Top Cream Cheese Brands Worth Spreading

Cream cheese has become a staple in many households, offering a versatile ingredient that can be used for both savory and sweet dishes. With an array of brands on the market, choosing the best one can elevate your meals and satisfy your taste buds. From classic spreads to gourmet options, the choices are abundant and cater to various preferences and dietary needs. To help you discover the cream cheese brands that stand out in quality and flavor, check out the comprehensive list below.

Illustration of cream cheese

Best brands of cream cheese in 2025

Philadelphia

Philadelphia is a leading brand in the U.S. cream cheese market, with retail sales of its soft cream cheese amounting to approximately $185 million during the 12 weeks ended March 24, 2024. This brand dominates the market, reflecting its strong consumer preference and widespread availability in various retail outlets. As of 2022, branded cheese, including Philadelphia, held a 77% market share in the U.S. cream cheese segment. The brand's popularity is further underscored by its significant unit sales, with over 36.5 million units sold in recent years. Philadelphia's success is a testament to its quality and consumer trust. For statistical insights, you can view detailed information on U.S. cream cheese retail sales.

Kerrygold

Kerrygold, while predominantly known for its butter, has also made significant strides in the dairy market, including its cheese products. In 2022, the brand achieved a 12% volume growth, with over 11 million packs of butter and cheese sold globally each week. Kerrygold is the leading dairy brand in many international markets, being the most popular in Germany and the second most popular butter brand in the US. The success of Kerrygold is attributed to the high-quality milk sourced from Irish grass-fed cows, contributing to its strong market presence. The brand continues to expand globally, introducing new products such as soft cheeses in various flavors. For more information on Kerrygold's growth, explore this article detailing their achievements.

Green Valley Creamery

Green Valley Creamery, formerly known as Green Valley Organics, stands as a pioneer in lactose-free cream cheese production, having introduced the first real dairy, lactose-free cream cheese in the U.S. market in November 2014. Crafted with just four natural components—pure organic cream, sea salt, lactase enzyme, and live, active cultures—their cream cheese is free of additives and devoid of milk powder, fillers, or gum thickeners. Using a straightforward enzymatic process, they effectively break down lactose to cater to the dietary needs of the estimated 30-50 million Americans suffering from lactose intolerance. Green Valley Creamery firmly upholds sustainability, operating on 100% renewable energy and utilizing eco-friendly packaging that reduces plastic usage by 30%. Their products boast organic, kosher, and gluten-free certifications and are produced in a solar-powered creamery. For more details, visit their official website.

Organic Valley

Organic Valley is renowned as one of the best producers of cream cheese, offering a premium, cultured dairy product made from organic pasteurized milk and cream, free from antibiotics, synthetic hormones, toxic pesticides, and GMOs. The brand has consistently exceeded $1.1 billion in sales for four consecutive years, demonstrating its market strength and consumer trust. Organic Valley's cream cheese is known for its slightly tangy taste and high quality, achieved through the addition of a bacterial culture that converts lactose into lactic acid. The use of organic locust bean gum as a stabilizer ensures the product remains smooth and spreadable. With a significant presence in the organic dairy market, Organic Valley continues to innovate and meet consumer demands.

Lactantia

Lactantia, a prominent brand under the Lactalis group, is renowned for its high-quality cream cheese products, which have garnered significant market share globally. In the North American market, Lactantia's cream cheese is particularly popular, contributing to the region's dominant 35.7% share of the global cream cheese market as of 2022. The brand's success is driven by its adherence to stringent food safety standards and innovative product formulations, such as low-fat and non-dairy options, which cater to the growing health-conscious consumer base. With the global cream cheese market expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.6% to 7.5% from 2023 to 2033, Lactantia is well-positioned to continue its market leadership. The brand's commitment to quality and innovation has made it a staple in various culinary applications.

Kite Hill

Kite Hill is renowned for its high-quality, dairy-free cream cheese alternatives, made from almond milk and free from soy, making them an excellent choice for those with dietary restrictions. The brand's products are praised for their creamy texture, rich flavor, and versatility in various recipes. With an estimated annual revenue of $15 million and total funding of $75.5 million, Kite Hill has established itself as a significant player in the plant-based food industry. Their cream cheeses are available in several flavors, including Plain, Chive, and seasonal varieties like Pumpkin Pie, and are even endorsed by the Whole30 program. Kite Hill's commitment to using non-GMO and kosher ingredients further enhances its appeal.

Boar's Head

Boar's Head, while not specifically highlighted as a top cream cheese brand in taste tests, is often praised for its high-quality dairy products. However, it is notable for its other cheese offerings, such as the Cream Havarti, which is known for its creamy texture and rich buttery taste. For cream cheese, users often prefer other brands like Philadelphia for its tangy flavor and smooth texture. Boar's Head's products are freshly sliced and known for their uncompromising flavor, but they are not the primary choice for cream cheese. In the context of overall cheese sales, private label brands and other manufacturers like Tillamook and Kraft dominate the market.

Vermont Creamery

Vermont Creamery is renowned as one of the best producers of cream cheese, celebrating its 40th anniversary with a commitment to quality and innovation. The company, founded in 1984, has grown from two employees to over 120 and has doubled its physical footprint, utilizing state-of-the-art aging technology to produce goat cheese. Vermont Creamery's fresh goat cheese is the No. 1 brand in the United States, growing at three times the rate of the category. The company is known for its cultured butter, aged cheeses, and culinary creams, all made with high-quality ingredients and a focus on supporting local agriculture. With an annual revenue of $59.1 million in 2024, Vermont Creamery continues to expand its product portfolio, including the recent introduction of Hooper, a mixed-milk, soft-ripened cheese. For more information about their products and innovations, visit Vermont Creamery's website.

Miyoko's Creamery

Miyoko's Creamery is a pioneering brand in the vegan dairy industry, renowned for its high-quality, dairy-free cream cheese products. Made from organic cashew milk, coconut cream, sea salt, and cultures, their Classic Plain Organic Cultured Vegan Cream Cheese is a popular choice, with 468 reviews and a 3.4-star rating. Founded in 2014, Miyoko's Creamery has developed over 25 plant-based cheeses and butters, available in nearly 20,000 retailers nationwide. The brand has seen significant growth, with plant-based cheese sales reaching $230 million and a household penetration of 5% as of 2022. Miyoko's commitment to innovation and quality has made it a leader in the plant-based dairy market.

Tofutti

Tofutti Brands, Inc. is a leading producer of dairy-free products, particularly renowned for its vegan cream cheese, which competes effectively with traditional cream cheese. Their flagship product, "Better Than Cream Cheese," is made from ingredients like palm oil, maltodextrin, and soy protein, offering a similar taste and texture to traditional cream cheese. Despite recent financial challenges, including a 21% decrease in net sales for the thirteen weeks ended September 28, 2024, and a decline in vegan cheese sales due to increased competition, Tofutti remains a significant player in the vegan cheese market. The North America vegan cheese market, where Tofutti operates, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 11.8% from 2023 to 2030, with cream cheese being one of the key segments. Tofutti's products are popular among the growing vegan and flexitarian populations.