Cream Cheese vs Saint André Cheese

Cream Cheese is a fresh, processed cow-milk cheese from United States, while Saint André Cheese is soft, soft-ripened and made from cow milk, originating in France.

What Is Cream Cheese?

Cream cheese is a soft, mild fresh cheese made from milk and cream, sold unripened rather than aged. It began in Chester, New York in the 1870s and is best known as the spread on a bagel.

What Is Saint André Cheese?

Saint-André is a French triple cream cow's milk cheese from Normandy, sold as a small 200 g (7.1 oz) cylinder under a powdery white bloomy rind. Cream added during making takes its fat content to around 75 percent, and it tastes like Brie turned up.

What's the Difference Between Cream Cheese and Saint André Cheese?

• Origin: Cream Cheese (United States), Saint André Cheese (France)
• Texture: Cream Cheese (Fresh, processed), Saint André Cheese (Soft, soft-ripened)
• Rind: Cream Cheese (rindless), Saint André Cheese (bloomy)
• Aging: Cream Cheese (unripened, eaten fresh), Saint André Cheese (about 30 days)
• Taste: Cream Cheese (creamy, mild, sweet), Saint André Cheese (buttery, tangy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Cream Cheese Taste Like Saint André Cheese?

Cream Cheese reads as creamy, mild, sweet, while Saint André Cheese brings buttery, tangy character. On the nose, Cream Cheese offers fresh, pleasant, contrasted with Saint André Cheese's rich. Aging plays into this as well. Cream Cheese at unripened, eaten fresh develops a different profile than Saint André Cheese at about 30 days.

Can You Substitute Cream Cheese for Saint André Cheese?

In most recipes, Cream Cheese and Saint André Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect fresh, processed bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, soft-ripened. Flavor-wise, Cream Cheese reads as creamy, mild, sweet while Saint André Cheese brings buttery, tangy notes.

Which Is Better, Cream Cheese or Saint André Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a fresh, processed cheese, go with Cream Cheese. For a soft, soft-ripened profile, Saint André Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Cream Cheese suits recipes that want creamy, mild, sweet notes, while Saint André Cheese fits dishes calling for buttery, tangy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cream Cheese the same as Saint André Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Cream Cheese originates in United States, while Saint André Cheese comes from France. Aging also differs: Cream Cheese is typically aged unripened, eaten fresh, Saint André Cheese about 30 days.

Is Cream Cheese similar to Saint André Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Cream Cheese for Saint André Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Cream Cheese taste like Saint André Cheese?

Cream Cheese reads as creamy, mild, sweet, while Saint André Cheese is buttery, tangy. Aromas also diverge. Cream Cheese leans fresh, pleasant, and Saint André Cheese is closer to rich.

What is Cream Cheese made of?

Cream Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized or unpasteurized), using animal (chymosin, pepsin, rennet) in canada rennet. It's typically aged unripened, eaten fresh. It originates in United States.

What is Saint André Cheese made of?

Saint André Cheese is made from cow milk. It's typically aged about 30 days. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Cream Cheese or Saint André Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Cream Cheese is fresh, processed, while Saint André Cheese is soft, soft-ripened.