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Cream cheese vs. Neufchâtel cheese — Health Impact and Nutrition Comparison

Article author photo Arpi Gasparyan by Arpi Gasparyan | Last updated on June 29, 2023
Medically reviewed by Astghik Grigoryan Article author photo Astghik Grigoryan
Cream cheese
vs
Neufchâtel cheese

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.

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

Vitamin comparison score is based on the number of vitamins by which one or the other food is richer. The "coverage" charts below show how much of the daily needs can be covered by 300 grams of the food.
Vitamin C Vit. C Vitamin A Vit. A Vitamin E Vit. E Vitamin D Vit. D Vitamin B1 Vit. B1 Vitamin B2 Vit. B2 Vitamin B3 Vit. B3 Vitamin B5 Vit. B5 Vitamin B6 Vit. B6 Vitamin B12 Vit. B12 Vitamin K Vit. K Folate Folate Choline Choline 0% 67% 17% 0% 5.8% 53% 1.7% 31% 13% 28% 5.3% 6.8% 15%
Vitamin C Vit. C Vitamin A Vit. A Vitamin E Vit. E Vitamin D Vit. D Vitamin B1 Vit. B1 Vitamin B2 Vit. B2 Vitamin B3 Vit. B3 Vitamin B5 Vit. B5 Vitamin B6 Vit. B6 Vitamin B12 Vit. B12 Vitamin K Vit. K Folate Folate Choline Choline 0% 50% 8% 0% 5.5% 36% 3.9% 35% 9.5% 38% 4.3% 11% 0%
Contains more Vitamin AVitamin A +32.1%
Contains more Vitamin EVitamin E +115%
Contains more Vitamin B2Vitamin B2 +48.4%
Contains more Vitamin B6Vitamin B6 +36.6%
Contains more Vitamin KVitamin K +23.5%
Contains more CholineCholine +∞%
Contains more Vitamin B3Vitamin B3 +130.8%
Contains more Vitamin B5Vitamin B5 +11.2%
Contains more Vitamin B12Vitamin B12 +36.4%
Contains more FolateFolate +55.6%
~equal in Vitamin C ~0mg
~equal in Vitamin D ~µg
~equal in Vitamin B1 ~0.022mg

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

Mineral comparison score is based on the number of minerals by which one or the other food is richer. The "coverage" charts below show how much of the daily needs can be covered by 300 grams of the food.
Magnesium Magnesium Calcium Calcium Potassium Potassium Iron Iron Copper Copper Zinc Zinc Phosphorus Phosphorus Sodium Sodium Manganese Manganese Selenium Selenium 6.4% 29% 12% 4.1% 6% 14% 46% 41% 1.4% 47%
Magnesium Magnesium Calcium Calcium Potassium Potassium Iron Iron Copper Copper Zinc Zinc Phosphorus Phosphorus Sodium Sodium Manganese Manganese Selenium Selenium 7.1% 35% 13% 4.9% 9% 22% 59% 44% 1.4% 16%
Contains more SeleniumSelenium +186.7%
Contains more MagnesiumMagnesium +11.1%
Contains more CalciumCalcium +20.6%
Contains more PotassiumPotassium +15.2%
Contains more IronIron +18.2%
Contains more CopperCopper +50%
Contains more ZincZinc +64%
Contains more PhosphorusPhosphorus +29%
~equal in Sodium ~334mg
~equal in Manganese ~0.011mg

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 cottagecheddargoudablue cheesegoat 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. 

Article author photo Arpi Gasparyan
Education: General Medicine at YSMU
Last updated: June 29, 2023
Medically reviewed by Astghik Grigoryan

Infographic

Cream cheese vs Neufchâtel cheese infographic
Infographic link

Macronutrient Comparison

Macronutrient breakdown side-by-side comparison
6% 34% 6% 53%
Protein: 6.15 g
Fats: 34.44 g
Carbs: 5.52 g
Water: 52.62 g
Other: 1.27 g
9% 23% 4% 63%
Protein: 9.15 g
Fats: 22.78 g
Carbs: 3.59 g
Water: 63.11 g
Other: 1.37 g
Contains more FatsFats +51.2%
Contains more CarbsCarbs +53.8%
Contains more ProteinProtein +48.8%
Contains more WaterWater +19.9%
~equal in Other ~1.37g

Fat Type Comparison

Fat type breakdown side-by-side comparison
66% 29% 5%
Saturated Fat: Sat. Fat 20.213 g
Monounsaturated Fat: Mono. Fat 8.907 g
Polyunsaturated fat: Poly. Fat 1.483 g
65% 30% 5%
Saturated Fat: Sat. Fat 12.79 g
Monounsaturated Fat: Mono. Fat 5.784 g
Polyunsaturated fat: Poly. Fat 0.97 g
Contains more Mono. FatMonounsaturated Fat +54%
Contains more Poly. FatPolyunsaturated fat +52.9%
Contains less Sat. FatSaturated Fat -36.7%

Carbohydrate type comparison

Carbohydrate type breakdown side-by-side comparison
9% 91%
Starch: 0.35 g
Sucrose: 0 g
Glucose: 0 g
Fructose: 0 g
Lactose: 3.76 g
Maltose: 0 g
Galactose: 0 g
14% 86%
Starch: 0.5 g
Sucrose: 0 g
Glucose: 0 g
Fructose: 0 g
Lactose: 3.19 g
Maltose: 0 g
Galactose: 0 g
Contains more LactoseLactose +17.9%
Contains more StarchStarch +42.9%
~equal in Sucrose ~0g
~equal in Glucose ~0g
~equal in Fructose ~0g
~equal in Maltose ~0g
~equal in Galactose ~0g

