2 tablespoon (medium) of Cream cheese (light) (30 g) has 54 calories. That works out to 180 calories per 100 g. It contains 1.8 g of carbs, 2.6 g of protein, 3.9 g of fat and 0 g of fiber. Its 87 mg of Calcium covers 9% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 30 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.

What is Cream cheese (light)?

Light cream cheese is a lower-fat version of the soft, fresh cheese made from milk and cream and popularised in the United States. It has a smooth, thick texture and a mild, gently tangy taste. Spread it on toast, bagels or crackers, or use it in sandwiches, dips and cheesecakes; in many places it is also served with smoked fish or fresh herbs.

It contributes protein and calcium, while still containing some fat, so a thin spread is often enough. Pair it with crisp vegetables or fruit for a simple snack, or stir it into a dip with herbs when you want a lighter alternative to richer spreads.

Cream cheese (light) Nutrition Facts

Selected: 100 g

180

KCAL / 100G

Carbs

· 2% DV

Protein

8.5g

· 17% DV

Fat

13g

· 17% DV

Fiber

· 0% DV

DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.

Calories come from: Carbs 14% · Protein 19% · Fat 67%

Cream cheese (light) Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins

0.22mg · 17% DV

B12

0.35µg · 15% DV

Vitamin A

120µg · 13% DV

Biotin

2.5µg · 8% DV

Minerals

Calcium

290mg · 29% DV

Phosphorus

170mg · 24% DV

Sodium

350mg · 15% DV

Selenium

7µg · 13% DV

How Nutritious Is Cream cheese (light)?

Nutrient density

Medium

40/ 100

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

Medium

35/ 100

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.

Cream cheese (light) Glycemic Index

GLYCEMIC INDEX

Low

0 Low5570100

GLYCEMIC LOAD

Low

Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.

How to Burn Off Cream cheese (light)

To burn the 180 calories in 100 g:

🚶

45min

Walking (5 km/h)

🏃

18min

Running (8 km/h)

🚴

24min

Cycling

🏊

21min

Swimming

Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.

Is Cream cheese (light) 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 (light) Contain Allergens?

Contains these allergens:

Gluten free

Dairy yes

Eggs free

Peanuts free

Tree nuts free

Fish free

Soy free

Sesame free

Which Diets Is Cream cheese (light) Good For?

Vegan

— Not suitable

Vegetarian

✓ Suitable

Gluten-Free

— Not suitable

Dairy-Free

— Not suitable

Mediterranean

✓ Suitable

Paleo

— Not suitable

Whole30

— Not suitable

DASH

— Not suitable

Keto

— Not suitable

Low FODMAP

— Not suitable

Cream cheese (light) Fat Profile

SATURATED

MONOUNSATURATED

3.5g

POLYUNSATURATED

0.3g

⚖️

Omega 6:3 ratio 3.1:1

Below the ideal 4:1 — a good omega balance.

Compare Cream cheese (light)

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Cream cheese (light) vs Tzatziki120 kcal more per 100 g

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Cream cheese (light) vs Cheddar Cheese222 kcal fewer per 100 g

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Cream cheese (light) vs Tulum Cheese190 kcal fewer per 100 g

→🧀vs🥛

Cream cheese (light) vs Milk116 kcal more per 100 g

→

Foods Similar to Cream cheese (light)

🥒

Tzatziki

60 kcal

🧀

Cheddar Cheese

402 kcal

🧀

Tulum Cheese

370 kcal

🥛

Milk

64 kcal

🥛

Yogurt

61 kcal

🥛

Cream

340 kcal

🧀

White Cheese

270 kcal

🧀

Cecil Cheese

320 kcal

Frequently Asked Questions About Cream cheese (light)

What makes light cream cheese different from regular cream cheese?

Light cream cheese is made with less fat than regular cream cheese, so it often tastes less rich and may have a softer texture. The exact difference varies by product, and it may not give baked dishes the same creamy result.

Can you use light cream cheese on a bagel?

Yes, light cream cheese spreads well on a bagel and pairs with toppings such as smoked salmon, cucumber, or herbs. Let it soften slightly in the refrigerator before spreading, rather than leaving it out for an extended time.

Can light cream cheese be used in cheesecake?

Yes, light cream cheese can be used in cheesecake, although the filling may be less rich and creamy than one made with full-fat cream cheese. Use a recipe designed for the light version when possible for a more reliable texture.

Can light cream cheese replace butter in frosting?

No, light cream cheese is not a direct replacement for butter in frosting. It contains more moisture and less fat, so the frosting can turn soft or runny; recipes made specifically for cream cheese frosting work better.

Can light cream cheese be frozen?

Yes, light cream cheese can be frozen, but thawing often makes it grainy or watery. It is less pleasant as a spread afterward, though you can mix it into a cooked sauce, soup, or casserole where the texture matters less.

How should you store light cream cheese after opening?

Keep light cream cheese refrigerated in its closed original container after opening, and use a clean utensil each time. Follow the package’s storage and use-by instructions, and do not leave it at room temperature for long periods.

Does light cream cheese melt smoothly in hot pasta?

It can make pasta creamy, but light cream cheese may become lumpy if heated too quickly. Stir it with a little hot pasta water off the heat or over low heat, then mix it into the pasta rather than boiling it.

Can you bake with light cream cheese in muffins or cakes?

Yes, light cream cheese works in many muffins and cakes, especially when the recipe includes it as an ingredient rather than relying on it for a rich cheesecake filling. Expect a slightly less tender or rich result than with full-fat cream cheese.

What can you use instead of light cream cheese in a recipe?

For a spread or dip, plain Greek yogurt or strained cottage cheese can often stand in for light cream cheese, though the flavor and texture will differ. For cheesecake or frosting, use a recipe tested with the substitute rather than swapping it cup for cup.

Is light cream cheese a good choice for weight loss?

Light cream cheese can fit into a weight-loss eating plan because it is lower in fat than regular cream cheese, but it does not cause weight loss on its own. Pay attention to how much you spread and what you serve it with.

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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.

· Last updated: September 24, 2026