Cream Cheese vs Ricotta Cheese
Compared on one consistent basis: per 100 g, from USDA data behind each food page.
Cream Cheese vs Ricotta Cheese: nutrition per 100 g
| Per 100 g | Cream Cheese | Ricotta Cheese |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 343 kcal | 157 kcal |
| Protein | 5.8 g | 7.8 g |
| Carbohydrate | 4.6 g | 6.9 g |
| Fat | 33.5 g | 11 g |
| Fibre | 0 g | 0 g |
| Allergens | Milk | Milk |
Vitamins and minerals per 100 g
| Nutrient | Cream Cheese | Ricotta Cheese |
|---|---|---|
| Calcium, Ca | 97.11 mg | 224 mg |
| Choline, total | 26.8 mg | 17.5 mg |
| Folate, DFE | 9 ug | 4 ug |
| Folate, food | 9 ug | 4 ug |
| Folate, total | 9 ug | 4 ug |
| Iron, Fe | 0 mg | 0.1 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 8.91 mg | 19.7 mg |
| Niacin | 0.09 mg | 0.17 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.52 mg | 0.67 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 107.7 mg | 162 mg |
| Potassium, K | 124.8 mg | 230 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.23 mg | 0.33 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 8.6 ug | 5.5 ug |
| Sodium, Na | 367.8 mg | 105 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.04 mg | 0.04 mg |
| Vitamin A, IU | 1111 iu | 445 iu |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 308 ug | 127 ug |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0 ug | 0.78 ug |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.04 mg | 0.1 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0 ug | 0.2 ug |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.59 mg | 0.56 mg |
Cream Cheese is higher in fat. Ricotta Cheese is higher in protein and carbohydrate, and the leaner, lower-calorie choice. That makes Cream Cheese more relevant when you want a richer, higher-fat option, and Ricotta Cheese when you want protein for fullness or recovery.
Full nutrition facts: Cream Cheese ยท Ricotta Cheese
Bottom line
Per 100 g, Cream Cheese provides 343 kcal, 5.8 g protein, 4.6 g carbohydrate, 33.5 g fat and 0 g fiber; Ricotta Cheese provides 157 kcal, 7.8 g protein, 6.9 g carbohydrate, 11 g fat and 0 g fiber.
Looking beyond the macronutrients, Cream Cheese is the better source of sodium, vitamin A, while Ricotta Cheese is the better source of vitamin B12, calcium (see the vitamins and minerals table below).
Ricotta is the lighter cheese: less than half the calories and fat, more protein, and about twice the calcium. Cream cheese is much higher in sodium.
In short: for weight loss or a bigger portion at the same calories, Ricotta Cheese; for protein and muscle, Ricotta Cheese. If none of those goals applies, pick by taste, price and what the recipe needs.
Want a different pair? Use the food comparison tool to compare any two foods from the same category.
Values are per 100 g from the USDA FoodData Central records behind each food page and are rounded; brands and preparation change the numbers. This comparison is educational, not medical advice.