Philadelphia has introduced a lactose-free cream cheese, making it the first mainstream brand to offer a real-dairy version of the spread for those with lactose intolerance.
The new product from Kraft Heinz matches the price of Philadelphia’s original cream cheese and costs less than existing lactose-free alternatives. It is currently making its way to major U.S. retailers.
Between 30 and 50 million Americans cannot digest lactose, according to the National Institutes of Health. The lactose-free dairy market has grown significantly, with lactose-free milk making up 16% of dollar sales and 8.4% of volume in the year ending August 11, 2024. Nearly a quarter of U.S. households purchased lactose-free milk during that time.
Jerome Drolet, Kraft Heinz’s president of taste elevation, said the move aligns with consumers already choosing lactose-free milk. He noted that transitioning to lactose-free cream cheese should feel like a natural next step for these shoppers.
The launch reflects Kraft Heinz’s effort to appeal to health-conscious buyers. The company has expanded into categories where consumer needs—such as plant-based options, protein-rich foods, or sugar-free products—remain unmet. Philadelphia already offers a plant-based cream cheese and released its first cream cheese frosting earlier this year.
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Cheez-It has partnered with Coors Light to release beer cheese-flavored crackers, marking its first collaboration with a beer brand. The crackers, baked with real cheese, replicate the tangy, spiced flavor of beer cheese dip—a blend of beer, cream cheese, and mustard.
Matt Carpenter, vice president of marketing for the Coors Family of Brands, said fans often pair Coors Light with snacks during game day. Bringing the beer’s crisp, refreshing flavors into a cracker seemed like a logical step.
The crackers will arrive in stores in August, priced at about $4.99 per box. The timing coincides with summer gatherings and the start of football season. Nicole Sorensen, Cheez-It’s vice president of marketing, described it as an ideal moment to transform a popular dip into a convenient snack.
Cheez-It has previously worked with Wendy’s, Hidden Valley Ranch, and Taco Bell. Other beer brands have also ventured into food crossovers—Miller Lite launched beer and meat-flavored Pringles last year, while Pabst Blue Ribbon introduced beer-infused bratwurst.
The Cheez-It Coors Light crackers will reach stores next month.