American Neufchâtel is a delightful and versatile dairy product. In this article, we will delve into its composition, nutritional value and specific dietary considerations. Read on to learn about the nutrition facts for American Neuchâtel and find out whether it’s a healthy choice.
SEE ALSO: Nutrition facts for popular world cheeses in The Cheese Scientist’s index →
What is American Neufchâtel Cheese?
Before we take a deep dive into the nutrition facts for American Neufchâtel, we need to make a very important distinction. This popular American cream cheese shares its name with one of France’s oldest cheeses. But that is where the similarities end.
American Neufchâtel is a fresh cheese that shares a lot of similarities with cream cheeses like Philadelphia Cream Cheese.
You can read more about the traditional heart-shaped French cheese in our dedicated post here.
Nutrition fact sheet
Nutritional review for American Neufchâtel
Without a doubt, Neufchâtel Cream Cheese is a very versatile type of cheese. Whether you’re serving it fresh or cooking a delicious dish, it is a very popular cheese around the world. Here are some of its key nutrition facts:
Lactose Intolerance
For individuals with lactose intolerance, Neufchâtel Cream Cheese presents an intriguing option. While it contains lactose, the fermentation process significantly reduces its lactose content compared to other dairy products.
Consequently, many lactose-intolerant individuals find American Neufchâtel more tolerable and may enjoy it in moderation without adverse effects.
Fat Content
Surprisingly, this American cream cheese exhibits a moderate fat content, making it an appealing choice for those seeking a balance between flavour and dietary concerns.
With approximately 21 grams of fat per 100 g, it provides a creamy texture without excessively contributing to overall fat intake. In comparison, Philadelphia Cream Cheese contains about 32 grams of fat per 100 g serving. So, its claim that it contains ⅓ less fat than other cream cheeses checks out!
Incorporating Neufchâtel into your diet can be a delicious way to enhance taste while maintaining a mindful approach to fat consumption.
However, it is not a great option for people following a ketogenic diet. You can learn more about the keto diet and which cheeses are most keto-friendly by clicking here.
Protein Content
Rich in protein, American Neufchâtel can be a valuable addition to your daily protein intake. With approximately 7 grams of protein per 100 g, it offers a modest contribution towards meeting your nutritional needs. Indeed, this is similar to other cream cheeses but lower than most other types of cheese.
Pairing it with whole-grain crackers or incorporating it into protein-packed recipes can provide a satisfying and nutritious option, particularly for vegetarians or individuals seeking alternative protein sources.
Want to find out which cheeses have the highest protein content? Click here for our blog post covering cheeses with the highest protein content.
Safety in Pregnancy
During pregnancy, dietary choices require careful consideration. Neufchâtel cream cheese, like other pasteurised dairy products, is considered safe for consumption during pregnancy. Pasteurization ensures the elimination of harmful bacteria, making it a suitable choice for expecting mothers.
As a result, you can either enjoy this cream cheese fresh and spread on a bagel or sandwich. Or you can gently cook it in a delicious cheesecake or pasta dish.
You can read more about which cheeses you can eat when you’re pregnant by clicking here. As always, if unsure, you should consult your doctor.
Salt Content
Being mindful of sodium intake is essential for maintaining a balanced diet. Neufchâtel cream cheese contains on average 340 mg of sodium, but there can be significant variations between brands.
Checking the nutrition labels and opting for lower-sodium versions can help you control your salt consumption. Alternatively, spreading Neufchâtel sparingly or incorporating it as a flavour-enhancing ingredient can enable you to enjoy its culinary benefits while managing your sodium intake.
Conclusion
Without a doubt, American Neufchâtel offers a delectable and nutritious option for those seeking a versatile dairy product. With its reduced lactose content, it may be suitable for individuals with lactose intolerance.
Moreover, the moderate fat content and protein contribution make it a valuable addition to a well-rounded diet. Finally, Neufchâtel cream cheese is considered safe during pregnancy, provided it is pasteurised.
Thanks to its unique flavour, texture and nutritional profile, Neufchâtel cream cheese is a delightful and nutritious ingredient in your everyday meals and special recipes. What’s your favourite way to enjoy this American cheese spread? Let us know in the comments below.
References
Overall nutritional content
The nutritional content of cheese in our table comes from the USDA Food Data Central Repository, the Australian Food Composition Database and cheese manufacturers. We realise that there can be variations between different brands and producers. Hence, the numbers we have used are averages.
Fat content
Our fat RDI data comes from Cleveland Clinic’s Healthy Fat Intake resource.
Type of fat in cheese as per Harvard T.H. Chan’s The Nutrition Source.
Protein content
Our protein RDI data comes from Harvard Medical School’s Harvard Health Publishing.
Cholesterol content
Is There a Correlation between Dietary and Blood Cholesterol? Evidence from Epidemiological Data and Clinical Interventions? – Maria Luz Fernandez and Ana Gabriela Murillo
Saturated fat, carbohydrate, and cardiovascular disease – Patty W Siri-Tarino, Qi Sun, Frank B Hu and Ronald M Krauss
Effect of cheese consumption on blood lipids: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials – Janette de Goede, Johanna M Geleijnse, Eric L Ding, Sabita S Soedamah-Muthu
Safety in pregnancy
All the advice relating to what cheeses you can eat during pregnancy in this article is based on the recommendations by health authorities in Australia, the UK and the USA. If you are unsure about what you can or cannot eat, please consult your doctor.
Australia – FSANZ, United Kingdom – NHS and United Sates of America – FDA
Lactose content
Lactose residual content in PDO cheeses
Detection of lactose in products with low lactose content
The analysis of lactose in milk and cheese products by HPLC
Food Standards ANZ Food Composition Database
Lactose & Galactose content of cheese
Jonah is a a hipster, eco-warrior and slow food afficionado. Coming from a scientific background, Jonah has a particular interest in cheese science. And yes, he loves a good cheese pun!
