Why is Philadelphia Original classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The cheese spread undergoes multiple industrial steps such as pasteurisation, addition of thickeners, and incorporation of cultured cultures, which places it in the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 category; its ingredient list includes the food acid citric acid (E330) and the thickening agent carboxymethyl cellulose (E410).

How does the sugar and salt content of Philadelphia Original affect people with diabetes or hypertension?

With 4.7 g of sugar per 100 g, the spread can raise blood glucose levels and should be eaten in moderation by people with diabetes, while its 0.75 g of salt is lower than many cheeses but still contributes to daily sodium intake, so hypertensive individuals need to account for it within their overall diet.

Is the cream in Philadelphia Original a concern for individuals with dairy allergy or lactose intolerance?

Yes, the product contains cream and other dairy ingredients that provide lactose and milk proteins, making it unsuitable for anyone with a dairy allergy or lactose intolerance.

Philadelphia • 180g

Philadelphia Original

Milk And Dairy Products

Product Insights

Philadelphia Original is a spreadable cream cheese made in Germany from pasteurized cow's milk, cream, whey and a blend of salt, citric acid (E330) and a cellulose thickener (E410). At 20.3 g of fat and 13.3 g of saturated fat per 100 g, it is high in fat, while its sugar (4.7 g) and salt (0.75 g) levels are moderate, and it delivers 5.3 g of protein. The product is classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and carries a Nutri‑Score of D, reflecting the high saturated‑fat content and the presence of additives despite its relatively low calorie count.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal143 kcal

Fat20.3 g

Saturated Fat13.3 g

Carbohydrates4.7 g

Sugars4.7 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average cheese spread, Philadelphia Original contains more than double the sugar (4.66 g vs 1.83 g) but less total fat (20.33 g vs 25.03 g), less saturated fat (13.33 g vs 15.29 g), far less salt (0.75 g vs 3.31 g) and about half the calories (143 kcal vs 323 kcal).

Ingredients

pasteurized cow's milk, cream, whey, salt, e410 thickener, acid e330, lactic culture

84%

35%

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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Philadelphia Original.

Philadelphia

330g