Does cream cheese contain preservatives?

Many cream cheese products contain natural or artificial preservatives to inhibit the growth of mold, yeast, fungi, and the bacteria types that cause spoilage and trigger illness, as well as to reduce acidity. Preservatives may include potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, calcium propionate, sodium citrate, and the natural preservatives nisin, and natamycin. Salt is added to enhance flavor and shelf life. Sodium tripolyphosphate may be used as a preservative in nonfat cream cheese products. Sodium phosphate and sodium caseinate are sometimes used to promote smooth texture and emulsification.
 
Common natural stabilizers such as guar gum, locus bean gum, and carageenan keep cream cheese moist and spreadable by binding the whey in the curd.
 
Source(s):
Dr. Rani Govindasamy-Lucey, senior scientist, Wisconsin Center for Dairy Research, University of Wisconsin
Milk and Cultured Dairy Products Symposium presentation: “Natural Alternatives for Dairy Food Protection”
FDA Factsheet: “Food Ingredients and Colors”