Why is Full fat soft cheese classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

It receives a NOVA 4 rating because the cheese is made from pasteurised milk that is combined with salt, stabilisers and acids, and then blended into a smooth spread; the formulation includes two food additives - guar gum (E412) used as a stabiliser and citric acid (E330) used as an acidifier - which are typical of ultra-processed foods.

How does the sugar and saturated fat content in Full fat soft cheese affect a diabetic or heart-healthy diet?

With 4.3 g of sugar and 14 g of saturated fat per 100 g, the product can raise blood glucose levels and increase dietary saturated fat intake, which may be detrimental for people managing diabetes or trying to reduce cardiovascular risk, so it should be consumed sparingly and balanced with lower-sugar, lower-fat foods.

Is the milk in Full fat soft cheese a concern for people with dairy allergy or lactose intolerance?

Yes - the main ingredient is full-fat soft cheese derived from cow's milk, so it contains the milk proteins that trigger allergic reactions and the lactose that can cause intolerance symptoms, making it unsuitable for those individuals.

PHILADELPHIA • 165g

Full fat soft cheese

Milk And Dairy Products

Product Insights

Full fat soft cheese, marketed by Philadelphia, is a spreadable cream cheese belonging to the milk and dairy products group, specifically the cheese sub-category. It carries a Nutri-Score of D and is classified in the ultra-processed NOVA 4 tier, reflecting its high fat (approximately 25 g), high saturated fat (14 g), modest protein (5.4 g) and low sugar (4.3 g) profile, as well as the presence of additives such as guar gum (E412) and citric acid (E330) while containing no preservatives. The product is packaged in a polypropylene tub and lid that are recyclable with plastics, but its overall environmental score is D, indicating a moderate ecological impact.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal227 kcal

Fat21 g

Saturated Fat14 g

Carbohydrates4.3 g

Sugars4.3 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average cheese in its category, this spread contains more than double the sugar (4.3 g vs 1.8 g per 100 g) but far less salt (0.75 g vs 3.3 g), while its saturated fat (14 g) is slightly below the typical 15.3 g.

Ingredients

full fat soft cheese, salt, stabiliser (guar gum), acid (citric acid),

84%

35%

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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Full fat soft cheese.

Sainsbury's

300 g