Comparison summary table

Pay attention to the rightmost column. It displays the amounts side by side, giving a clearer understanding of the difference.
Cream cheese Neufchâtel cheese
Lower in Cholesterol ok
Lower in Sugar ok
Lower in Saturated Fat ok
Lower in price ok
Rich in minerals ok
Lower in Sodium ok
Lower in Glycemic Index ok
Rich in vitamins ok

All nutrients comparison - raw data values

Nutrient Cream cheese Neufchâtel cheese Opinion
Calories 350kcal 253kcal Cream cheese
Protein 6.15g 9.15g Neufchâtel cheese
Fats 34.44g 22.78g Cream cheese
Net carbs 5.52g 3.59g Cream cheese
Carbs 5.52g 3.59g Cream cheese
Cholesterol 101mg 74mg Neufchâtel cheese
Magnesium 9mg 10mg Neufchâtel cheese
Calcium 97mg 117mg Neufchâtel cheese
Potassium 132mg 152mg Neufchâtel cheese
Iron 0.11mg 0.13mg Neufchâtel cheese
Sugar 3.76g 3.19g Neufchâtel cheese
Copper 0.018mg 0.027mg Neufchâtel cheese
Zinc 0.5mg 0.82mg Neufchâtel cheese
Starch 0.35g 0.5g Neufchâtel cheese
Phosphorus 107mg 138mg Neufchâtel cheese
Sodium 314mg 334mg Cream cheese
Vitamin A 1111IU 841IU Cream cheese
Vitamin A 308µg 241µg Cream cheese
Vitamin E 0.86mg 0.4mg Cream cheese
Manganese 0.011mg 0.011mg
Selenium 8.6µg 3µg Cream cheese
Vitamin B1 0.023mg 0.022mg Cream cheese
Vitamin B2 0.23mg 0.155mg Cream cheese
Vitamin B3 0.091mg 0.21mg Neufchâtel cheese
Vitamin B5 0.517mg 0.575mg Neufchâtel cheese
Vitamin B6 0.056mg 0.041mg Cream cheese
Vitamin B12 0.22µg 0.3µg Neufchâtel cheese
Vitamin K 2.1µg 1.7µg Cream cheese
Folate 9µg 14µg Neufchâtel cheese
Choline 27.2mg Cream cheese
Saturated Fat 20.213g 12.79g Neufchâtel cheese
Monounsaturated Fat 8.907g 5.784g Cream cheese
Polyunsaturated fat 1.483g 0.97g Cream cheese
Tryptophan 0.069mg 0.106mg Neufchâtel cheese
Threonine 0.233mg 0.359mg Neufchâtel cheese
Isoleucine 0.324mg 0.501mg Neufchâtel cheese
Leucine 0.657mg 1.013mg Neufchâtel cheese
Lysine 0.567mg 0.875mg Neufchâtel cheese
Methionine 0.191mg 0.294mg Neufchâtel cheese
Phenylalanine 0.291mg 0.448mg Neufchâtel cheese
Valine 0.395mg 0.609mg Neufchâtel cheese
Histidine 0.175mg 0.27mg Neufchâtel cheese
Omega-3 - EPA 0.01g Cream cheese
Omega-3 - ALA 0.125g 0.117g Cream cheese
Omega-3 - DPA 0.02g Cream cheese
Omega-3 - Eicosatrienoic acid 0.002g Cream cheese
Omega-6 - Gamma-linoleic acid 0.002g 0g Cream cheese
Omega-6 - Dihomo-gamma-linoleic acid 0.036g Cream cheese
Omega-6 - Eicosadienoic acid 0.007g 0g Cream cheese
Omega-6 - Linoleic acid 0.807g Cream cheese

Which food is preferable for your diet?

ok
ok
is better in case of low diet
Cream cheese Neufchâtel cheese
Low Calories diet ok
Low Fats diet ok
Low Carbs diet ok
Low Glycemic Index diet ok

People also compare

Vitamins & Minerals Daily Need Coverage Score

The summary scores indicate the extent to which this food can fulfill your daily vitamin and mineral requirements if you consume 3 servings, consisting of 100 grams of each (an approximation of 3 serving sizes).
Vitamins Daily Need Coverage Score
19%
Cream cheese
15%
Neufchâtel cheese
Minerals Daily Need Coverage Score
21%
Cream cheese
21%
Neufchâtel cheese

Comparison summary

Which food is lower in Cholesterol?
Neufchâtel cheese
Neufchâtel cheese is lower in Cholesterol (difference - 27mg)
Which food is lower in Sugar?
Neufchâtel cheese
Neufchâtel cheese is lower in Sugar (difference - 0.57g)
Which food is lower in Saturated Fat?
Neufchâtel cheese
Neufchâtel cheese is lower in Saturated Fat (difference - 7.423g)
Which food is cheaper?
Neufchâtel cheese
Neufchâtel cheese is cheaper (difference - $1)
Which food is richer in minerals?
Neufchâtel cheese
Neufchâtel cheese is relatively richer in minerals
Which food contains less Sodium?
Cream cheese
Cream cheese contains less Sodium (difference - 20mg)
Which food is lower in glycemic index?
Cream cheese
Cream cheese is lower in glycemic index (difference - 27)
Which food is richer in vitamins?
Cream cheese
Cream cheese is relatively richer in vitamins

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.

  1. Cream cheese - https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/173418/nutrients
  2. Neufchâtel cheese - https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/171246/nutrients

All the Daily Values are presented for males aged 31-50, for 2000-calorie diets.

Data provided by FoodStruct.com should be considered and used as information only. Please consult your physician before beginning any diet.