LUCERNE DAIRY FARMS PUMPKIN SPICE CREAM CHEESE SPREAD receives a FoodScore of 0/100 (Avoid) primarily due to its high content of added sugar and saturated fat, alongside its ultra-processed nature.
FoodScore: 0/100 (Avoid) due to significant added sugar and saturated fat.
Contains 18.2g of added sugar per 100g, contributing to a low score.
Provides 15.21g of saturated fat per 100g, a major penalty.
Classified as NOVA 4, indicating it is an ultra-processed food.
Consider using sparingly as a condiment rather than a primary food source.
Scores -33 points above the dairy category average (33/100 across 5088 foods).
Fiber
0g
0% of Daily Value
Protein
3.03g
6% of Daily Value
Added sugar
18.2g
36% of Daily Value
Sodium
257.88mg
11% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Nothing notable — but nothing harmful either.
−
What holds it back
Added sugar (18.2g)-24
Saturated fat (15.2g)-15
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Concentrated ultra-processed fat-3
Why it scores 0
LUCERNE DAIRY FARMS PUMPKIN SPICE CREAM CHEESE SPREAD scores 0 out of 100, placing it in the 'Avoid' category. This score is largely driven by its nutritional profile, which includes significant amounts of added sugar and saturated fat. Per 100g, this product contains 18.2g of added sugar, incurring a substantial penalty in the FoodScore algorithm. Additionally, it provides 15.21g of saturated fat per 100g, which also contributes negatively to its overall score. The presence of ingredients like sugar early in the list, along with multiple gums and preservatives such as potassium sorbate, classifies this product as NOVA 4, indicating it is ultra-processed. This classification further reduces its score by 10 points. Compared to a generic plain cream cheese, this LUCERNE DAIRY FARMS product contains considerably more added sugar and a similar amount of saturated fat, making it a less favorable choice from a nutritional standpoint.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in lucerne dairy farms pumpkin spice cream cheese spread, pumpkin spice actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Convenience for Specific Culinary Uses
This product offers convenience for specific culinary applications where a pumpkin spice flavor is desired. Its spreadable texture makes it easy to incorporate into recipes or as a topping. While not a source of significant nutrients, it can be used in small amounts to add flavor to dishes, potentially reducing the need for multiple separate spices and ingredients. This can be beneficial for those looking for a quick flavor addition without extensive preparation.
Source of Dairy Fat
As a dairy product, this cream cheese spread contains dairy fat. While high in saturated fat, dairy fat can contribute to satiety and provide a source of fat-soluble vitamins, although this product does not list significant amounts of these vitamins. For individuals who include dairy in their diet, this product offers a familiar fat source, albeit one that should be consumed in moderation due to its overall nutritional composition.
Flavor Enhancement
The pumpkin spice flavor of this cream cheese spread can enhance the palatability of certain foods, such as bagels or crackers. For some, the specific flavor profile may make consuming other, more nutrient-dense foods more enjoyable when paired together. This can be a factor in dietary adherence, where a small amount of a flavorful item makes a balanced meal more appealing.
LUCERNE DAIRY FARMS PUMPKIN SPICE CREAM CHEESE SPREAD receives a FoodScore of 0/100 (Avoid) primarily due to its high content of added sugar and saturated fat, alongside its ultra-processed nature.
How to eat it
LUCERNE DAIRY FARMS PUMPKIN SPICE CREAM CHEESE SPREAD is typically consumed as a spread on baked goods like bagels, toast, or muffins. It is also used in some dessert recipes or as a dip. A common portion size is 2 tablespoons, which is important to consider given its nutritional profile.
Use this spread sparingly as a condiment rather than a primary food item to manage intake of added sugar and saturated fat.
Pair with whole-grain options like whole wheat toast or crackers to add fiber and improve overall meal balance.
Consider blending a small amount with plain Greek yogurt to reduce the sugar content per serving while maintaining some flavor.
Measure your portion size carefully, as a 2-tablespoon serving contributes significantly to daily limits for added sugar and saturated fat.
Things to keep in mind
This product contains pasteurized milk and cream, making it unsuitable for individuals with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance. The ingredient list includes several food additives such as guar gum, carob bean gum, and xanthan gum, which are used as thickeners and stabilizers. While generally recognized as safe, some individuals may experience digestive discomfort from these gums. Additionally, potassium sorbate is included as a preservative. The high added sugar content (18.2g per 100g) means individuals managing blood sugar levels, such as those with diabetes, should consume this product with caution and in very limited quantities.
Is LUCERNE DAIRY FARMS PUMPKIN SPICE CREAM CHEESE SPREAD healthy?
Based on its FoodScore of 0/100, LUCERNE DAIRY FARMS PUMPKIN SPICE CREAM CHEESE SPREAD is not considered a healthy food choice. It is high in added sugar and saturated fat, and classified as ultra-processed, which contributes to its low nutritional score.
How does LUCERNE DAIRY FARMS PUMPKIN SPICE CREAM CHEESE SPREAD compare to other cream cheese brands?
Compared to a generic plain cream cheese, this LUCERNE DAIRY FARMS product contains significantly more added sugar. For instance, a plain cream cheese like Philadelphia Original Cream Cheese typically has no added sugar, making it a more favorable option if you are monitoring sugar intake. Both products are generally high in saturated fat.
What is 'pumpkin powder' in the ingredient list?
'Pumpkin powder' is a dehydrated form of pumpkin. In this product, it contributes to the pumpkin flavor and color, along with other color additives like paprika oleoresin. It is not a significant source of nutrients in this formulation.
What is a reasonable portion size for this cream cheese spread?
The declared serving size is 2 tablespoons. Given the high amounts of added sugar and saturated fat, it is advisable to stick to this portion size or even less, especially if you consume other sources of these nutrients throughout the day. Moderation is key for this product.
Can I use LUCERNE DAIRY FARMS PUMPKIN SPICE CREAM CHEESE SPREAD in baking?
Yes, you can use LUCERNE DAIRY FARMS PUMPKIN SPICE CREAM CHEESE SPREAD in baking recipes that call for cream cheese. However, be mindful of the added sugar content, as it may affect the overall sweetness of your recipe. You might need to adjust other sugar sources in your baking accordingly.