Quick Answer
Yes, Philadelphia Original cream cheese is gluten-free. Philadelphia cream cheese does not contain any gluten ingredients. The company states that all Philadelphia products are gluten-free on their website. Philadelphia Original cream cheese is made with just 5 ingredients – pasteurized milk and cream, salt, cheese cultures, and stabilizers. None of these contain gluten. Philadelphia cream cheese goes through a process to remove the lactose, so it’s also low in lactose. This makes it safe for most people with lactose intolerance.
Ingredients in Philadelphia Original Cream Cheese
Philadelphia Original cream cheese contains just 5 main ingredients:
- Pasteurized milk and cream – Milk and cream do not contain gluten. Pasteurization involves heating the milk to a specific temperature for a period of time to kill harmful bacteria. This does not introduce any gluten.
- Salt – Pure salt or sodium chloride does not contain gluten.
- Cheese cultures – Cheese cultures are bacteria added to ferment the milk and cream to make cheese. These cultures do not contain gluten.
- Stabilizers – The stabilizers help improve the texture and prevent separation. Philadelphia uses ingredients like carob bean gum and guar gum which are gluten-free.
- Vitamin D3 – This vitamin is sometimes added and it does not contain gluten.
As you can see, none of the ingredients in Philadelphia Original cream cheese contain gluten sources like wheat, barley, rye or oats.
Why Philadelphia Cream Cheese is Gluten-Free
There are a few reasons why Philadelphia cream cheese is gluten-free:
- It is made with just milk, cream, and cheese cultures – none of which contain gluten.
- Gluten grains like wheat, barley and rye are not used in the production process.
- It avoids ingredients commonly containing gluten – like malt or hydrolyzed wheat protein.
- The facility and equipment are kept gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
- The brand has rigorous quality control testing to verify the absence of gluten.
Philadelphia cream cheese is produced by Kraft Heinz, a major food company with strict allergen control procedures. This includes extensive testing to validate the gluten-free status.
Verifying with the Manufacturer
Whenever there is doubt about the gluten content of a food product, it is wise to check directly with the manufacturer.
For Philadelphia cream cheese, Kraft Heinz clearly states that all Philadelphia branded cream cheese products are gluten-free on their FAQ page.
Here is the response from the Kraft Heinz company website:
“All PHILADELPHIA products are gluten-free. PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, Neufchatel Cheese and Whipped Cream Cheese do not contain wheat, rye, barley, oats, or their derivatives.”
This clear confirmation from the manufacturer reassures that Philadelphia Original cream cheese is gluten-free. Reputable companies test their products thoroughly and avoid undeclared allergens.
Suitability for Gluten-Free Diets
Philadelphia Original cream cheese is suitable for all gluten-free diets including:
- Celiac disease
- Non-celiac gluten sensitivity
- Wheat allergy
- General gluten-free dietary plans
Those with celiac disease or wheat allergy can enjoy Philadelphia cream cheese without concern over gluten exposure. Even very sensitive individuals with celiac disease who cannot tolerate 20 ppm of gluten should be able to eat Philadelphia cream cheese safely.
Some gluten-free consumers may also look for dairy products that are certified gluten-free. Philadelphia cream cheese is not certified gluten-free. But given the assurances from the manufacturer, certification is not required to confirm the gluten-free status.
Risk of Cross-Contamination
While Philadelphia cream cheese does not contain gluten in the actual product, some risk of cross-contamination may occur:
- In manufacturing – if wheat-based products are run on the same line.
- During packaging – if gluten products are packed alongside it.
- In storage and transport – if stored together with gluten-containing items.
- At the grocery store – if displayed next to glutenous items.
- In the home kitchen – if spread with a shared knife that contacted bread.
To avoid cross-contamination, proper protocols must be followed. Philadelphia’s allergen control program minimizes gluten cross-contact in production. Care should be taken during packaging, transport, and storage as well. At home, a separate cream cheese knife should be used.
With sound manufacturing practices and proper handling, the cross-contamination risk is low. But individuals highly sensitive should take extra precautions.
What About Lactose?
Along with being gluten-free, Philadelphia cream cheese is low in lactose.
During the cheesemaking process, most of the lactose (milk sugar) converts to lactic acid. Very little lactose remains – less than 1% by weight.
Many lactose intolerant individuals can tolerate small amounts of lactose like that found in Philadelphia cream cheese. But tolerance varies based on individual sensitivity.
Those who are very lactose intolerant likely need to avoid Philadelphia cream cheese. Other completely lactose-free cream cheese alternatives are available made from alternate ingredients like soy.
