Neufchâtel cheese vs. Cream cheese — Health Impact and Nutrition Comparison
Summary
Cream cheese is softer and smoother, while Neufchâtel cheese has a grainy texture and soft rind.
1oz of cream cheese contains 9.75g of fats, whereas Neufchâtel cheese contains 6.46g, with over 50% saturated fats.
Cream cheese is richer in vitamin A and lower in sodium, whereas Neufchâtel cheese is richer in folate, vitamin B12, and most minerals.
Table of contents
Introduction
Neufchâtel cheese originates from Neufchâtel-en-Bray, in Northern France; it is made only from cow’s milk and is traditionally aged from 6 to 8 weeks before consumption. In comparison, cream cheese - a famous dairy product, originates from the US; it is made from cream and pasteurized whole milk or unskimmed milk and does not need aging.
Taste & Texture
Both cream and Neufchâtel cheese are soft, creamy, and spreadable, with similar tastes.
When compared, cream cheese is softer and has a very smooth texture, whereas Neufchâtel cheese has a grainy texture and soft, downy, mold-ripened edible rind.
The Primary Difference: Fat
The main nutritional difference between cream and Neufchâtel cheese is the varying fat content and moisture.
Neufchâtel cheese must contain a minimum of 20% to less than 33% fat and a maximum of 65% moisture.
Regular cream cheese must contain a minimum of 33% fat and a maximum of 55% moisture. Light cream cheese must contain a maximum of 16.5% fat and 70% moisture. (1).
Nutrition
The nutritional values in this article are presented for 100g Neufchâtel cheese and cream cheese.
Macronutrients and Calories
Cream cheese is denser in macronutrients than Neufchâtel cheese: cream cheese is 53% water and 47% nutrients, whereas Neufchâtel cheese is 63% water and 37% nutrients.
Cream cheese contains 1.4 - 1.5 times more calories, fats, and carbs, whereas Neufchâtel cheese contains 1.5 times more proteins.
The average serving size of either cheese is 1oz or 28.35g.
Calories
A 100g Neufchâtel cheese provides 253 calories, whereas cream cheese provides 350. Consequently, 1oz of Neufchâtel and cream cheese provide 71.7 and 99.2 calories, respectively.
Protein
Neufchâtel cheese is richer in proteins and all essential amino acids.
Neufchâtel cheese contains 9.15g of proteins per 100g of the product, whereas cream cheese contains 6.15g. Consequently, 1oz (28.35g) of Neufchâtel and cream cheese contain 2.59g and 1.74g of proteins, respectively.
Fats
Cream cheese contains 1.5 times more fats: 9.75g in 1oz of cream cheese and 6.46g in 1oz of Neufchâtel cheese. Over 50% of the fats present in these cheeses are saturated fats.
Fats in 100g of cream cheese: 34.4g of total fats, from which 20.2g are saturated fats, 8.9g are monounsaturated fats, and 1.48g are polyunsaturated fats.
Fats in 100g Neufchâtel cheese: 22.8g of total fats, from which 12.8g are saturated fats, 5.78 are monounsaturated fats, and 0.97g are polyunsaturated fats.
Carbohydrates
Neufchâtel and cream cheese are low in net carbs and absent in dietary fiber. Neufchâtel cheese contains 3.6g of carbs, of which 3.19g is lactose. In comparison, cream cheese contains 5.52g of carbs, of which 3.76g is lactose.
One serving or 1oz (28.35g) of Neufchâtel cheese and cream cheese contains approx. 1g of lactose.
Vitamins
Cream cheese is richer in vitamins A, B2, B6, and K, whereas Neufchâtel cheese is richer in vitamins B3, B5, B9 or folate, and vitamin B12.
Both kinds of cheese are absent in vitamins C and D.
A 100g of Neufchâtel cheese contains 241 mcg of Vitamin A (RAE), while cream cheese contains 309 mcg. Consequently, 1 oz of Neufchâtel and cream cheese contains 68.3 mcg and 87.3 mcg of vitamin A (RAE). The daily required vitamin A (RAE) intake is 700mcg for women and 900mcg for men (2).
Vitamin Comparison
Minerals
Neufchâtel cheese is slightly richer in nearly all minerals than cream cheese: calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper, and manganese.
Cream cheese is slightly richer in selenium and lower in sodium.
A 100g of Neufchâtel cheese and cream cheese contains 334mg and 314 mg of sodium, respectively, which covers nearly 14% of the recommended sodium intake (2).
Mineral Comparison
Glycemic Index
Neufchâtel and cream cheese are high in fats and low in carbs; therefore, they are considered to have low glycemic index values (3, 4).
Our “Cheese glycemic index” page states, “According to The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the glycemic index of different cheese varieties falls in the range of 0 to 10”.
Insulin Index
The insulin index of cream cheese is 18; however, Neufchâtel cheese’s insulin index is yet to be calculated.
Acidity
Cream and Neufchâtel cheese have similar pH values.
