The Difference Between Spreadable and Block Cream Cheese

Stand in the dairy aisle of any Australian supermarket and you'll face a choice: cream cheese in plastic tubs labelled "spreadable," or the traditional foil-wrapped blocks. They're both cream cheese, but they're not interchangeable. Choosing the wrong format for your intended use can mean the difference between baking success and disappointment.

This guide explains exactly what makes these products different, when to use each, and why the distinction matters for your cooking and baking.

The Fundamental Differences

While both products start as cream cheese, the differences go beyond just packaging. Understanding these distinctions helps you make the right choice every time.

Texture and Consistency

Block cream cheese has a firmer, denser texture. It holds its shape when unwrapped and slices cleanly. When cold, it's quite solid and requires softening before spreading or mixing.

Spreadable cream cheese is soft and smooth straight from the refrigerator. It has a whipped or beaten consistency that allows easy spreading without waiting for it to reach room temperature.

Composition

The difference in texture comes from both processing and composition:

• Block cream cheese typically has slightly higher fat content (32-35%) and fewer additives. The composition is closer to traditional cream cheese.
• Spreadable cream cheese often contains added stabilisers, may have incorporated air, and sometimes includes additional moisture to achieve its soft texture. Fat content is often similar (27-33%) but the texture is mechanically altered.

Moisture Content

Spreadable varieties generally contain more moisture than blocks. This affects not just texture but also how they behave in recipes—excess moisture can be problematic in baking where precise ratios matter.

When to Use Block Cream Cheese

Block cream cheese is the better choice for applications where structure, fat content, and traditional behaviour matter:

Baking Cheesecakes

This is where the difference matters most. Block cream cheese provides:

• Proper structure and density for the classic cheesecake texture
• Consistent fat content for predictable results
• Lower moisture, reducing the risk of cracks and soggy textures
• Better flavour development during baking

Making Frosting

For cream cheese frosting that holds its shape (essential for decorating cakes), block cream cheese is preferred because:

• Higher fat content creates more stable whipped texture
• Less moisture means frosting won't become runny
• Better for piping and decorating
• Holds up better at room temperature

Precise Recipes

Any recipe that specifies cream cheese by weight or requires specific proportions works better with block cream cheese because the composition is more consistent and predictable.

When to Use Spreadable Cream Cheese

Spreadable cream cheese excels in convenience applications and recipes where the specific properties of block cream cheese aren't critical:

Breakfast Spreading

This is what spreadable cream cheese was designed for:

• Spreads smoothly on bagels straight from the fridge
• No waiting for softening or risk of tearing bread
• Easy to portion for toast and crackers
• Convenient for quick breakfast preparation

Cold Dips and Spreads

For uncooked dips and spreads, spreadable cream cheese offers:

• Easy mixing with other ingredients
• Smooth consistency without lumps
• Quick preparation time
• Consistent results

Casual Cooking

For adding creaminess to simple dishes where exact proportions don't matter—stirring into mashed potatoes, adding to scrambled eggs, mixing into pasta—spreadable works fine and offers convenience.

Can You Substitute One for the Other?

Sometimes, but with important caveats:

Spreadable → Block: Generally No

You cannot reliably substitute spreadable cream cheese for block in recipes that depend on the block's properties. Specific problems include:

• Cheesecakes may not set properly or may have altered texture
• Frostings may be too soft to pipe or decorate
• Baked goods may have excess moisture
• Results are unpredictable even if they sometimes work

Block → Spreadable: Usually Yes

You can use block cream cheese for spreading applications—it just requires extra steps:

• Let it soften at room temperature for 30-60 minutes
• Or use one of our quick softening methods
• Once softened, it spreads nearly as easily as the tub version

For dips, softened block cream cheese can be beaten until smooth, achieving similar results to spreadable.

Price and Value Comparison

There's often a price difference between formats that's worth considering:

Price Per Gram

Block cream cheese is typically more economical per gram than spreadable. You're paying for the processing and convenience of the spreadable format.

Waste Considerations

• Blocks: Easier to use every last bit; the foil wrapper holds it together
• Tubs: Some product inevitably sticks to container walls and is harder to retrieve

Versatility Value

Block cream cheese can do everything spreadable can (with softening), but spreadable cannot reliably do everything block can. If budget or space is limited, block offers more versatility.

Storage Differences

Both formats have similar refrigerator storage requirements, but there are some practical differences:

Opened Product

• Blocks: Rewrap tightly in original foil; can also transfer to airtight container
• Tubs: Simply replace the lid; the container is designed for ongoing use

Freezing

Both formats can be frozen, but both experience texture changes after thawing. Block cream cheese may fare slightly better due to lower moisture content. See our freezing guide for details.

What About "Brick" Cream Cheese?

In American recipes, you may see references to "brick" cream cheese. This is the same as Australian block cream cheese—a 250g (or 8 oz in the US) portion of firm cream cheese in foil packaging. Use our local block cream cheese as a direct substitute.

Shopping Recommendations

For a well-stocked kitchen, consider keeping both formats:

• Block cream cheese: Keep one package for baking and cooking projects
• Spreadable cream cheese: Keep one tub for everyday breakfast and snacking use

This approach gives you the right tool for each job. The block handles your baking needs with predictable results, while the spreadable provides weekday convenience.

For help choosing specific brands in each format, use our product comparison tool to find options that match your preferences and budget.