Best plain cream cheese

Top pick: Philadelphia Original, 8 oz block. It's the benchmark for a reason — dense, tangy and creamy, and it spreads cleanly on a toasted bagel without turning watery. The 4.8-star rating from 24,000+ shoppers backs it up. Let it sit out 10 minutes for easier spreading.

Who the others suit:

• Tillamook 8 oz brick — if you want a slightly milder, richer-tasting cream cheese; it's labeled spreadable straight from the fridge.
• bettergoods 8 oz bar — a solid everyday brick if you go through a lot and want a house brand.
• Boichik Plain Whipped — for a light, airy schmear that spreads with almost no effort; great on a fresh bagel, less body than a brick.
• Raw Cream Cheese (Nourish Food Club) — for a tangy, cultured, small-batch style.
• Tofutti or Kite Hill — if you're avoiding dairy; both are plant-based and spread well, though neither tastes like the real thing.