According to the USDA, cream cheese has a pH value of 4.4 - 4.9, and Neufchâtel cheese has a pH value of 4.4 - 5.0 (1).
The PRAL value of cream cheese is 2.7, whereas to PRAL value of Neufchâtel cheese is 4.6. The positive numbers indicate that both kinds of cheese are acid-producing or acidic, with Neufchâtel cheese being more acidic.
Diets
Neufchâtel cheese is better for low-calorie, low-carb, low-fat, and high-protein diets than cream cheese.
Neufchâtel and cream cheese are low in carbs and high in fats, making them a keto-friendly choice. Both kinds of cheese can be consumed during the Atkins diet too.
Health Impact
Neufchâtel and cream cheese are good for eyes, skin, and cognition and tolerable for most lactose intolerant people; however, they are high in saturated fats, a risk factor for heart disease.
Health Benefits
Health benefits of vitamins
Fat-soluble vitamin A, provitamin carotenoids, and non-provitamin carotenoids are important in immune and cellular functions and the normal formation, maintenance, and functioning of the eyes, brain, skin, cognition, lungs, heart, and other organs.
Vitamin A and carotenoids may also play a role against measles, age-related macular degeneration, Alzheimer’s disease, and cancer (5, 6, 7, 8).
Cardiovascular Health
Some components of dairy products may regulate blood pressure. However, information about Neufchatel and cream cheeses' reducing blood pressure effects is unavailable (9).
According to this study, as a result of cream cheese processing, proteins were obtained that have ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitory activities, which is important for reducing blood pressure; they also have cardioprotective effects (reduce myocardial and arterial damage), like ACE-inhibitory drugs (Captopril, Lisinopril, etc.) (10). This effect is unknown for Neufchatel cheese.
It should be noted that currently, there is cholesterol-removed cream cheese, which is important for people with coronary artery disease and for people who have had a myocardial infarction (11). This information is unknown for Neufchatel cheese.
Furthermore, tyramine-containing cheeses (including these ones) may cause a hypertensive crisis (blood pressure of 180/120 mm Hg or higher; a hypertensive crisis is a potentially fatal medical condition that can result in a heart attack or stroke) in patients taking MAO inhibitors (particularly antidepressants).
Digestive Health
Low in Lactose
Neufchâtel and cream cheese contain lactose: ~1g in 1oz of the product.
Lactose is a milk sugar digested by the enzyme lactase; people with lactase deficiency have a condition called lactose intolerance.
Interestingly, researchers have found that most people with lactose intolerance can tolerate up to 12g of lactose per meal or 24g throughout the day (12).
Potential Probiotic Effects
In the production of cream and Neufchâtel cheese are used lactic acid bacteria. Some strains of the bacteria act as probiotics; they compete with pathogenic microorganisms and either antagonize the pathogens or modulate the host’s immune response.
Probiotics may beneficially affect gastrointestinal and UT infections, inflammatory bowel disease, lactose intolerance, allergies, cancers, and oral health and reduce antibiotics’ side effects (13.14.15).
Neufchâtel and cream cheese containing probiotics may have labels such as “live and active cultures” or “probiotics.”
Bone Health
Both of these products are good sources of calcium, which is important for maintaining the mineralization of the skeleton. As a result, calcium absorption and excretion are tightly regulated, and mature humans may adapt to a wide range of calcium intakes ranging from 300 to 2,000 mg/day (16).
The bones and teeth store around 99% of the calcium in the body. It is the mineral that gives them their hardness and strength. Bone is broken down quicker than it is created in older adults, particularly in postmenopausal women. Inadequate calcium consumption can contribute to osteoporosis (17).
Cancer
According to this study, consumption of some dairy foods (skim or low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheeses) was connected with a lower risk of ovarian cancer, whereas consumption of other foods (whole milk and cream cheese) was associated with an increased risk (18).
This study suggests that consuming fermented milk products may prevent breast cancer (19). It should be noted that more research is necessary for accurate information.
Downsides & Risks
Milk Allergy
People with milk allergies should completely avoid eating lactose-containing brands of Neufchâtel and cream cheese, as it may cause allergic reactions. However, cheese labeled as “lactose-free” can be consumed.
To know more about lactose intolerance, milk allergy, and the dairy-free diet, you can visit our “Dairy-Free Diet Plan: Benefits and Downsides” page. After consulting your physician, you can also try consuming some milk substitutes.
Low in Protein & High in Saturated Fats
Cream and Neufchâtel cheese are lower in proteins than most cheeses, such as cottage, cheddar, gouda, blue cheese, goat cheese, etc. Proteins play crucial roles in tissue and organ function, structure, and regulation; some are hormones, enzymes, and antibodies (20.21).
Cream and Neufchâtel cheese are high in saturated fats, which are considered unhealthy. Overconsumption of saturated fats leads to LDL or “bad” cholesterol elevation, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and obesity.
- The daily recommended protein intake is 46g for women and 56g for men,
- The daily recommended saturated fat intake should be less than 10% of the total calories (one gram of fat provides nine calories). In the case of a 2000-calorie diet, saturated fats should be less than 22g (2.22).
