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Greek yogurt vs. Cream cheese — Health Impact and Nutrition Comparison

Article author photo Erna Harutyunyan by Erna Harutyunyan | Last updated on March 13, 2024
Medically reviewed by Elen Khachatrian Article author photo Elen Khachatrian
Greek yogurt
vs
Cream cheese

Summary

Regarding vitamin B12 content, Greek yogurt provides 0.75g compared to cream cheese's 0.22g; however, cream cheese contains more vitamin Avitamin Emonounsaturated fat, and polyunsaturated fat. However, it's important to highlight that cream cheese covers 89% more daily saturated fat needs than Greek yogurt, indicating a potential concern for those mindful of saturated fat intake. Additionally, Greek yogurt contains less cholesterol compared to cream cheese. 

Introduction

This article compares two types of dairy products: Greek yogurt and cream cheese. The differences will be discussed based on their general characteristicsnutritional content, and health effects.

Nutrition

This section will compare 100g of plain Greek yogurt made from whole milk and cream cheese.

Macronutrients and Calories

Cream cheese is denser in nutrients. About 80% of Greek yogurt is water, whereas the water content of cream cheese is 53%.

100g of Greek yogurt is higher in protein, whereas cream cheese is higher in fats and carbs.

Macronutrient Comparison

Macronutrient breakdown side-by-side comparison
9% 5% 4% 81%
Protein: 9 g
Fats: 5 g
Carbs: 3.98 g
Water: 81.3 g
Other: 0.72 g
6% 34% 6% 53%
Protein: 6.15 g
Fats: 34.44 g
Carbs: 5.52 g
Water: 52.62 g
Other: 1.27 g
Contains more ProteinProtein +46.3%
Contains more WaterWater +54.5%
Contains more FatsFats +588.8%
Contains more CarbsCarbs +38.7%
Contains more OtherOther +76.4%

Calories

Cream cheese is over 3.6 times higher in calories than Greek yogurt. Cream cheese provides 350 calories, whereas Greek yogurt provides 97.

Protein

Greek yogurt is 1.5 times richer in proteins compared to cream cheese. The amount of protein in Greek yogurt is 9 g per 100g, and 6.15 g in cream cheese. 

Fats

Greek yogurt is lower in fat compared to cream cheese. Cream cheese has its consistency due to its higher amounts of fat. The fat in Greek yogurt is 5 grams, while the fat in cream cheese is 34.44 grams.

Saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fat amounts are higher in cream cheese.

Fat Type Comparison

Fat type breakdown side-by-side comparison
48% 43% 9%
Saturated Fat: Sat. Fat 2.395 g
Monounsaturated Fat: Mono. Fat 2.136 g
Polyunsaturated fat: Poly. Fat 0.469 g
66% 29% 5%
Saturated Fat: Sat. Fat 20.213 g
Monounsaturated Fat: Mono. Fat 8.907 g
Polyunsaturated fat: Poly. Fat 1.483 g
Contains less Sat. FatSaturated Fat -88.2%
Contains more Mono. FatMonounsaturated Fat +317%
Contains more Poly. FatPolyunsaturated fat +216.2%

Cholesterol 

In comparing Greek yogurt's and cream cheese's cholesterol content, Greek yogurt has a substantially lower cholesterol content. Greek yogurt contains 13mg of cholesterol, while cream cheese has a higher cholesterol content of 101mg

Carbohydrates

Greek yogurt has lower amounts of carbs compared to cream cheese. Greek yogurt contains 3.98g of carbohydrates compared to cream cheese, which contains 5.52g.  Both are not good sources of dietary fiber.

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

Vitamins

Cream cheese contains 74 times more vitamin A and 86 times more vitamin E. Greek yogurt, on the other hand, contains more vitamin B2 (riboflavin) and vitamin B3 (niacin) than cream cheese. 

While cream cheese is richer in vitamin B5 (0.517mg) (Pantothenic Acid) and folate (9 mg), Greek yogurt provides more vitamin B12 (0.75 mg) and B6 (0.063 mg) compared to cream cheese. Cream cheese contains vitamin K (2.1 g), whereas Greek yogurt does not contain measurable amounts. Both contain an equal amount of vitamin B1 (thiamin).

