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

It is classified as ultra‑processed because it includes added non‑natural ingredients such as plant‑based thickeners – carob seed flour and carrageenan – used to achieve its smooth spreadable texture, even though it contains no preservatives.

How does the sugar and salt content in this product affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With only 1.2 g of sugar and 0.22 g of salt per 100 g, the spread adds minimal glucose and sodium, making it a permissible choice in moderation for people managing diabetes or high blood pressure, though overall daily intake should still be monitored.

Is Philadelphia Light suitable for a gluten‑free diet?

Yes, the product carries a no‑gluten label, contains no wheat, barley or rye ingredients, and its ingredient list confirms the absence of gluten‑containing additives, making it safe for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Philadelphia • 175 g

Philadelphia Light

Milk And Dairy Products

Product Insights

Philadelphia Light is a spreadable, low‑fat cream cheese marketed under the Philadelphia brand, made from pasteurised milk, cream, salt and plant‑based thickeners. It belongs to the Milk and dairy products group, carries a Nutri‑Score of A and is placed in the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 category, reflecting the presence of added thickeners and the lack of natural fermentation. The spread is low in fat (4.2 g), saturated fat (2.8 g), sugar (1.2 g) and salt (0.22 g per 100 g, about 50 kcal), but its protein content is modest (2.1 g) and the use of carrageenan may be a concern for some consumers.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

low

Salt

low

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Added Sugars0 g

Fruits & Vegetables0 %

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average cheese‑spread, Philadelphia Light contains roughly one‑fifth the fat (4.2 g vs 25 g), one‑seventh the saturated fat, about two‑thirds the sugar, and less than one‑tenth the salt, while delivering only about one‑sixth the calories per 100 g.

Ingredients

Latte pastorizzato, crema di latte, sale, addensanti (farina di semi di carrube, carragenine).

84%

35%

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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Philadelphia Light.

Philadelphia

140 g