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Cream cheese is a highly versatile ingredient that adds richness to a dish, whether you eat it as a spread or actually in your recipe.
However, if you’re dieting or looking for a healthier option, you might be wondering what a healthy substitute for cream cheese is. In this article, I will cover a variety of different healthy substitutes for cream cheese. So, let’s get started.
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Finding healthier alternatives to your favorite foods can be a challenge.
Not everyone wants to make the switch, especially when you’re in the routine of eating something as delicious as cream cheese.
However, there are a variety of different alternatives you can eat in place of cream cheese that still taste delicious.
Making a healthier choice doesn’t always have to be an uphill battle, it just takes a little open-mindedness and some experimenting in the kitchen!
So, what are some healthier substitutes for cream cheese?
Healthy Substitute For Cream Cheese
Low-Fat Cottage Cheese
A low-fat version of cottage cheese can work well as a healthy alternative to regular cream cheese.
Low-fat cottage cheese is similar in flavor to cottage cheese, but is lower in fat and is packed full of protein.
That being said, it’s important to note that the texture will be slightly different as cottage cheese has a chunkier texture whereas cream cheese is smooth.
To make your cottage cheese smooth, you can always put it in a food processor with some lemon juice. You can also add some herbs like basil or oregano for an extra flavor boost.
Use cottage cheese as a substitute for cream cheese in a 1:1 ratio.
Plain Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is another great choice when making a healthy cream cheese substitute.
It has a similar consistency and taste to cream cheese but contains significantly less fat and calories.
It’s also a good source of protein and calcium, so you don’t have to worry about missing out on those nutrients.
You can use an equal amount of plain yogurt as a substitute for cream cheese to make a variety of different spreads, frostings, and baked goods.
That being said, yogurt is much thinner in consistency when compared to cream cheese. However, if you want a thicker consistency, you can always try straining it through a cheesecloth to remove some of the water.
Fat-Free Sour Cream
Fat-free sour cream is another cream cheese alternative. Using a fat-free sour cream means that the fat content of this alternative makes it a good option.
However, you should note that it is naturally thinner in consistency when compared to actual cream cheese.
Cashew Cheese
Cashew cheese is another great alternative to cream cheese if you follow a vegan or dairy-free diet or struggle with lactose intolerance.
Cashew cheese is typically made from ingredients such as raw cashews, fresh lemon juice, nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor, and a mix of herbs and spices.
While cashew cheese isn’t the best choice for sweet recipes and other baked goods, it’s great to use in a variety of savory dishes such as sauces, spreads, and soups in a 1:1 ratio.
Silken Tofu
Silken tofu has a smooth texture that is similar to the texture of cream cheese. It has a mild flavor and is highly nutritious, packed with protein, calcium, manganese, as well as selenium.
Silken tofu is often blended to make a variety of different dairy-free recipes, such as vegan cheesecakes, cream cheese frostings, as well as savory recipes due to its creamy texture.
However, it’s important to note that when using this alternative, you will want to make sure that you’re using a recipe that calls for silken tofu to ensure that you get the ratio just right.
Ricotta Cheese
Another replacement for cream cheese that has a similar creamy taste is ricotta cheese.
Although the texture is slightly lumpier than cream cheese, when you blend ricotta cheese, you can produce a healthier alternative that is much closer to the smooth texture you can expect of cream cheese.
When substituting cream cheese for ricotta cheese, you will want to use it in a 1:1 ratio for a creamy spread.
Kefir And Chia Seeds
Kefir and chia seeds as an alternative to cream cheese might sound like a strange one, but bear with me!
Kefir has an impressive protein, calcium, and phosphorus content, and is also packed with probiotics that are good for your gut health!
To make this alternative, simply combine 1/4 cup of chia seeds with 1 cup of kefir. Allow the chia seeds to sit in the kefir for a minimum of 10 minutes, or until the mixture reaches your desired thickness.
It is worth noting that some of these alternatives are healthier than others, and depending on your personal preference, not everyone is going to enjoy all of them.
Whatever reason you’re looking for an alternative, the good news is that there are plenty of options out there.
Finding an alternative to cream cheese that works for you might take a little patience, but with some creativity, you can definitely find one that you enjoy.
It’s also important to mention that you don’t need to completely cut cream cheese out of your diet. Eating it in moderation is fine.
However, if your goal is weight loss, then opting for a lower calorie, lower-fat alternative is likely to be more in line with your weight loss goal.
What Does Cream Cheese Taste Like?
Cream cheese has a creamy, slightly tangy flavor. It is very mild, making it a great ingredient for a variety of different sweet and savory recipes, as it compliments instead of overpowering your recipe.
Its texture is smooth and works wonderfully to add a creamier texture to your dish.
Is There A Vegan Substitute For Cream Cheese?
Yes, there are multiple vegan substitutes for cream cheese.
As I’ve discussed in this article, silken tofu is a good option if you follow a vegan diet, as it provides a similar creamy texture.
Alternatively, there are other non-dairy alternatives that you can purchase at most grocery stores in the vegan and plant-based sections.
In Summary: Healthy Subsitute For Cream Cheese
Finding healthier alternatives to your favorite foods can take some experimenting, but luckily there are a variety of alternatives to cream cheese.
Hopefully, after reading this article, you have plenty of inspiration in your back pocket for healthy alternatives to cream cheese.
Good luck finding the perfect healthy alternative to cream cheese for you! I hope you found this post about healthy substitute for cream cheese helpful.
For more frequently asked questions, visit our index of food-related questions and answers. Here are a few suggestions for you: