people reacting to the individually wrapped slices but not the tub cream cheese. This may be due to cross-contamination during the slicing and packaging process.
For highest sensitivity, stick to purchasing Philadelphia cream cheese from a fresh, sealed tub whenever possible. Pre-sliced packs would still be considered gluten-free, but there may be a slightly higher risk.
Whipped Philadelphia Cream Cheese
Kraft Heinz confirmed that Whipped Philadelphia cream cheese contains the same 5 gluten-free ingredients as the original. However, the light texture is achieved by injecting air into the product during processing.
For those highly sensitive, this air injection process may slightly increase cross-contamination risks from shared equipment. But overall, whipped Philadelphia can be considered gluten-free.
Philadelphia Cream Cheese Spreads
In addition to the cheeses, Kraft Heinz produces a line of Philadelphia cream cheese spreads. These contain additional ingredients for texture and flavor:
- Philadelphia Garden Vegetable Spread: Contains gluten-containing wheat flour
- Philadelphia Herb and Garlic Spread: Contains gluten-containing wheat flour
- Philadelphia Pumpkin Spice Spread: No gluten ingredients
- Philadelphia Salmon & Bagel Spread: No gluten ingredients
- Philadelphia Veggie Spread: No gluten ingredients
As always, check the labels thoroughly as formulations can change. Avoid any spreads that list gluten grains in the ingredients.
Philadelphia Cooking Creme
Philadelphia Cooking Creme is a spoonable cream cheese product designed for cooking and baking. According to Kraft Heinz, Philadelphia Cooking Creme only contains milk, cream, salt, and stabilizers – no gluten.
However, because it is fairly liquid, the risk of cross-contamination on shared equipment may be higher than regular firm cream cheese. Use your own judgement based on your sensitivity level if choosing to consume.
Third Party Gluten-Free Certifications
Currently, Philadelphia cream cheese products do not carry any of the below third-party gluten-free certifications:
- Certified Gluten-Free by GFCO
- Gluten-Free Certification by NSF
- Certified Gluten-Free by GFP
- Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFO)
These certifications help provide an added layer of assurance through on-site audits and gluten testing of both ingredients and final products. Their absence does not mean Philadelphia cream cheese is unsafe, but it does mean there is no independent validation of the company’s gluten-free claims.
Should You Eat Philadelphia Cream Cheese on a Gluten-Free Diet?
Based on the simple, gluten-free ingredient list, testing procedures, and lack of trace gluten warnings, unflavored Philadelphia cream cheese is generally considered safe for gluten-free diets when consumed in moderation. Many celiacs eat it regularly with no issues.
However, because it is not certified gluten-free, there is always a minor risk of cross-contamination. Your personal tolerance may vary based on individual sensitivity levels. Here are some tips for minimizing risk:
- Stick to plain, unflavored Philadelphia cream cheese
- Opt for tubs over pre-sliced packs when possible
- Double check labels every time for formula changes
- Look for shared equipment warnings
- Consume in moderation as part of a varied diet
As with any product that is not certified gluten-free, it comes down to your personal risk assessment. There are never any guarantees unless a product carries acceptable certification. Some people avoid Philadelphia cream cheese altogether to be extra cautious, while others feel comfortable eating it regularly without reactions.
Gluten-Free Alternatives to Philadelphia Cream Cheese
If you want to fully eliminate the minor cross-contamination risk of Philadelphia cream cheese, there are a few certified gluten-free cream cheese options:
Kite Hill Cream Cheese
Kite Hill makes dairy-free cream cheese alternatives using almond milk and other nuts. Their original and flavored cream cheeses are certified gluten-free to under 10 ppm.
Green Valley Creamery
Green Valley Creamery produces organic lactose-free cream cheeses. Their plain cream cheese and flavored varieties are certified gluten-free by GFCO.
Franklin Farms
Franklin Farms makes lactose-free and kosher cream cheeses, certified gluten-free to under 10 ppm. Look for their plain, vegetable, and chive & onion flavors.
Vermont Creamery
Vermont Creamery offers fresh goat cheese crème fraîche certified gluten-free to under 10 ppm. It has a similar creamy, spreadable texture to cream cheese.
The Bottom Line
Plain Philadelphia cream cheese can generally be considered safe for gluten-free diets when consumed in moderation, but it is not certified gluten-free. Individual tolerance varies. Stick to unflavored varieties and use your best judgement. If you want to fully eliminate risks, choose a certified gluten-free brand instead. But overall, Philadelphia cream cheese remains a popular staple in many gluten-free kitchens.