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% 0.9% 0.2% 0% 5.8% 64% 3.9% 20% 15% 94% 0% 3.8% 8.2%
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%
Contains more Vitamin B2Vitamin B2 +20.9%
Contains more Vitamin B3Vitamin B3 +128.6%
Contains more Vitamin B6Vitamin B6 +12.5%
Contains more Vitamin B12Vitamin B12 +240.9%
Contains more Vitamin AVitamin A +7306.7%
Contains more Vitamin EVitamin E +8500%
Contains more Vitamin B5Vitamin B5 +56.2%
Contains more Vitamin KVitamin K +∞%
Contains more FolateFolate +80%
Contains more CholineCholine +80.1%
~equal in Vitamin C ~0mg
~equal in Vitamin D ~0µg
~equal in Vitamin B1 ~0.023mg

Minerals

There is a marginal difference of 3mg between Greek yogurt and cream cheese regarding calcium content. While cream cheese holds a slight advantage in iron (0.11mg) compared to Greek yogurt (0mg), the differences are minimal. 

Greek yogurt showcases higher levels of magnesium (11mg) and phosphorus (135mg) in comparison to cream cheese (9mg and 107mg, respectively). Potassium content is slightly elevated in Greek yogurt (141mg) versus cream cheese (132mg). Notably, sodium is significantly higher in cream cheese (314mg) compared to Greek yogurt (35mg). 

Zinc content is nearly identical, with Greek yogurt at 0.52mg and cream cheese at 0.5mg. Both the copper and manganese values are very close. Selenium content is marginally higher in Greek yogurt at 9.7 g, compared to 8.6 g in cream cheese. 

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 7.9% 30% 12% 0% 5.7% 14% 58% 4.6% 1.2% 53%
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%
Contains more MagnesiumMagnesium +22.2%
Contains more PhosphorusPhosphorus +26.2%
Contains less SodiumSodium -88.9%
Contains more SeleniumSelenium +12.8%
Contains more IronIron +∞%
Contains more ManganeseManganese +22.2%
~equal in Calcium ~97mg
~equal in Potassium ~132mg
~equal in Copper ~0.018mg
~equal in Zinc ~0.5mg

Glycemic Index

Greek yogurt has a glycemic index 12, indicating a low impact on blood sugar levels. On the other hand, cream cheese has a glycemic index of  0, which is also categorized as low.

Acidity

Greek yogurt and cream cheese have acidic pH levels, but their potential renal acid load (PRAL) scores differ. Cream cheese has a PRAL score of 2.7 (acidic), indicating a lower acidity level than Greek yogurt, which has a PRAL score of 4.9 (acidic).

Weight Loss & Diets

Greek yogurt, being rich in protein, is considered a filling and satisfying food that can aid in weight management by promoting satiety between meals (1, 2). Studies have associated yogurt consumption with lower body fatless weight gain, and a smaller waist circumference (3, 4). In contrast, cream cheese should be consumed in moderation during weight loss. It is calorie-dense and high in fat, which, when overconsumed, may hinder weight loss progress. Therefore, choosing Greek yogurt over cream cheese as a regular part of the diet may contribute to a more effective and satisfying weight-loss journey.

Health Impact 

Potential Benefits 

While cream cheese contains minimal protein, Greek yogurt is a robust source of this essential macronutrient. Various bodily functions depend on proteins, including muscle maintenanceimmune support, and tissue repair (5).  Beyond protein, Greek yogurt provides vital vitamins and minerals, including zinc, selenium, and B12. These nutrients support immune system performancenervous system functionred blood cell creation, and energy generation (6, 7).  In contrast, cream cheese's protein content is notably lower and lacks the nutrient richness of Greek yogurt. On the other hand, cream cheese is a notable source of vitamin A. Vitamin A is crucial for visionimmune system support, and the integrity of various tissues, including the skin, lungs, and intestines (8, 9). Additionally, cream cheese supplies antioxidants, such as lutein and zeaxanthin, which defend the body against free radicals, preventing cellular damage. These antioxidants, essential for eye health, contribute to the overall nutritional profile of cream cheese (10, 11, 12). 

