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Cream cheese Calories
Rich, spreadable soft cheese
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
Quick answer
2 tablespoon (medium) of Cream cheese (28 g) has 96 calories. That works out to 342 calories per 100 g. It contains 1.1 g of carbs, 1.7 g of protein, 9.6 g of fat and 0 g of fiber. Its 86.2 µg of Vitamin A covers 10% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 10 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.
Cream cheese Nutrition Facts
Selected: 2 tablespoon (medium) · 28 g
96
KCAL / 28G
Carbs
1.1g
· 0% DV
Protein
1.7g
· 3% DV
Fat
9.6g
· 12% DV
Fiber
0g
· 0% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 5% · Protein 7% · Fat 88%
Cream cheese nutrition facts table · 2 tablespoon (medium) (28 g)
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 96 kcal | |
| Total fat | 9.6 g | 12% |
| Saturated fat | 5.4 g | 27% |
| Trans fat | 0.25 g | |
| Sodium | 90 mg | 4% |
| Total carbohydrate | 1.1 g | 0% |
| Fiber | 0 g | 0% |
| Protein | 1.7 g | 3% |
Calories: Calories measure energy. Average daily need is 2,000 kcal. Excess calories are stored as fat, too few cause weight loss.
Carbs: Your body's primary energy source. The brain runs exclusively on carbs. Daily need: 275g.
Protein: Essential for muscle repair and cell growth. Daily need: 50g. Keeps you full and boosts metabolism.
Fat: Needed for hormone production and vitamin absorption. Daily need: 78g. Limit saturated fats, choose unsaturated.
Fiber: Critical for digestive health and satiety. Daily need: 28g. Stabilizes blood sugar, lowers cholesterol.
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How Many Calories in 1 Tablespoon of Cream cheese?
| Serving | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 tablespoon (medium) | 14 g | 48 kcal |
| 1 teaspoon (small) | 5 g | 17 kcal |
| 2 tablespoon (double) | 28 g | 96 kcal |
| 1 ounce (medium) | 28.4 g | 97 kcal |
| 1 serving (medium) | 30 g | 103 kcal |
| 1 serving (large) | 45 g | 154 kcal |
| 2 ounce (double) | 57 g | 195 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 342 kcal |
| 1 pack (whole) | 226 g | 773 kcal |
| 1 cup (whole) | 232 g | 793 kcal |
Calculated from 342 calories per 100 g.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cream cheese
What is cream cheese made of?
Cream cheese is made from milk and cream that are cultured, then blended into a smooth, spreadable cheese. Commercial versions may also contain salt or stabilizers, while homemade recipes typically acidify the dairy and drain the curds.
Can you freeze cream cheese?
Yes, you can freeze cream cheese, but thawing often leaves it crumbly or watery rather than smooth. Use thawed cream cheese in cooked sauces, baking, or casseroles instead of expecting it to spread well on a bagel.
How do you soften cream cheese quickly?
You can soften cream cheese quickly by cutting it into small cubes and leaving them at room temperature briefly. For a faster option, microwave it in short bursts at low power, checking often so it softens without melting.
Can you use cream cheese for cheesecake?
Yes, cream cheese is a standard base for cheesecake because it gives the filling its rich, smooth texture. Let it soften before mixing and blend just until smooth; overmixing can incorporate excess air and cause cracks as the cake bakes.
What can you use instead of cream cheese?
You can substitute strained yogurt, ricotta, mascarpone, or Neufchâtel, depending on the recipe. Strained yogurt tastes tangier and is less rich, while mascarpone is softer and fattier, so the texture and flavor will not be identical.
How long does cream cheese last after opening?
Opened cream cheese should stay refrigerated in a tightly closed container and be used within the period stated on its package. Discard it if you see mold or notice an unusual smell or color, and avoid dipping used utensils into the container.
Can cream cheese be used to make frosting?
Yes, cream cheese makes a tangy frosting for cakes and cupcakes. Beat softened cream cheese with butter and powdered sugar, mixing only until smooth; beating for too long can make the frosting loose.
Is cream cheese the same as mascarpone?
No, cream cheese and mascarpone are different cheeses. Cream cheese is tangier and firmer, while mascarpone is milder, richer, and softer; they can sometimes replace each other in desserts, but the final taste and texture will change.
Can you cook with cream cheese in sauces?
Yes, cream cheese works in creamy pasta sauces, soups, and dips. Stir it in over low heat, preferably in small pieces, and avoid a hard boil to reduce the chance of the sauce turning grainy or separating.
How do you make cream cheese at home?
You can make a cream-cheese-style spread at home by warming milk and cream, curdling them with an acid or starter culture, then draining and blending the curds with salt. Homemade batches vary in tang and firmness, so they may not behave exactly like store-bought cream cheese.
Cream cheese Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins
Vitamin A
86.24µg · 10% DV
B12
0.08µg · 3% DV
B2
0.04mg · 3% DV
B5
0.11mg · 2% DV
Minerals
Phosphorus
30mg · 4% DV
Sodium
90mg · 4% DV
Iodine
5.6µg · 4% DV
Calcium
27mg · 3% DV
Potassium ⭐
39mg · 1% DV
Cream cheese Glycemic Index
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
How to Burn Off Cream cheese
To burn the 96 calories in 2 tablespoon (medium) (28 g):
🚶
Walking (5 km/h)
🏃
Running (8 km/h)
🚴
Cycling
🏊
Swimming
Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.
What is Cream cheese?
Cream cheese is a soft, unripened cheese made from milk and cream. Mild, slightly tangy and smooth enough to spread, it is closely associated with American-style bagels, but is also used in sandwiches, dips, baking and cheesecakes. In many places, it appears at breakfast or as a simple snack with bread or crackers.
It is rich in fat and comparatively modest in protein; a 100 g serving contains 34.2 g of fat. A thin layer with cucumber, herbs or smoked salmon makes a satisfying topping, while mixing it with yoghurt can give dips a lighter texture. Its mild flavour also works well in both savoury and sweet recipes.
How Nutritious Is Cream cheese?
Nutrient density
Medium
How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.
Satiety score
Low
An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.
Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.
Is Cream cheese Processed?
NOVA 3
Processed
1. Unprocessed
2. Minimally Processed
3. Processed
4. Ultra-Processed
NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.
Does Cream cheese Contain Allergens?
Contains these allergens:
Which Diets Is Cream cheese Good For?
Vegan
— Not suitable
Vegetarian
✓ Suitable
Gluten-Free
✓ Suitable
Dairy-Free
— Not suitable
Mediterranean
✓ Suitable
Paleo
— Not suitable
Whole30
— Not suitable
DASH
— Not suitable
Keto
✓ Suitable
Low FODMAP
— Not suitable
Cream cheese Fat Profile
SATURATED
5.4g
MONOUNSATURATED
2.55g
POLYUNSATURATED
0.34g
Omega 6:3 ratio 4.5:1
Above the ideal 4:1 (4.5:1).
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.