Short Shelf Life
Cream and Neufchâtel cheese have short shelf lives, and checking the expiration date on the packaging is important.
Sources
- https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/creamcheese.pdf
- Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025
- https://academic.oup.com/jn/article/136/10/2506/4746688
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7352659/
- https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminA-HealthProfessional/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6164534/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3169332/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3705341/
- https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article-abstract/38/3/457/4690904
- https://ifst.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jfpp.15790
- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10068-012-0020-6
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534631/
- Neufchatel Cheese - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23126664/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23894906/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31792679/
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/15049-osteoporosis-prevention-with-calcium-treatment
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ijc.27701
- https://aacrjournals.org/cancerres/article/49/14/4020/494050/Consumption-of-Fermented-Milk-Products-and-Breast
- https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/understanding/howgeneswork/protein/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555990/
- https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000838.htm
Infographic
Macronutrient Comparison
Fat Type Comparison
Carbohydrate type comparison
Comparison summary table
|
|
||
| Lower in Sugar |
|
||
| Lower in Cholesterol |
|
||
| Lower in Saturated Fat |
|
||
| Lower in price |
|
||
| Rich in minerals |
|
||
| Lower in Sodium |
|
||
| Lower in Glycemic Index |
|
||
| Rich in vitamins | Equal | ||
All nutrients comparison - raw data values
| Nutrient | |
|
Opinion |
| Net carbs | 3.59g | 5.52g |
|
| Protein | 9.15g | 6.15g |
|
| Fats | 22.78g | 34.44g |
|
| Carbs | 3.59g | 5.52g |
|
| Calories | 253kcal | 350kcal |
|
| Starch | 0.5g | 0.35g |
|
| Sugar | 3.19g | 3.76g |
|
| Calcium | 117mg | 97mg |
|
| Iron | 0.13mg | 0.11mg |
|
| Magnesium | 10mg | 9mg |
|
| Phosphorus | 138mg | 107mg |
|
| Potassium | 152mg | 132mg |
|
| Sodium | 334mg | 314mg |
|
| Zinc | 0.82mg | 0.5mg |
|
| Copper | 0.027mg | 0.018mg |
|
| Manganese | 0.011mg | 0.011mg | |
| Selenium | 3µg | 8.6µg |
|
| Vitamin A | 841IU | 1111IU |
|
| Vitamin A RAE | 241µg | 308µg |
|
| Vitamin E | 0.4mg | 0.86mg |
|
| Vitamin B1 | 0.022mg | 0.023mg |
|
| Vitamin B2 | 0.155mg | 0.23mg |
|
| Vitamin B3 | 0.21mg | 0.091mg |
|
| Vitamin B5 | 0.575mg | 0.517mg |
|
| Vitamin B6 | 0.041mg | 0.056mg |
|
| Folate | 14µg | 9µg |
|
| Vitamin B12 | 0.3µg | 0.22µg |
|
| Vitamin K | 1.7µg | 2.1µg |
|
| Tryptophan | 0.106mg | 0.069mg |
|
| Threonine | 0.359mg | 0.233mg |
|
| Isoleucine | 0.501mg | 0.324mg |
|
| Leucine | 1.013mg | 0.657mg |
|
| Lysine | 0.875mg | 0.567mg |
|
| Methionine | 0.294mg | 0.191mg |
|
| Phenylalanine | 0.448mg | 0.291mg |
|
| Valine | 0.609mg | 0.395mg |
|
| Histidine | 0.27mg | 0.175mg |
|
| Cholesterol | 74mg | 101mg |
|
| Saturated Fat | 12.79g | 20.213g |
|
| Omega-3 - EPA | 0.01g |
|
|
| Omega-3 - DPA | 0.02g |
|
|
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5.784g | 8.907g |
|
| Polyunsaturated fat | 0.97g | 1.483g |
|
| Omega-6 - Eicosadienoic acid | 0g | 0.007g |
|
| Omega-6 - Linoleic acid | 0.807g |
|
|
| Omega-6 - Gamma-linoleic acid | 0g | 0.002g |
|
| Omega-3 - ALA | 0.117g | 0.125g |
|
| Omega-3 - Eicosatrienoic acid | 0.002g |
|
|
| Omega-6 - Dihomo-gamma-linoleic acid | 0.036g |
|
Which food is preferable for your diet?
|
|
|
| Low Fats diet |
|
|
| Low Carbs diet |
|
|
| Low Calories diet |
|
|
| Low Glycemic Index diet |
|
People also compare
Vitamins & Minerals Daily Need Coverage Score
Comparison summary
References
All the values for which the sources are not specified explicitly are taken from FDA’s Food Central. The exact link to the food presented on this page can be found below.
- Neufchâtel cheese - https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/171246/nutrients
- Cream cheese - https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/173418/nutrients
All the Daily Values are presented for males aged 31-50, for 2000-calorie diets.