Your Guide to Vegan Philadelphia Cream Cheese (Plus, Creative Ways to Use It)

In just one week, more than 54 million Americans eat about a pound of Philadelphia cream cheese. Most will spread it on a bagel, others will get creative and try it in soup or cheesecake (more on that later), but the fact remains, when it comes to cream cheese, for most it has to be Philadelphia. For a long time, this was a problem for vegetarians. Traditional Philadelphia cream cheese is made from milk and cream, which are of course the products of the dairy industry.

But in 2022, Philadelphia announced that, for the first time, it was launching a plant-based version of its iconic cream cheese in the United States, and the game changed forever. Here’s everything you need to know about vegan Philadelphia (or, as it’s more colloquially known, vegan Philly), including what it’s made from, what it tastes like, and creative ways to use it when you cook.

History of Philadelphia Cream Cheese

The Philadelphia brand is synonymous with cream cheese for a reason: It was the first company to market it in the late 1800s. It began when dairyman William Lawrence tried to make Neufchâtel, a type of soft, crumbly cheese first developed in Neufchâtel-en-bray in Normandy, France. But he failed by adding too much cream.

But while trying to figure out Neufchâtel, Lawrence actually managed to make a different kind of cheese. It was just as delicious, but a little richer and easier to spread. He took his creation to a cheese distributor, who suggested he name his new creamy cheese after Philadelphia.

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At the time, the Pennsylvania city was famous for its upscale food scene, especially its delicious ice cream, so Lawrence took the distributor’s advice and Philadelphia Cream Cheese was born. Yeah, so that means the cheese synonymous with Philadelphia doesn’t actually come from the city.

In the late 1920s, Kraft saw the potential of Lawrence’s products and acquired his brand, and the rest, as they say, is history. Today, the brand is the world’s leading producer of cream cheese. In fact, it accounts for about 70 percent of sales in the category.

What is cream cheese?

Cream cheese is a soft, spreadable cheese with a smooth, buttery texture and a mild flavor. To make it, lactic acid bacteria are added to a mixture of milk and cream. After the curds are made, they are heated after the ash (the liquid left after curdling the milk) is removed. Stabilizers (such as xanthan gum) are added and the remaining product is cream cheese.

What’s in Vegan Philly?

Dairy products are inherent in the cream cheese making process. So, how, exactly, is vegan cream cheese made? According to the Philadelphia brand, Philadelphia was made using a combination of plant-based coconut oil, potato starch and fava bean protein.

“It’s really about delivering that flavor and texture that you get from dairy products,” Philadelphia senior brand manager Keenan White told VeganNews last year. “We know that providing milk as a foundational ingredient in not just cream cheese, but the broader dairy sector has historically been difficult when it comes to providing that multi-sensory experience.”

In the UK, where the Philadelphia brand is owned by Mondelez International, Vegan Philadelphia will be available from early 2022. There is a creamy spread made with a combination of almonds and oats.

Philadelphia

What does vegetarian Philadelphia taste like?

In both the UK and US, years of research and testing have confirmed that the plant-based version of Philadelphia cream cheese is just as smooth, velvety, buttery and, well, mildly cheesy as the original.

At the UK launch, Mondelez UK managing director Louise Stigant said the plant-based alternative “offers the same great taste and creaminess” as the original. “Never go without a bagel or a piece of toasted sourdough,” he added. Robert Scott, Kraft Heinz’s president of research and development, also noted that the US version “mirrors the taste and texture” of the original Philadelphia spread.

Other vegan cream cheeses

Philadelphia may be the most popular and well-known brand that offers vegan cream cheese, but it’s far from the only one. Before the original pioneers of cream cheese jumped on the bandwagon with their own plant-based versions, vegan brands were already offering a variety of cream cheese alternatives. If you want to learn more about them, we’ve put together our own guide to the best dairy-free cream cheese brands. But below, we’ve listed just a few of our favorites.

@violifeus/Instagram

1 Biolife

Greek brand Violife uses coconut oil to make its creamy, thick vegan cream cheese. It has everything you’d expect from a plant-based version of the classic: it’s easy to spread, the texture is velvety, and the flavor is delicious and light.
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@kitehillfoods/Instagram

2 Kite Hill

To make sure its vegan option is spot on, Kite Hill uses lactic acid and citric acid to ensure its cream cheese has just the right amount of zing. Besides the plain version, it also offers chive, strawberry, everything and garden veggie flavors.
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@tofuttibrands/Instagram

3 tofutti

For all Tofutti’s products, tofu is the signature ingredient, and its vegan cream cheese range is no different. It looks, tastes, and feels like the real deal, and it’s available in a variety of flavors, including garlic and herbs.
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@daiyafoods/Instagram

4 Daiya

Daiya has been making dairy-free products since the aughts, so it’s pretty good at the vegan cheese game. Among the range of cheese sticks, cheese sauces, slices and shades, you can also find three different smooth, creamy spreads: plain, chive and onion and garlic and herb.
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Trader Joe’s

5 Trader Joe’s

Trader Joe’s is constantly expanding its range of vegan products, but it has had plant-based cream cheese for some time. Made with a blend of coconut oil, potato starch and chickpea protein, Trader Joe’s own vegan cream cheese option is also extremely spreadable, creamy and silky.
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@miyokoscreamery/Instagram

6 of Miyoko

Miyoko’s Creamery is the destination for many when it comes to vegan cheese. And for good reason, the brand uses traditional cheesemaking techniques to create products that are just as delicious, if not more delicious, than the dairy version. Its cream cheese is available in classic plain, savory scallion, everything and fish-free lox flavors.
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Beyond Bagels: Other Ways to Use Vegan Cream Cheese

So, arguably, there’s no greater way to enjoy cream cheese than by spreading it on a bagel. But that is far from it only Way to enjoy it. It’s a great base for desserts, frostings, icings, and even soups. If you feel like getting creative with your new plant-based Philadelphia, here are a few ideas.

Britney Berlin

1 Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting

First make delicious cupcakes. Next, add the delicious, creamy frosting. This easy, quick, light frosting recipe comes together using butter, sugar, vanilla extract and, you guessed it, vegan cream cheese.
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Laura’s Toyota

2 Cheesecake with blueberry compote

No doubt, cheesecake is a top tier dessert. It’s tangy, but sweet, creamy and crunchy at the same time (thanks to the biscuit base). If you’re vegan, there’s no reason to miss out on this treat, just in vegan cream cheese.
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Jillian Glenn

3 Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing

A warm, sweet cinnamon roll is already one of the best ways to start the day. But its even It’s best when topped with thick, velvety, indulgent cream cheese icing.
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Luke Albert

4 Cauliflower Cheese Soup

A hearty bowl of soup is a great lunch option, especially when it’s cold outside. Warm up your insides with this delicious, veggie-packed cauliflower cheese soup, which is extra creamy thanks to the addition of vegan cream cheese.
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Ashley Hankins

5 Vegan Crab and Cream Cheese-Stuffed Mushrooms

If you’re hosting loved ones, stuffed mushrooms make a delicious starter. But, if you really want to impress your guests, top them with cream cheese and crab stuffing with breadcrumbs and fresh herbs (though instead of crustaceans, this recipe actually calls for hearts of palm).
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