Many food writers would pass over this recent development as mundane – inconsequential. But millions of lactose-intolerant folks will be partying after hearing that the king of Cream Cheese – Philly – has released a lactose-free version…
If you’re lactose intolerant, you’ll know how frustrating it an be to have to decline dishes featuring the smooth, creamy, richness of Cream Cheese…
Decades in the making…
Now, you can enjoy the treat you’ve been missing. Philadelphia has launched a new Lactose-Free cream Cheese that they say packs all the flavour, texture and enjoyment of its original, iconic spread.
“When it comes to cream cheese […] one reigns supreme: Philadelphia,” proclaims AllRecipes contrib-utor Sarah Leberknight. “The cream cheese company has almost every kind of cream cheese one can ask for. There’s the classic flavor in tub and block—plus a multitude of sweet and savory flavors, from cinnamon and mixed berries to smoked salmon and chives.”
But until now, it hasn’t offered a lactose-free product.
Smooth, creamy hype…
“For too long, many lactose-intolerant consumers have had to miss out on cream cheese and some of the foods they love most,” Maddy Zingle, Vice President of Marketing at Philadelphia Cream Cheese, says in a statement. “Philadelphia Lactose Free changes that. From a perfectly schmeared bagel to a homemade cheesecake, fans can once again enjoy their favorite recipes without sacrificing the rich, creamy taste they expect from Philadelphia. It also opens the door to new creamy possibilities in the kitchen, transforming any dish from good to Really Philly Good.”
Checks (almost) all the boxes…
The official news release tells us:
- Philadelphia launches Philadelphia Lactose Free, the first lactose-free cream cheese from a major brand in the U.S., expanding access to the category for consumers who are lactose-intolerant or lactose-avoidant.
- Made with real dairy, Philadelphia Lactose Free delivers the same rich, creamy taste as the brand’s original cream cheese brick, without the lactose. With no added preservatives, flavors or dyes, it can be used as a one-to-one swap for the brand’s original cream cheese in versatile recipes from bagels and sandwiches to cheesecakes.
- Philadelphia Lactose Free will be available in the brand’s iconic brick format at major retailers nationwide starting in August.
- The new lactose-free cream cheese reflects [parent] Kraft Heinz’s growth strategy to modernize and evolve its iconic brands to meet consumers’ evolving preferences and dietary needs.
One important caveat…
The new product contains a special enzyme that negates the nasty effects of lactose. But it’s still made with real dairy ingredients. Which means it’s not safe for folks with milk-related allergies.
But the new spread will come in a new ‘sky blue’ package, clearly marked ‘lactose free’ to different-iate it from the original lactose-containing product.
My take
Zingle’s heady hype may seem over the top, but the new product will probably live up to most of it. And she’s right in predicting lactose-free cream cheese will open up new worlds of dining pleasure for millions…
~ Maggie J.