Bagels and cream cheese—a match made in heaven. They were my go-to breakfast in high school, often grabbed in a rush. My mornings were incomplete without that perfect smear of creamy goodness on a toasted bagel.
Over the years, I’ve had my fair share of hits and misses regarding cream cheese. A bad one can turn a delicious bagel experience into a disappointing letdown. Determined to find the ultimate cream cheese, I tried six popular brands to see which one deserves to be on your next bagel.
Here’s how they ranked, from least to most impressive.
#6 Whole Foods Cream Cheese: Mild but Lacking Impact
I had high hopes that Whole Foods usually nail it with store-brand products. However, their cream cheese was just… okay. It wasn’t unpleasant, but it didn’t stand out either.
This cream cheese is very mild, almost too subtle for bagels. While it could work well in baked goods, it lacks the flavor punch you’d want when it’s the main event. This might be for you if you prefer a low-key flavor, but it only did a little for me.
#5 Dutch Farms Cream Cheese: Sharp but Lacks Creaminess
Dutch Farms surprised me with its sharp and tangy flavor, which I enjoyed. However, the experience fell short when I spread it on a bagel—it wasn’t creamy enough.
Dutch Farms offers a decent option for those who like a sharper taste, though it only protects against creamier contenders. It was excellent but insignificant, so it landed in the fifth spot.
#4 Organic Valley Cream Cheese: Tasty but Not Creamy Enough
Organic Valley’s cream cheese brings a nice blend of salty and tangy flavors. I was pleasantly surprised by how tasty it was, and it did well on a bagel, too.
However, the texture kept it from the top three. I found myself wishing it were creamier. This could be a solid pick if you’re more specific about the texture. Still, I couldn’t overlook the lack of creaminess, so it stayed in fourth place.
#3 Tillamook Cream Cheese: Super Creamy but Missing Tang
Tillamook nailed the creaminess factor. Of all the brands I tried, this one felt the richest and most luxurious when spread on a bagel. Its wonderfully thick texture feels almost decadent.
However, the taste didn’t match up. It was more tangy than I’d hoped, which is essential in my book. While it’s still a delicious option, the subtle flavor kept it from the top. This might be your new favorite for anyone who values creaminess over tang.
#2 Trader Joe’s Cream Cheese: Deliciously Balanced and Hard to Resist
One word sums up my first bite of Trader Joe’s cream cheese: Yum! It struck a fantastic balance of creamy and vibrant flavors that kept me returning for more. This cream cheese tastes as good on a bagel as straight off the knife.
I was genuinely impressed with how well it met my expectations. If you’re looking for a tasty and versatile cream cheese, Trader Joe’s is an excellent pick. It only missed the top spot by a hair.
#1 Philadelphia Cream Cheese: The Classic for a Reason
Ah, Philadelphia. This brand has been around forever and still wins hearts. I grew up with this brand, so maybe there’s some nostalgia here. But the truth is, Philadelphia cream cheese has everything you could want—it’s tangy, perfectly salty, and wonderfully creamy.
Out of all the brands I tried, this one offered the most flavor. It’s consistent, reliable, and absolutely delicious. Philadelphia is the ultimate bagel companion, and I can confidently say it deserves the top spot.
Conclusion
After trying six different cream cheeses, it’s clear that not all are created equal. While each brand had strengths, Philadelphia was the cream cheese worthy of any bagel. Trader Joe’s and Tillamook also brought their A-game, which is worth trying if you want to mix things up.
So, consider trying one of these next time you’re at the grocery store. Your bagel deserves the best; with this guide, you will find a winner!
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