Nutrition Facts
Here is the nutrition information for a 1 oz (28g) serving of Philadelphia Original cream cheese:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 51 |
| Fat | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 1g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 23mg |
| Sodium | 59mg |
| Calcium | 17mg |
As you can see, Philadelphia cream cheese is high in fat coming from the dairy. It is low in carbohydrates and contains no fiber or sugar. There are 23mg of cholesterol and 59mg of sodium per serving.
The calorie, fat, and sodium content may need to be accounted for by people monitoring these nutrients. But grams of carbs are minimal at just 1g per serving.
Tips for Using Philadelphia Cream Cheese
Here are some helpful tips for incorporating Philadelphia Original cream cheese into a gluten-free diet:
- Read labels carefully – while regular Philadelphia products are gluten-free, flavors or varieties may differ.
- Check for cross-contamination risks
- Use a separate cream cheese spreader or knife
- Store cream cheese separately from gluten-containing items
- Enjoy it simply spread on a gluten-free bagel or toast
- Use it in cooking and baking – add to cakes, frostings, dips, etc.
- Substitute in gluten-free recipes that call for cream cheese
- Whip it into a filling for crepes or gluten-free waffles
- Use it as the base for spreads, dressings, and savory dips
With its rich, creamy texture Philadelphia cream cheese can be used in sweet and savory dishes. Take care with handling to prevent cross-contamination.
Gluten-Free Brands Similar to Philadelphia
In addition to Philadelphia, some other brands of gluten-free cream cheese include:
- Kite Hill
- Green Valley Creamery
- Daiya
- Tofutti
- Miyoko’s Kitchen
These brands offer gluten-free and often vegan cream cheese alternatives. Green Valley Creamery specializes in lactose-free cream cheese. Tofutti and Miyoko’s Kitchen make dairy-free cream cheese from plant-based ingredients like soy and cashews.
Trying different brands allows those with food restrictions to find the taste and texture they prefer. Always check the ingredient labels to verify gluten-free and dairy-free status.
Is Philadelphia Bacon & Chive Cream Cheese Gluten-Free?
The Philadelphia bacon and chive flavored cream cheese is also gluten-free.
According to Kraft Heinz:
“All PHILADELPHIA products including all of our flavored cream cheese products are gluten-free.”
Flavored varieties like bacon and chive contain additional ingredients for flavor. But Kraft Heinz confirms these flavors do not introduce any gluten either.
As with the original, care must be taken around potential cross-contamination when handling the flavored cream cheese. Proper protocols should be followed in the production facility and kitchen.
Ingredients in Philadelphia Bacon & Chive Cream Cheese
Philadelphia bacon and chive cream cheese contains these ingredients:
- Pasteurized Milk and Cream
- Salt
- Cheese Culture
- Carob Bean Gum (stabilizer)
- Natamycin (mold inhibitor)
- Onion Powder
- Garlic Powder
- Chives
- Smoke Flavor
- Sodium Phosphate
- Lactic Acid
- Bacon
Review of the ingredient list verifies there are no gluten-containing ingredients. The additional seasonings and bacon do not introduce sources of gluten.
Nutrition Comparison
Here is a nutrition comparison of 1 oz servings of original and bacon & chive Philadelphia cream cheese:
| Nutrient | Original | Bacon & Chive |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 51 | 60 |
| Fat | 5g | 6g |
| Carbs | 1g | 1g |
| Protein | 2g | 2g |
| Sodium | 59mg | 125mg |
The flavored cream cheese is slightly higher in calories, fat, and especially sodium due to the added bacon. But both varieties contain 1g carb per serving.
Uses for Bacon & Chive Cream Cheese
Philadelphia bacon & chive cream cheese can add flavor to:
- Sandwiches
- Burgers
- Wraps
- Potatoes
- Crackers or gluten-free toast
- Omelets or scrambled eggs
- Pasta, rice, or quinoa dishes
- Vegetable dips
- Salad dressings
The smoky bacon flavor pairs well with potatoes, eggs, and vegetables. It can make a quick flavorful spread or topper for breakfast, lunch, and dinner recipes.
Conclusion
Philadelphia Original cream cheese and its flavored varieties like bacon & chive are gluten-free products. They do not contain any gluten-containing ingredients. The manufacturer Kraft Heinz clearly states all Philadelphia branded cream cheese products are gluten-free. Individuals with celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, or those following a gluten-free diet can enjoy Philadelphia cream cheese. Proper handling is necessary to prevent potential cross-contamination. Philadelphia cream cheese is also low in lactose, allowing many with lactose intolerance to tolerate it. The creamy texture makes it perfect for spreading and cooking. Philadelphia cream cheese can be used in sweet or savory preparations to add a delicious flavor and smoothness without gluten.
