Updated June 2023! ThisĀ year, the leading producer of cream cheese has rolled out their first plant-based spread in the U.S. But they already have a second surprise for us – it’s available in three varieties! Philadelphia dairy-free cream cheese can now be found in Original, Strawberry, and Chive & Onion flavors.
Philadelphia Dairy-Free Cream Cheese Goes Mainstream with Flavor
Like many other plant-based cheese alternatives, Philadelphia dairy-free cream cheese is made with a coconut oil and starch emulsion. But it is pea protein free! And they were smart with the packaging. It’s sold in the same 8 ounce tub size as their dairy cream cheese. However, they use a different style of packaging and a distinct green color to avoid confusing the plant-based with the dairy versions.
Original
Ingredients: water, coconut oil, modified potato starch, faba bean protein, contains less than 2% of salt, xanthan gum, carob bean gum, guar gum, lactic acid, sorbic acid as a preservative, citric acid, natural flavor.
Nutrition (per 2 tablespoons): 60 calories, 6g fat, 170mg sodium, 2g carbs, 0g fiber, 0g sugars (includes 0g added sugars), 0g protein.*
Chive & Onion
Nutrition (per 2 tablespoons): 60 calories, 6g fat, 190mg sodium, 2g carbs, 0g fiber, 0g sugars (includes 0g added sugars), 0g protein.*
Strawberry
Nutrition (per 2 tablespoons): 70 calories, 5g fat, 95mg sodium, 5g carbs, 0g fiber, 3g sugars (includes 3g added sugars), 0g protein.*
UK Version of Philadelphia Plant-Based Cream Cheese
Philadelphia dairy-free cream cheese in the U.S. is quite different from the one in the U.K. In the United Kingdom, it contains the following ingredients: almond and oat preparation (water, almond protein 6%, gluten-free oat bran 3%), coconut oil, salt, stabiliser (locust bean gum), vegan culture.
More Facts on Philadelphia Dairy-Free Cream Cheese Alternative
- Price: $6.49 per 8-ounce tub
- Availability: Philadelphia Dairy-Free Cream Cheese is sold at Meijer, Publix, Giant, Albertsons, Jewel, and select regions of Target stores and Kroger family of stores across the U.S. You will also find it at some regional and specialty grocers.
- Certifications: Philadelphia Dairy-Free Cream Cheese is Certified Kosher Pareve.
- Dietary Notes: By ingredients, Philadelphia Dairy-Free Cream Cheese is dairy-free / non-dairy, egg-free, gluten-free, grain-free, nut-free, peanut-free, soy-free, vegan, and vegetarian.*
- For More Product Information: Visit the Philadelphia brand at www.creamcheese.com.
*Always read the ingredient and nutrition statement prior to consumption. Ingredients, processes, and labeling are subject to change at any time for any company or product. Contact the company to discuss their manufacturing processes if potential allergen cross-contamination is an issue for you.Ā No food product can be guaranteed “safe” for every individual’s needs. You should never rely on ingredient and allergen statements alone if dealing with a severe food allergy.Ā
Extremely salty
The texture is good. I think the taste is okay but there is so much salt, thatās all youāre left with. I had to drink afterward to lose the salt taste.
The UK one tastes just like regular Philadelphia
Wow, Iām so impressed with this cheese. It has the same slight tangy creaminess of regular Philadelphia, the same texture and is great in cooking too ā just melted it down with some mushrooms and tarragon for a vegan omelette and it would make a great pasta sauce too. US-based friends, Iād demand this version over the pond š
Strawberry Absolutely Delicious
I tried the strawberry version ā it is fantastic. Great texture and taste. Have not tried the others ā will definitely be doing so.
Bad taste & weird crusty layer on top
I really wanted to love this, but there are far better vegan cream cheese products out there. This one has a very off putting taste and the weird crusty layer on top is a disgusting texture in your mouth.
Shameless Cash Grab
Philadelphia vegan cream cheese is devoid of almost any flavor and leaves much to be desired. The texture is very solid and chunk like. Itās not spreadable unless your bagel is directly out of the toaster. However, when Philadelphia vegan cream cheese interacts with any heat, it just melts into a sopping puddle and is very unappetizing.
Save your excitement and money for any other vegan cream cheese that you may find in the store. Philadelphiaās attempt was a pitiful display of pandering to an audience they have no care for.
Not very good
It has the look of an off-white grey, the texture of solidified oils and a slight smell of modeling clay) not kidding). The taste matches this description also. It has a slight taste of what I imagine modeling clay to taste like crossed with margarine butter-like flavor.
Perfect!!
So great!
Sadly, Philly ND cream cheese misses the markā¦
I am a native of Philadelphia and grew up eating Philadelphia cream cheese on bagels regularly. As an adult, I have adopted a dairy-free diet.
Naturally, I was excited to I learn that Philadelphia had produced a non-dairy cream cheese! Iāve finally had the opportunity to try the dairy-free cream cheese from Philadelphia. Sadly, my excitement is gone.
Although the green color of the packaging is appealing, the product misses the mark big time when compared with the taste and spreadability of traditional cream cheese.
It tastes more like butter than cream cheese. Also, it is stiff and clumpy, making it difficult to spread on bagels.
While it is unreasonable to expect a non-dairy cream cheese to be a spot-on match for the genuine article, I expected more from this brand. I am very disappointed and hope that Philadelphia revisits their recipe/production process.
FYI: After trying the non-dairy cream cheeses produced by Daiya, Violife, and Philadelphia, I would recommend Violife. The taste and spreadability of Violife ND cream cheese are the closest Iāve had to actual cream cheese.
(Surprisingly, similar ingredients are used in both the Philadelphia and Violife brands of ND cream cheese.)
Nice texture but poor taste
While I applaud the company for listening to the public and creating a plant based cream cheese, this product just plain tastes bad. Too salty and a weird aftertaste. Back to Tofutti for meā¦
Best Dairy Free Cream Cheese
Iām not sure why there are negative reviews. I have so many food allergies, and I have tried so many different dairy free items. Thank you Philadelphia! I love this cream cheese!!!! Obviously itās going to have a different taste! Itās not dairy! I love it!!! It is the Best by far.
