LUCERNE Greek Whipped Cream Cheese & Greek Yogurt Blend scores 46/100 (Decent) due to its **ultra-processed nature** and notable saturated fat content, despite providing protein and key micronutrients.
This LUCERNE blend earns a FoodScore of 46/100, placing it in the Decent category.
It provides 13.59g of protein per 100g, a positive nutritional contribution.
The product is classified as NOVA 4, indicating it is ultra-processed.
With 6.82g of saturated fat per 100g, it contains more than plain yogurt.
Consider portion control due to its calorie and fat density.
Scores +13 points above the dairy category average (33/100 across 5088 foods).
Fiber
0g
0% of Daily Value
Protein
13.59g
27% of Daily Value
Added sugar
0g
0% of Daily Value
Sodium
295mg
13% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Protein (13.6g)+9
Micronutrients (Calcium, Vitamin A)+4
−
What holds it back
Saturated fat (6.8g)-7
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Why it scores 46
LUCERNE Greek Whipped Cream Cheese & Greek Yogurt Blend receives a FoodScore of 46 out of 100. This score reflects a balance of beneficial nutrients and factors that detract from its overall nutritional quality. On the positive side, the product offers a good amount of protein, contributing 13.59g per 100g, which earns a +9 bonus. It also provides meaningful amounts of certain micronutrients, specifically 21% DV for calcium and 101% DV for Vitamin A per 100g, adding a +4 bonus. However, several factors reduce its score. The blend contains 6.82g of saturated fat per 100g, resulting in a -7 penalty. Furthermore, its classification as NOVA 4 indicates it is ultra-processed, incurring a significant -10 penalty. Ingredients like stabilizers (xanthan, guar and locust bean gums) and potassium sorbate contribute to this classification. Compared to a reference baseline of plain whole-milk or nonfat yogurt, which typically scores higher due to fewer additives and lower saturated fat in nonfat varieties, this LUCERNE product presents a more processed profile.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in lucerne, greek whipped cream cheese & greek yogurt blend with chive & onion actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Protein
This LUCERNE product is a good source of protein, providing 13.59g per 100g. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, producing enzymes and hormones, and supporting satiety. Incorporating protein-rich foods like this cream cheese and yogurt blend can help in managing hunger and maintaining muscle mass, especially when included as part of a balanced meal or snack. The combination of skim milk, milk, and cream, along with whey protein concentrate, contributes to its protein content.
Provides Calcium and Vitamin A
LUCERNE Greek Whipped Cream Cheese & Greek Yogurt Blend offers notable amounts of calcium and Vitamin A. Per 100g, it supplies 21% DV of calcium, which is crucial for bone health and nerve function. It also provides 101% DV of Vitamin A, an important nutrient for vision, immune function, and skin health. These micronutrients are naturally present in dairy products and contribute positively to daily nutritional intake.
Versatile Culinary Ingredient
While not a primary health benefit in itself, the versatility of this product allows for its inclusion in various dishes, potentially replacing less nutritious options. Its creamy texture and savory flavor profile from chive and onion make it suitable for spreading on whole-grain crackers or vegetables, or as an ingredient in dips. This can help to incorporate dairy and its associated nutrients into meals in an appealing way, provided portion sizes are managed.
LUCERNE Greek Whipped Cream Cheese & Greek Yogurt Blend scores 46/100 (Decent) due to its ultra-processed nature and notable saturated fat content, despite providing protein and key micronutrients.
How to eat it
This cream cheese and Greek yogurt blend is typically used as a spread or dip. It's often consumed at breakfast or as a snack, spread on bagels, toast, or crackers. A common portion is 2 tablespoons, which is the declared serving size. Be mindful that while it contains yogurt, its texture and fat content are closer to cream cheese.
Pair with fiber-rich foods like whole-grain crackers, cucumber slices, or bell pepper strips to enhance satiety and nutrient intake.
Use as a flavorful base for vegetable dips, mixing with additional herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice.
Consider using a smaller portion (e.g., 1 tablespoon) if you are monitoring calorie or saturated fat intake.
Avoid excessive pairing with high-calorie, low-nutrient foods like white bread or fried snacks to maintain a balanced dietary pattern.
Things to keep in mind
This LUCERNE product is classified as NOVA 4, indicating it is ultra-processed. While not inherently harmful, a diet high in ultra-processed foods is generally associated with lower overall dietary quality. The ingredient list includes stabilizers (xanthan, guar and locust bean gums), which are common food additives used for texture and consistency. For individuals with sensitivities to specific gums, this could be a consideration, though they are generally recognized as safe. The product contains milk, which is a common allergen. Individuals with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance should avoid this product. The sodium content at 295mg per 100g is moderate; those monitoring sodium intake should be mindful of portion sizes.
This LUCERNE product has a FoodScore of 46/100, placing it in the 'Decent' category. It provides protein, calcium, and Vitamin A, which are beneficial. However, it is also classified as ultra-processed and contains a notable amount of saturated fat. Its healthfulness depends on how it fits into your overall dietary pattern and portion control.
How does LUCERNE compare to other cream cheese or yogurt products?
Compared to traditional full-fat cream cheese, this LUCERNE blend may offer a slightly higher protein content due to the Greek yogurt. However, compared to plain Greek yogurt from brands like FAGE or Chobani, it is more processed and contains more saturated fat and additives. It's a hybrid product, so direct comparison depends on whether you're looking for a spread or a standalone yogurt.
What are 'stabilizers' in the ingredient list?
The stabilizers listed, such as xanthan, guar and locust bean gums, are food additives used to improve the product's texture, prevent separation, and extend shelf life. They help create the whipped consistency and maintain the blend's stability. These gums are commonly used in many processed foods and are generally considered safe for consumption.
What is a recommended portion size for this product?
The declared serving size for LUCERNE Greek Whipped Cream Cheese & Greek Yogurt Blend is 2 tablespoons. This portion provides a balance of its nutrients and calories. Sticking to this serving size is advisable, especially if you are monitoring your calorie or saturated fat intake, as larger portions would increase these amounts significantly.
Can I use this product in cooking or baking?
Yes, due to its creamy texture and savory chive and onion flavor, this blend can be used in various culinary applications. It can be incorporated into savory dips, used as a topping for baked potatoes, or mixed into scrambled eggs. However, its whipped consistency might behave differently than regular cream cheese in some baking recipes, so adjust accordingly.