Cream cheese is a versatile ingredient that could be added both to sweet and savory foods. From cheesecakes to pasta, pizza, and bagels, there's something exciting to look forward to when we know there's cream cheese. Since the pandemic started and we had no choice but to stay at home, some of us have been trying out new recipes involving cream cheese.
Among many cream cheese brands, we have gathered our best picks in our top 10 list. We will also discuss the points you need to consider when choosing cream cheese in our buying guide fact-checked and reviewed by registered nutritionist-dietitian Samantha Morales.
Quick List - Top Cream Cheeses
Arla
Fresh from Nature, Crafted for Versatility, Your Go-To Cream Cheese
Samantha began her career in clinical nutrition and weight management at a tertiary hospital in Manila, Philippines. Her practice allowed her to give nutrition counseling and plan modified diets for patients with medical conditions. Presently, she does private practice to focus on true holistic wellness - an approach that believes in aligning one's mind, body, and spiritual well-being.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Every mybest article is crafted with hours of in-depth research and interviews with experts. Each month, we are continually expanding our database of products based on our research. By emphasizing user insight and reliable information, we deliver trustworthy content to readers.
The acid causes the dairy to curdle and the liquid to coagulate. From there, fat droplets are broken into smaller drops, ending in a smooth mixture. Additives can be added to thicken the cheese. Examples of these are carob bean gum and carrageenan.
Then finally, to improve firmness, a clotting enzyme is added. Manufacturers produce different types of cream cheese, but whatever variant it is, cream cheese is a good source of vitamin A and is low in carbs. However, it is best to consume in moderation because of the high-fat content.
Here are some key points to consider:
We can all agree on one thingーcheese makes everything better. There are various types of cheeses, and each type is not made the same as it could either be natural or processed. Below we discuss their differences.
Natural cheese is made from simple, basic, and natural ingredients that include fresh milk, salt, natural colors, and enzymes. It doesn’t contain whey, and it has a shorter shelf life. While this short shelf life might seem like a disadvantage, it actually means that it does not contain a high level of salt and preservatives.
Natural cheese is made from raw, unpasteurized milk and is full of healthy fats, probiotics, and vitamins D, B2, and B12. The fresher it is, the more you can enjoy its flavor and deliciousness. Unfortunately, it is not very prevalent in many of the cheeses sold in grocery stores. You can typically find natural cheeses in artisan shops or smaller specialty stores.
Processed cheese is made from a portion of natural cheese mixed with emulsifiers, preservatives, vegetable oils, whey, artificial food coloring, and more. When making processed cheese, its fermentation is stopped so that the flavor doesn't change. It has a longer shelf life due to the preservatives. Unfortunately, all these additives mean that it is not quite a healthy choice.
You can frequently find processed cheese used in fast food restaurants because of its high "melt factor," that creamy smooth texture of the melt. This is something that natural cheeses don't have. If you do consume processed cheese, make sure to do it in moderation because it can lead to weight gain, heart disease, and hypertension.
Cream cheese typically comes in either a jar, tub or in a block form. Each has a different texture which determines its best usage.
Those in jars or tubs are softer and are formulated in a way that is easy to spread. They're often used in bagels, toasts, crackers, and many more. This type is also easier to store because of the presence of the tub or jar's lid.
Those in bars or blocks have more versatile uses when it comes to cooking or baking. This is the type of cream cheese used in cheesecakes, pasta, and many more. Cream cheese blocks are usually plain or mild in flavor.
Plain-flavored cream cheeses give you more freedom by allowing you to customize according to your liking. You could combine or top it with different things like fruits, jams, berries, nuts, chocolates, and many more.
There are many types of cream cheese available that range from full-fat, whipped, double cream, low-fat, and the list goes on. Nutrition facts vary depending on the type and brand, but in general, one tablespoon of regular cream cheese contains 50.8 calories, 5 g of fat, 0.5 g of sugar, 0.9 g of protein.
Almost 90% of the calories come from fat, and it is mostly saturated fat. That's a little on the unhealthier side if you don’t use or eat in moderation. Light versions have fewer calories and less fat content.
