Cached · 10/4/2026 Share

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The Laughing Cow · dairy

The Laughing Cow Creamy Swiss Original…

Name: The Laughing Cow Creamy Swiss Original Spreadable Cheese Wedges
Brand: The Laughing Cow

A low-calorie processed cheese spread that is fairly mild nutritionally, but it relies on emulsifying salts and added sodium, so it is a convenience snack rather than a health food.

VeganVegetarianGluten-FreeDairy-FreeNut-FreePalm Oil-Free

score

/ 100

Ingredient Breakdown

0 red · 4 amber · 4 green

Calories

Approx. 190 kcal per 100g (about 35 kcal per 21g wedge); values vary by region and variety

Serving

1 wedge (about 21g)

Sugar

Less than 1g per wedge (about 1% daily value)

Sat. Fat

About 2-3g per wedge (roughly 10-15% daily value)

Contains emulsifying phosphate additives (E339), which people with kidney disease are often advised to limit

Contains carrageenan (E407), which some people with sensitive digestion choose to avoid

Sodium and saturated fat add up quickly if you eat several wedges

Contains milk, so it is unsuitable for people with dairy allergy or lactose intolerance (though lactose content is low)

Formulations vary by country and flavor, so check the label on your pack

Full Analysis

Ingredients (8)

Cheese (Pasteurized Milk, Cheese Culture, Salt, Enzymes)

aka Natural cheese base

Real cheese is the main ingredient and supplies protein, calcium, and fat. It is a nutritious base, though it contributes some saturated fat and sodium.

Daily Intake — Provides a small amount of protein and calcium per wedge; minimal concern at 1-2 wedges

SAFE

Water

Water gives the spread its soft, creamy texture and lowers the calorie density compared with hard cheese.

Daily Intake — No intake concern

SAFE

Cream

aka Dairy cream

Cream gives richness but is high in saturated fat. It is fine in moderation, but the amounts add up if you eat several wedges.

Daily Intake — Adds saturated fat; one wedge has roughly 3g, about 15% of the daily limit

MODERATE

Sodium Phosphate

E339 Controversial

aka Emulsifying salt

It keeps the cheese smooth and stops it separating. It is approved as safe, but high phosphate intake from additives has been linked to cardiovascular and kidney concerns in susceptible people.

Daily Intake — Adds phosphate load; a concern mainly for people with kidney disease

MODERATE

Sodium Citrate

E331

aka Citrate emulsifier

This is a mild salt of citric acid used to emulsify and regulate acidity. It is considered very safe.

Daily Intake — No significant concern at typical intake

SAFE

Carob Bean Gum

E410

aka Locust bean gum

A plant-derived thickener from carob seeds. It is well tolerated, though large amounts can occasionally cause mild digestive effects.

Daily Intake — No concern at the amounts used

SAFE

Carrageenan

E407 Controversial

aka Seaweed-derived thickener

It is approved by regulators, but it has been debated over possible gut inflammation in animal and lab studies. Evidence in humans is limited, but sensitive people may prefer to avoid it.

Daily Intake — No set limit; some people report digestive sensitivity

MODERATE

Salt

aka Sodium chloride

Salt is needed for flavor and preservation, but processed cheese tends to be high in sodium per gram. It is moderate for one wedge and adds up quickly with more.

Daily Intake — About 280-350mg sodium per 2 wedges, roughly 12-15% of the daily limit

MODERATE

Upgrade Your Pantry

Healthier alternatives

Plain cottage cheese

Higher in protein, with no emulsifying salts or gums in many brands, though it can also be salty

Find on Amazon

Fresh ricotta or part-skim ricotta

Simple ingredient list, mild flavor, and lower in sodium than processed spreads

Find on Amazon

Plain Greek yogurt cheese or labneh

Creamy and spreadable with probiotics and much less processing

Find on Amazon

Fun Fact

The Laughing Cow (La Vache qui rit) was created in France in 1921, and its mascot was inspired by a World War I truck decorated with a laughing cow that was used to deliver meat.

Made by Bel Group

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