Ranking Walmart's Cream Cheeses: From Disappointing to Delightful

Cream cheese is a versatile staple in kitchens, often overlooked until it's time for a bagel or a cheesecake. The origins of this beloved spread trace back to the late 1800s, when William A. Lawrence from Chesterfield, New York, crafted a soft cheese inspired by French Neufchâtel, adding cream to create what we now know as cream cheese. Today, it’s a staple, especially in American breakfasts, and with countless brands on the market, I set out to rank several Walmart offerings, including a dairy-free option and Neufchâtel.

First up was the Roasted Garlic cream cheese from Bettergoods, which promised a strong garlic flavor. While it delivered on that promise with rich, caramelized notes, the overwhelming saltiness and a gritty texture detracted from the experience. The garlic flavor was bold, but the saltiness overshadowed the natural sweetness of the cream cheese, making it more suitable as a flavoring agent than a spread.

Next, I tasted Great Value's basic cream cheese, which surprisingly landed in second to last place. Despite my initial doubts about store brands, this option proved to be a decent budget choice. It had a rich tang and dense texture, although it felt a bit crumbly and bland compared to higher-end options. This cream cheese is ideal for recipes where it plays a supporting role.

When it comes to classic flavors, the chive and onion cream cheese is a go-to for many. The spreads from both brands were smooth and easy to apply, but again, the saltiness was a common theme. While it could enhance a breakfast sandwich or scrambled eggs, it fell short when tasted alone or on a plain bagel, leading to a similar conclusion as the roasted garlic spread.

As for the Neufchâtel, named after a town in Normandy, it surprised me with its creamy texture, rivaling that of traditional cream cheese despite having lower fat content. The subtle differences in flavor were there, but they were minor enough that one might confuse it with American cream cheese at first glance. The tanginess complemented its natural sweetness, showcasing Lawrence's successful adaptation of this cheese style in America.

Lastly, I evaluated a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Made with coconut oil, butter beans, and avocado oil, I was pleasantly surprised by its creamy texture and balanced flavor. It spread beautifully and maintained its consistency even after being left out for a while, avoiding the greasy feel that some dairy substitutes can have. While the flavor was milder than traditional cream cheese, it still captured the essence of what makes cream cheese enjoyable.

In this taste test, each cream cheese had its merits and pitfalls. While some were too salty or bland, others managed to surprise with their quality, especially considering their price points. As I ranked these Walmart cream cheeses, it became clear that while the classic flavors reign supreme, innovative alternatives like the dairy-free option are making strides in the cheese aisle.

Source: www.thetakeout.com