Calories in Cream Cheese: Full Nutrition Breakdown
How many calories are in cream cheese? Serving-by-serving breakdown with full nutrition facts and FAQ.
Cream cheese is a soft, mild-tasting dairy spread made from milk and cream. It is commonly used on bagels, in baking, and as a base for dips and frostings. Here is a complete breakdown of cream cheese nutrition by serving size.
Calories by serving size:
| Serving | Weight | Calories | Total Fat | Saturated Fat | Cholesterol | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 tablespoon | ~14.5 g | 50 kcal | 5 g | 2.8 g | 16 mg | 0.9 g |
| 1 oz | ~28 g | 99 kcal | 9.8 g | 5.5 g | 31 mg | 1.7 g |
| 2 tablespoons | ~29 g | 99 kcal | 9.9 g | 5.6 g | 31 mg | 1.7 g |
| 1/4 cup | ~58 g | 198 kcal | 19.7 g | 11.1 g | 63 mg | 3.5 g |
| 1 cup | ~232 g | 793 kcal | 78.9 g | 44.4 g | 251 mg | 13.9 g |
| 100 g | 100 g | 342 kcal | 34 g | 19.1 g | 108 mg | 6 g |
Cream cheese is a good source of vitamin A and provides small amounts of calcium and riboflavin. Its rich texture comes from its high fat content, particularly saturated fat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many calories are in a tablespoon of cream cheese?
A tablespoon of regular cream cheese weighing about 14.5 grams contains approximately 50 calories. Most of these calories come from fat, with a small contribution from protein and very little carbohydrate.
What is the difference between regular and low-fat cream cheese?
Regular cream cheese contains about 50 calories and 5 grams of fat per tablespoon, while low-fat (Neufchatel) cream cheese has about 35 calories and 3 grams of fat per tablespoon. Neufchatel cheese has a slightly softer texture and a bit more moisture than regular cream cheese.
How does Neufchatel compare to cream cheese?
Neufchatel cheese, often labeled as reduced-fat cream cheese, contains about 70 calories per ounce compared to 99 calories per ounce in regular cream cheese. It has a similar flavor and texture but with roughly one-third less fat, making it a practical lower-calorie substitute in most recipes.
Is cream cheese a good source of protein?
Cream cheese is not a significant source of protein, providing only about 1.7 grams per ounce. Compared to other dairy products like Greek yogurt or cottage cheese, cream cheese is much higher in fat and lower in protein per serving.
What are common uses for cream cheese in cooking?
Cream cheese is versatile in both sweet and savory dishes, commonly used in cheesecakes, frostings, stuffed peppers, and creamy pasta sauces. It also serves as a base for dips and spreads, and its smooth texture makes it ideal for thickening soups and sauces.
How many calories are in a tablespoon of cream cheese?
What is the difference between regular and low-fat cream cheese?
How does Neufchatel compare to cream cheese?
Is cream cheese a good source of protein?
What are common uses for cream cheese in cooking?
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