Cardiovascular Health

In moderation, cream cheese can have neutral to positive impacts on cardiovascular health. However, excessive consumption may elevate the risk of cardiovascular diseases due to increased saturated fats (13)On the other hand, yogurt has demonstrated beneficial effects on heart disease risk factors, including high blood pressure and cholesterol (14). Yogurt's fermented dairy content improves cardiovascular health by reducing plaque buildup and artery stiffness (15). The probiotics in yogurt and cream cheese may contribute to lowering cholesterol levels, as evidenced by research showing a decrease in total and LDL (bad) cholesterol with daily probiotic-rich yogurt intake (16).

  Digestive Health

Both cream cheese and Greek yogurt share the beneficial presence of probiotics, which are friendly bacteria known for their positive impact on health (17). These probiotics support the immune systemreduce inflammation, and foster a balanced gut microbiome (18, 19, 20, 21, 22). Additionally, both dairy products offer a low lactose content, making them suitable for individuals with lactose intolerance (23, 24, 25). However, while cream cheese is specifically recognized for its probiotic properties and antioxidant content, Greek yogurt stands out for its natural richness in protein

Cancer

The risk of breast cancer may be raised by eating a lot of cream cheese. (26)

High-calcium diets are directly associated with prostate cancer development. (27)

Production and varieties  

Greek yogurt, often labeled "strained" yogurt, undergoes a unique production process. It begins with the yogurt fermentation in tanks, followed by straining whey and other liquids in the final stages, resulting in a thicker consistency and higher protein content. Some manufacturers opt for Greek-style yogurt by incorporating milk proteins at the start or end of processing. This versatile yogurt comes in various forms, including total fatreduced fatfat-free options, and a spectrum of flavored and unflavored varieties. On the other hand, cream cheese is crafted from cream or a blend of cream and milk, gaining slight acidity from lactic acid bacteria. Cream cheese is available in different fat content variations and can be found plain or flavored, such as garlicherb, or chive. The preparation methods for Greek yogurt involve straining and fermentation, while cream cheese is made through curdlingdraining, and blending

Appearance

Cream cheese is a smoothdensecreamy product with a pale white color. On the other hand, Greek yogurt has a thick and creamy texture, often described as velvety, and a slightly off-white or pale yellowish color. As a result of the straining process, which removes excess whey, it may have a smoother appearance than regular yogurt. 

Taste and Use

In terms of flavor profile, cream cheese has a rich and slightly sweet taste, while yogurt, especially Greek yogurt, has pronounced tangy and tart notes, offering a creamier and thicker mouthfeel. Cream cheese is a versatile ingredient commonly used in sweet and savory dishes. Its creamy and smooth consistency makes it ideal for spreading on bagelstoast, or crackers. Cream cheese is used in baked goods such as cheesecakesfrosting, and creamy fillings for pastries. It's also used in savory applications, like dips and sauces, and as a base for sure sandwiches.

Due to its thick and velvety texture, Greek yogurt is popular for savory and sweet dishes. It is also a standalone snack, especially when topped with fruitsgranola, or honey. In recipes, Greek yogurt is often used as a healthier alternative to sour cream, providing a tangy and rich flavor. It's also a common ingredient in smoothies, parfaits, and various dishes.

