If you're looking for a sweet and tangy spread to add to your toast or bagel, mixed berry cream cheese spread may be just what you need. With 100 calories in 2 tablespoons (32 g), it's a flavorful addition to your breakfast or snack.
In addition to its delicious taste, mixed berry cream cheese spread also provides some nutritional benefits. It contains protein and calcium from the cream cheese, and the mixed berry flavor provides natural antioxidants from the fruit.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at mixed berry cream cheese spread and explore its ingredients, uses, and health benefits.
What is Mixed Berry Cream Cheese Spread?
Mixed berry cream cheese spread is a flavored variation of traditional cream cheese spread. It contains cream cheese as its base, and is blended with mixed berry flavors like strawberry, blueberry, raspberry, and blackberry. The result is a creamy, tangy spread with a slightly sweet and fruity taste. Mixed berry cream cheese spread is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. It's great as a spread on bagels, toast, or crackers, but can also be used as a dip for fruits or vegetables. It can even be added to sweet or savory recipes to give them a unique flavor twist.
Nutrition Facts
A 2 tablespoon serving of mixed berry cream cheese spread contains approximately 100 calories, 8 grams of fat, 2.5 grams of saturated fat, 5 grams of cholesterol, 90 milligrams of sodium, 4 grams of carbohydrates, and 2 grams of protein. While mixed berry cream cheese spread isn't particularly low in calories or fat, it does provide some nutritional benefits. There's a small amount of protein and calcium from the cream cheese, and the berry flavor provides natural antioxidants from the fruit.
Ingredients
The ingredients in mixed berry cream cheese spread can vary depending on the specific brand or recipe, but typically include cream cheese, mixed berries or berry flavorings, sugar or other sweeteners, and sometimes additional ingredients like stabilizers, preservatives, or thickeners. It's worth checking the ingredients list if you have any dietary restrictions or allergies, as some brands or recipes may use nuts, gluten, or other potential allergens.
How to Use Mixed Berry Cream Cheese Spread
Mixed berry cream cheese spread is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of sweet or savory dishes. Some ideas include:
- Spread on toast, bagels, or English muffins
- Dip for fruits or vegetables
- As a glaze or topping for grilled chicken, pork, or fish
- Mixed into a salad dressing or dip
For a fun and easy snack or dessert, try topping mixed berry cream cheese spread onto crackers or graham crackers, and adding sliced fruit or chocolate chips!
Benefits of Mixed Berry Cream Cheese Spread
Mixed berry cream cheese spread provides a few potential health benefits, including:
- Antioxidants from the mixed berries
- Protein and calcium from the cream cheese
- A flavorful and satisfying addition to meals or snacks, which can help curb cravings
As with any food, it's best to enjoy mixed berry cream cheese spread in moderation, as part of a balanced and varied diet.
Recipes Using Mixed Berry Cream Cheese Spread
If you're looking for some recipe inspiration using mixed berry cream cheese spread, here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Mixed Berry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole
- Mixed Berry Cream Cheese Dip
- Mixed Berry Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts
- Mixed Berry Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies
With so many possibilities, mixed berry cream cheese spread is a fun and creative ingredient to experiment with in the kitchen.
Is Mixed Berry Cream Cheese Spread Healthy?
Mixed berry cream cheese spread can be part of a healthy and balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation. While it contains some fat and calories, it also provides protein and calcium from the cream cheese, and antioxidants from the mixed berries. Overall, it's important to consider mixed berry cream cheese spread as just one component of your diet, and to also focus on eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
Varieties of Cream Cheese Spread
In addition to mixed berry cream cheese spread, there are several other flavors and varieties of cream cheese spread available. Some common options include:
- Plain
- Chive and Onion
- Jalapeno
- Garlic and Herb
- Honey and Nut
- Veggie
Each flavor has its own unique taste and can be used in a variety of dishes.
Alternatives to Mixed Berry Cream Cheese Spread
If you're not a fan of mixed berry flavor or are looking for a different spread option, there are several alternatives to try. Some options include:
- Plain cream cheese spread
- Hummus
- Almond or peanut butter
- Nutella or chocolate hazelnut spread
Each of these options has its own unique taste and nutritional benefits, so it's worth experimenting to find your favorite.
Where to Buy Mixed Berry Cream Cheese Spread
Mixed berry cream cheese spread can usually be found in the dairy or refrigerated section of your local grocery store. Some brands to look for include Philadelphia, Laughing Cow, and Arla. You can also make your own mixed berry cream cheese spread at home with a few simple ingredients.
Mixed berry cream cheese spread is a versatile ingredient that can add flavor and nutrition to many different dishes. Whether you're spreading it on toast, using it as a dip, or incorporating it into a recipe, it's a delicious and fun option to try.
5 FAQs About Mixed Berry Cream Cheese Spread
1. What is mixed berry cream cheese spread?
Mixed berry cream cheese spread is a creamy and sweet spread flavored with mixed berries, typically strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries. It's perfect for spreading on bagels, toast, or crackers for a delicious breakfast, snack, or dessert.
2. How many calories are in mixed berry cream cheese spread?
There are 100 calories in 2 tablespoons (32 g) of mixed berry cream cheese spread.
3. Is mixed berry cream cheese spread healthy?
While mixed berry cream cheese spread is delicious, it's not the healthiest food option, as it contains a lot of sugar and calories. However, it's still a great source of calcium and some nutrients from the berries.
4. Can mixed berry cream cheese spread be used in cooking or baking?
Yes, mixed berry cream cheese spread can be used in cooking and baking. It's a great ingredient for making desserts, such as cheesecakes, pastries, and muffins. It can also be used to add flavor to sauces and dips.
5. How should mixed berry cream cheese spread be stored?
Mixed berry cream cheese spread should be stored in the refrigerator after opening. Make sure to tightly seal the container to prevent it from drying out, and consume it within a week or two after opening.