It’s creamy, it’s cheesy, and it’s spreadable, it’s cream cheese! Whether you enjoy it on a gluten-free bagel, whipped into a dip, or baked into a cheesecake, this soft cheese has a mild, slightly tangy flavor that’s hard to resist.
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If you’re gluten-free, you might wonder: Is cream cheese gluten-free? Here’s what you need to know.
Quick Answer:
Answer: Is Cream Cheese Gluten-Free?
Yes, most cream cheese is naturally gluten-free! Most brands contain just a few ingredients: milk, cream, cheese cultures, salt, and sometimes stabilizers like carob bean gum or guar gum, none of which contain gluten.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Plain cream cheese from major brands is generally safe for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
- Philadelphia Cream Cheese (made by Kraft) does not contain gluten, and Kraft clearly labels gluten-containing ingredients.
- Flavored cream cheeses may include add-ins or processed ingredients, so always double-check the label.
- Dairy-free and vegan cream cheeses often contain longer ingredient lists, so read carefully if you’re sensitive.
While most brands don’t label their cream cheese as certified gluten-free, cross-contamination risk is typically low, especially with large brands like Kraft that follow strict allergen protocols. Still, always read the label if you’re Celiac or highly sensitive.
What Is Cream Cheese?
Cream cheese is a soft, smooth cheese made from milk and cream. It has a slightly sweet flavor with a mild tang and is commonly used in both sweet and savory recipes. You’ll find it in everything from cream cheese frosting and cheesecakes to dips and creamy pasta sauces.
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Philadelphia Cream Cheese is one of the most popular brands in the U.S., but there are many others, including dairy-free and vegan options.
👀 Sandi Says: Cream cheese was invented by accident when a cheesemaker added too much cream while trying to make Neufchâtel cheese. That delicious mistake gave us the rich, spreadable cheese we love today!
Cream cheese is typically eaten with gluten-filled foods like bagels or crackers. Of course, there are many great gluten free bagel brands on the market, and you can always make gluten-free bagels!
Gluten-Free Cream Cheese Brands:
Here are some popular cream cheese brands that do not contain gluten:
- Prairie Farms Original Cream Cheese
- Great Value Cream Cheese
- Crystal Farms Original Cream Cheese
- Daiya Foods Plant-based Cream Cheese
- Lucerne Cream Cheese
- Organic Valley Cream Cheese
- Happy Farms Original Cream Cheese
- Kite Hill Dairy-Free Cream Cheese
- Tofutti Vegan Cream Cheese
Note: Ingredients can change at any time. Always check the label, especially with flavored or vegan options, to ensure they are safe.
Recipes Using Cream Cheese:
- Easy Roasted Red Pepper Cream Cheese Schmear
- Creamy Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese
- Gluten-Free Cream Cheese Strawberry Bars
⚠️ Always double-check product labels and manufacturing practices, since brands can change ingredients or processing methods without warning.