Article author photo Erna Harutyunyan
Education: General Medicine at YSMU
Last updated: March 13, 2024
Medically reviewed by Elen Khachatrian

Infographic

Greek yogurt vs Cream cheese infographic
Infographic link

Comparison summary table

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

All nutrients comparison - raw data values

Nutrient Greek yogurt Cream cheese Opinion
Calories 97kcal 350kcal Cream cheese
Protein 9g 6.15g Greek yogurt
Fats 5g 34.44g Cream cheese
Net carbs 3.98g 5.52g Cream cheese
Carbs 3.98g 5.52g Cream cheese
Cholesterol 13mg 101mg Greek yogurt
Magnesium 11mg 9mg Greek yogurt
Calcium 100mg 97mg Greek yogurt
Potassium 141mg 132mg Greek yogurt
Iron 0mg 0.11mg Cream cheese
Sugar 4g 3.76g Cream cheese
Copper 0.017mg 0.018mg Cream cheese
Zinc 0.52mg 0.5mg Greek yogurt
Starch 0.35g Cream cheese
Phosphorus 135mg 107mg Greek yogurt
Sodium 35mg 314mg Greek yogurt
Vitamin A 15IU 1111IU Cream cheese
Vitamin A 2µg 308µg Cream cheese
Vitamin E 0.01mg 0.86mg Cream cheese
Manganese 0.009mg 0.011mg Cream cheese
Selenium 9.7µg 8.6µg Greek yogurt
Vitamin B1 0.023mg 0.023mg
Vitamin B2 0.278mg 0.23mg Greek yogurt
Vitamin B3 0.208mg 0.091mg Greek yogurt
Vitamin B5 0.331mg 0.517mg Cream cheese
Vitamin B6 0.063mg 0.056mg Greek yogurt
Vitamin B12 0.75µg 0.22µg Greek yogurt
Vitamin K 0µg 2.1µg Cream cheese
Folate 5µg 9µg Cream cheese
Choline 15.1mg 27.2mg Cream cheese
Saturated Fat 2.395g 20.213g Greek yogurt
Monounsaturated Fat 2.136g 8.907g Cream cheese
Polyunsaturated fat 0.469g 1.483g Cream cheese
Tryptophan 0.069mg Cream cheese
Threonine 0.233mg Cream cheese
Isoleucine 0.324mg Cream cheese
Leucine 0.657mg Cream cheese
Lysine 0.567mg Cream cheese
Methionine 0.191mg Cream cheese
Phenylalanine 0.291mg Cream cheese
Valine 0.395mg Cream cheese
Histidine 0.175mg Cream cheese
Omega-3 - EPA 0g 0.01g Cream cheese
Omega-3 - DHA 0.004g 0g Greek yogurt
Omega-3 - ALA 0.023g 0.125g Cream cheese
Omega-3 - DPA 0g 0.02g Cream cheese
Omega-3 - Eicosatrienoic acid 0g 0.002g Cream cheese
Omega-6 - Gamma-linoleic acid 0g 0.002g Cream cheese
Omega-6 - Dihomo-gamma-linoleic acid 0g 0.036g Cream cheese
Omega-6 - Eicosadienoic acid 0g 0.007g Cream cheese
Omega-6 - Linoleic acid 0.209g 0.807g Cream cheese

Which food is preferable for your diet?

ok
ok
is better in case of low diet
Greek yogurt Cream 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
17%
Greek yogurt
19%
Cream cheese
Minerals Daily Need Coverage Score
19%
Greek yogurt
21%
Cream cheese

Comparison summary

Which food is lower in Cholesterol?
Greek yogurt
Greek yogurt is lower in Cholesterol (difference - 88mg)
Which food contains less Sodium?
Greek yogurt
Greek yogurt contains less Sodium (difference - 279mg)
Which food is lower in Saturated Fat?
Greek yogurt
Greek yogurt is lower in Saturated Fat (difference - 17.818g)
Which food is cheaper?
Greek yogurt
Greek yogurt is cheaper (difference - $3)
Which food is lower in Sugar?
Cream cheese
Cream cheese is lower in Sugar (difference - 0.24g)
Which food is lower in glycemic index?
Cream cheese
Cream cheese is lower in glycemic index (difference - 12)
Which food is richer in minerals?
?
It cannot be stated which food is richer in vitamins. See the charts below for detailed information. See the charts below for detailed information. See the charts below for detailed information.
Which food is richer in vitamins?
?
It cannot be stated which food is richer in vitamins. See the charts below for detailed information. See the charts below for detailed information. See the charts below for detailed information.

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. Greek yogurt - https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/171304/nutrients
  2. 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.

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