A tablespoon contains about 35 calories, and compared to its regular counterpart, it has less than 70% calories from fat. It, however, may sound like a disappointment, but some of the lower-fat or fat-free types’ flavor isn’t as good as their regular counterpart.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Type | Flavor | Organic | Storage Type | Calories | Amount | |||||
1 | Arla Organic Cream Cheese | ![]() | Rich, Creamy Organic Goodness from Free-Range Cows | Smooth and creamy | Plain | Keep refrigerated | 80 kcal per 30 g serving | 150 g | ||
2 | Arla Natural Cream Cheese Plain | ![]() | Fresh from Nature, Crafted for Versatility, Your Go-To Cream Cheese | Smooth and creamy | Plain | Keep refrigerated | 80 kcal per 30 g serving | 150 g | ||
3 | Arla Natural Light Cream Cheese | ![]() | Naturally Creamy, Light, and Fresh-Tasting Cream Cheese | Smooth and spreadable | Plain | Keep refrigerated | 60 kcal per serving | 150 g | ||
4 | inJoy Cream Cheese Powder | ![]() | Creamy Convenience in Every Scoop Ideal for Drinks and Snacks | Powder (to be whipped into creamy consistency) | Creamy, with a slightly salty cheese taste | Store in cool, dry place | unknown | 500 g | ||
5 | Pinar Cream Cheese Spread | ![]() | A Rich, Creamy Spread Designed to Brighten Every Day | Soft and creamy | Plain | Keep refrigerated | 65 kcal per serving | 500 g | ||
6 | Arla Cream Cheese Square | ![]() | Creamy Goodness in Every Perfectly Portioned Square | Smooth and creamy | Plain | Chilled | 80 kcal per serving | 108 g | ||
7 | Kiri Cream Cheese | ![]() | Everyday Indulgence Begins with a Rich, Smooth, and Creamy Spread | Soft and spreadable | Plain | Keep refrigerated | 85 kcal per serving | 500 g | ||
8 | Dairy Essence Cream Cheese Spread | ![]() | Elevate Everyday Meals with the Rich, Creamy All-Purpose Spread | Creamy and spreadable | Plain | Keep refrigerated | 80 kcal per serving | 240 g | ||
9 | Magnolia Cream Cheese | ![]() | Smooth, Mild-Flavored Cream Cheese Crafted for Everyday Enjoyment | Smooth and creamy | unknown | Keep refrigerated | 90 kcal per serving | 225 g | ||
10 | Emborg Cream Cheese | ![]() | Creamy European Cheese Crafted for Everyday Indulgence and Versatile Use | Soft and creamy | Plain | Keep refrigerated | 90 kcal per serving | 226 g |
Users find this cream cheese a guilt-free option for cheese lovers, appreciating its organic and clean ingredients. Many highlight it as a great healthy alternative to regular cream cheese, enjoying its fresh, light taste and smooth texture. Some mention occasional stock shortages but overall praise its natural quality and versatility for everyday use.
Type | Smooth and creamy |
---|---|
Flavor | Plain |
Organic | |
Storage Type | Keep refrigerated |
Calories | 80 kcal per 30 g serving |
Amount | 150 g |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
Users appreciate the fresh and authentic taste, noting its creamy consistency that spreads easily on bread and crackers. Many find it versatile for cooking and baking, especially for cheesecakes and dips. Some mention the shorter shelf life due to the absence of preservatives, so timely consumption is recommended.
Type | Smooth and creamy |
---|---|
Flavor | Plain |
Organic | |
Storage Type | Keep refrigerated |
Calories | 80 kcal per 30 g serving |
Amount | 150 g |
Users praise the rich taste that feels indulgent despite the lower fat content. Many note it does not taste like a typical light cream cheese, maintaining full creaminess and flavor. It is frequently recommended for those on a low-fat diet who want a satisfying, natural-tasting option.
Type | Smooth and spreadable |
---|---|
Flavor | Plain |
Organic | |
Storage Type | Keep refrigerated |
Calories | 60 kcal per serving |
Amount | 150 g |
Users praise the product for its rich, balanced sweet and salty flavor that complements milk tea and desserts well. Many find it very affordable and appreciate the long expiration date, which adds convenience. It is also noted to be perfect for baking and dessert recipes, with an easy-to-use, quick-mixing powder form. Some users recommend proper sealing after opening to maintain freshness.
