There are few food pairings more iconic than peanut butter and jelly, but when it comes to the breakfast menu, bagels and cream cheese may take the top spot. But for the over 30 million Americans who are lactose intolerant, that combination can lead to physical discomfort, and for some, be completely off the menu.
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Philadelphia wants to change that with its latest launch, a lactose-free version of its popular cream cheese that gives fans of schmear the chance to indulge in the creamy spread without sacrificing the taste and texture of the original. It has no added preservatives, flavors, or dyes, but Philadelphia Lactose Free uses a lactase enzyme that makes it easier to digest for people with lactose intolerance.
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“For too long, many lactose-intolerant consumers have had to miss out on cream cheese and some of the foods they love most,” said Maddy Zingle, Vice President of Marketing at Philadelphia Cream Cheese, in a statement shared with Parade. “Philadelphia Lactose Free changes that. From a perfectly schmear-ed 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.”
The new product can be used in a one-to-one swap for original Philadelphia cream cheese in recipes like cheesecake and dips, and will be available starting in August at national retailers like Target, Kroger, and Meijer, before hitting shelves at Walmart in September.
In addition to its new lactose-free offering, Philadelphia also sells a non-dairy plant-based “cream cheese” spread made with ingredients like coconut oil and modified potato starch.
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