The difference is simple. It has to do with fat and moisture content. While all ingredients are the same, Neufchatel has 1/3 less fat than cream cheese. For a more in-depth look at the differences and similarities, see the FDA site for Standard of Identity: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=133
While cream cheese has a standard of identity regulated by the FDA, cream cheese spread does not, and is the nomenclature used for any cream cheese product that might have any ingredients included that are not listed in the cream cheese SOI. For instance, if you buy a cream cheese with herbs, fruit, or lower in fat, it will no longer be “cream cheese” and therefore falls into the “cream cheese spread” category.
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=133
Guar gum is a derived from the guar plant. Carob bean, also often referred to as locust bean, is derived from the seeds of the Carob tree. Both act as stabilizers in cream cheese. If you have ever tasted a cream cheese without these stabilizers, you will notice a change in texture, and likely a slight separation of liquid in the cheese. These can be used in cream cheese per its standard of identity. Note that xanthan gum is a third gum allowed in cream cheese but since it is not a naturally derived gum, we at Smithfield, do not use it in any of our products
Yes, we are certified Kosher by the Orthodox Union.
https://oukosher.org/blog/industrial-kosher/all-ou-symbols-explained/
The ingredients and process adhere to Kosher regulation. We also have a Rabbi on site at least once a month. During his visit he inspects that all production and ingredients are strictly in compliance with Jewish dietary law.
Orthodox Union Dairy. They are largely considered more stringent than most Kosher certifications and are in fact the world’s largest Kosher certifying body.
Yes, we make all our cream cheese using only natural ingredients.
Yes, we only source milk and cream from cows that are free of r-BST*
* No significant difference has been shown between milk derived from r-BST treated and non r-BST treated cows.
r-BST stands for Recombinant Bovine Somatotropin, which is an artificial growth hormone that increases milk production in cows.
New Holland, PA and City of Industry, CA.
Cream Cheese is not lactose free. Milk has about 5% lactose, while Cream Cheese contains on average less than 3% lactose.
Lactose is the sugar found in dairy. While it is naturally broken down by the body by an enzyme found in the stomach known as lactase, some people do not produce lactase, thereby they are unable to digest lactose properly.
All Smithfield Cream Cheeses, except for Strawberry Cream Cheese Spread that uses a Kosher gelatin derived from cattle, are vegetarian.
While there is vegan cream cheese like products on the market, Smithfield Cream Cheese is made using milk and cream, and is therefore not vegan.
It is a heat treatment defined/regulated by the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO).
https://www.fda.gov/media/114169/download
All the milk and cream we use in Smithfield Cream Cheese is sourced from cows. We are also proud to say that we source milk from members of the FARM (Farmers Assuring Responsible Management) Program.
https://nationaldairyfarm.com/what-is-farm/
Yes, cream cheese is gluten free. Gluten is a group of proteins found namely in wheat, rye, and barley that acts as a glue to hold foods together, it is what gives dough the ability to stretch. It is not used in any part of our manufacturing facilities. All of our ingredients and cheeses are gluten free.
While cream cheese typically has a long shelf-life, and we encourage you to look for the Best By Date on your package, for optimal freshness we suggest you use any open package with 7 days.
Yes, our facilities are nut free, and none of our cream cheese are exposed to nuts in the making process.
Smithfield Cream Cheese is made in a meat-free facility, and as mentioned we use a Kosher beef gelatin in our Strawberry Cream Cheese Spread. We do not use meat in any of our recipes. Despite the name we are in no way associated with the Smithfield Pork Company.