Type | Powder (to be whipped into creamy consistency) |
---|---|
Flavor | Creamy, with a slightly salty cheese taste |
Organic | |
Storage Type | Store in cool, dry place |
Calories | unknown |
Amount | 500 g |
Users often say this creamy spread exceeds their expectations with its rich flavor and smooth texture. Many appreciate that it is not too salty compared to other cream cheeses they have tried. It is also praised for its versatility in breakfast and snack recipes.
Type | Soft and creamy |
---|---|
Flavor | Plain |
Organic | |
Storage Type | Keep refrigerated |
Calories | 65 kcal per serving |
Amount | 500 g |
As of June 25, 2025, there are no available customer reviews for the Arla Cream Cheese Squares on referenced platforms such as Lazada, Shopee, or the official Arla website.
Type | Smooth and creamy |
---|---|
Flavor | Plain |
Organic | |
Storage Type | Chilled |
Calories | 80 kcal per serving |
Amount | 108 g |
As of June 25, 2025, there are no available customer reviews for the Kiri Cream Cheese on referenced platforms such as Lazada, or Shopee.
Type | Soft and spreadable |
---|---|
Flavor | Plain |
Organic | |
Storage Type | Keep refrigerated |
Calories | 85 kcal per serving |
Amount | 500 g |
Users appreciate its creamy consistency and good flavor that complements many dishes. Some mention it as a budget-friendly alternative to premium brands. A few suggest it could be creamier or smoother, but overall, it is well-liked for everyday spreading and cooking needs.
Type | Creamy and spreadable |
---|---|
Flavor | Plain |
Organic | |
Storage Type | Keep refrigerated |
Calories | 80 kcal per serving |
Amount | 240 g |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
Users appreciate the creamy, smooth consistency and balanced flavor that works well in cheesecakes, dips, and spreads. Some mention its versatility in both sweet and savory dishes. Overall, it is favored for its reliable quality and taste in everyday cooking.
Type | Smooth and creamy |
---|---|
Flavor | unknown |
Organic | |
Storage Type | Keep refrigerated |
Calories | 90 kcal per serving |
Amount | 225 g |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
As of June 25, 2025, there are no available customer reviews for the Emborg Cream Cheese on referenced platforms such as Lazada, Shopee, or the official Emborg website.
Type | Soft and creamy |
---|---|
Flavor | Plain |
Organic | |
Storage Type | Keep refrigerated |
Calories | 90 kcal per serving |
Amount | 226 g |
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team.
You can easily soften cream cheese using basic kitchen appliances and utensils. If you have a microwave on hand, simply heat up around 8 ounces of cheese for 15 seconds on high heat using a microwave-safe plate or bowl.
To ensure even heating and softening, you can opt to place the cream cheese, still in its foil packaging, in a bowl of warm water. Leave it in for 15 minutes, flipping the cheese every 5 minutes to warm the cheese on every side. This makes your cheese warm and soft, ready to be used for your chosen recipe.
Soft cheeses have to be placed in a cool environment to lengthen their shelf life. Always make sure to place your cream cheese in the refrigerator and never leave it outside at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Placing it in the freezer is not advisable either since the cheese will separate as it thaws.
Cream cheese frosting tends to liquefy due to the mixing of confectioner's sugar and the liquid content of the cheese. The low-fat type of cheese has more water, so it is best to use full-fat cream cheese. It will also be beneficial to reduce the amount of liquid in your frosting by using less lemon juice or by replacing it with lemon zest.
Another reason why your frosting is runny is over beating the cheese before adding the sugar. Try to quickly blend the cheese and sugar in a food processor for around 1 minute. Lastly, as an alternative, you may opt to try a recipe that contains both butter and cream cheese, as the additional fat will help stabilize the frosting.
Make your kitchen a world of wonder with the best products and tools for carefree baking sessions. Check out our other article reviews of ovens and bakeware below.
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Arla|Organic Cream Cheese
No. 2: Arla |Natural Cream Cheese Plain
No. 3: Arla|Natural Light Cream Cheese
No. 4: inJoy|Cream Cheese Powder
No. 5: Pinar|Cream Cheese Spread
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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