WITH its smooth and creamy texture and multiple uses Philadelphia Cream Cheese is a household staple for many.
Whether you like slathering it on a bagel, making cheesecake or stirring it into pasta, it’s a versatile ingredient that hits the spot time and again.
Natasha Harding tested 6 supermarket own-brand soft cheeses against Philadelphia[/caption]
Most of the supermarkets have their own variety of cream cheese and they’re cheaper than the original – but how do they compare?
Natasha Harding tried six supermarket own brands as well as the original on crackers and rated them out of 30.
Philadelphia original
- £2.08, Asda
- Per 100g: calories: 226 fat: 21g sugar: 4.30g salt: .75g
Creamy, full of flavour and perfectly spreadable – the original Philadelphia was just as tasty as expected.
However, it’s more than double the price of some of the supermarket’s own versions and with others that taste just as good, I think I’ll go own-brand in the future.
- Taste: 10/10
- Value: 6/10
- Overall rating: 7/10
- Out of 30: 23
Aldi Full Fat Soft Cheese
- 95p
- Per 100g: calories: 229 fat: 21.5g sugar: 3.2g salt: .75g
This one tasted the most like Philadelphia – it was creamy, full of flavour and delicious.
The only difference was the price tag.
It was yummy on crackers – and even better on a jacket potato with some spring onions for lunch.
For under £1, it’s a bargain, and my winner.
- Taste: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
- Overall rating: 10/10
- Out of 30: 30
Sainsbury’s Stamford Street Co. Soft Cream Cheese
- 95p
- Per 100g: calories: 202 fat: 19g sugar: 3.3g salt: .50g
I always find that Stamford Street Co. comes out on top in the taste stakes, and their cream cheese is no different.
It had a lovely consistency and pleasant cheesy taste, without being overbearing.
It was also lower in calories than the other brands, which was interesting as the taste isn’t compromised – and they haven’t increased the sugar content.
It worked well on bagels with cucumber and I’d definitely buy this one again.
- Taste: 8/10
- Value: 10/10
- Overall rating: 8/10
- Out of 30: 26
Asda Soft Cheese
- £1.48
- Per 100g: calories: 255 fat: 24g sugar: 3.5g salt: .38g
Another small ingredient list, with only milk listed – and no fillers necessary.
You can tell as it had a delicious flavour which was rich, creamy and mild.
It was perfect on crackers and in sandwiches and because it spreads so well, you don’t need to worry about it splitting the bread.
It’s 60p less than Philadelphia and a really good alternative.
- Taste: 9/10
- Value: 6/10
- Overall rating: 8/10
- Out of 30: 23
M&S Full Fat Soft Cheese
- £2
- Per 100g: calories: 260 fat: 8g sugar: 4.6g salt: .75g
M&S’ soft cheese is almost the same price of Philadelphia[/caption]
A premium price for a premium priced product.
It spread beautifully and had a deliciously light flavour with a lovely tang making it great on crackers and as a dip for crisps and vegetable sticks.
However, at almost the same price as Philadelphia, I’m not sure it’s one I’d rush to purchase again.
- Taste: 8/10
- Value: 5/10
- Overall rating: 7/10
- Out of 30: 20
Waitrose Essential soft cheese
- £1.95
- Per 100g: calories: 251 fat: 24.5g sugar: 3g salt: .50g
I liked the small ingredient list with this one as there’s no added extras.
However taste-wise I thought it was a bit bland on its own with a cracker.
I used it in a pasta dish and it was perfect for that – with some added dried herbs. It cooked really nicely and made a quick and easy midweek dinner.
- Taste: 7/10
- Value: 5/10
- Overall rating: 6/10
- Out of 30: 18
Tesco Smooth & Versatile Soft Cheese
- £1.50
- Per 100g: calories: 245 fat: 23.3g sugar: 3.3g salt: .50g
I found this one had a slightly watery flavour and needed a bit of something to get that perfect taste when served on a cracker.
I made a cheesecake with it and it did that job perfectly, but I think there are other alternatives that taste better and are quite a bit cheaper.
- Taste: 6/10
- Value: 6/10
- Overall rating: 6/10
- Out of 30: 18
Here’s how to cut the cost of your grocery shop
SAVING on your shop can make a big difference to your wallet. Here are some tips from Money.co.uk about how you can cut the cost of your shopping bills:
- Write yourself a list – Only buy items that you need. If it isn’t on your list, don’t put it in the trolley
- Create a budget – Work out a weekly budget for your food shopping
- Never shop hungry – you are far more likely to buy more food if your tummy is rumbling
- Don’t buy pre-chopped veggies or fruit – The extra they’ll charge for chopping can be eye watering
- Use social media – follow your favourite retailers to find out about the latest deals
- Be disloyal – You may want to go to different stores to find the best bargains
- Check the small print – It’s always worth checking the price per kg/lb/litre when comparing offers so you’re making a like for like decision as a bigger box won’t necessarily mean you get more
- Use your loyalty cards – Don’t be afraid to sign up to them all. They all work slightly differently – work out what bonus suits you better and remember to trade in your points for additional rewards