Which is better for baking a cheesecake?

The Original block. Its firmer, denser body blends into batter without the extra air and water that soft spread carries, so the set is more reliable.

Which spreads more easily on a bagel?

The Spread tub. It is soft enough to spread cold, while the block needs to sit out or be whipped first.

Is the spread just the block whipped?

No. The spread is a distinct softer formula with slightly different nutrition per serving, including more fat and calories and less calcium.

Which lasts longer once opened?

The block. A cut block can be wrapped tightly and keeps well, while the tub is best used within 10 days of opening.

Is the 30 lb block worth stepping up to?

Only if you bake or cook in volume. For a household, the smaller block sizes or the tub make more sense.

Do they taste the same?

Both are Philadelphia Original with the same creamy, tangy profile, but the block tastes richer and firmer and the spread tastes lighter and softer.

Philadelphia Original Cream Cheese vs Philadelphia Cream Cheese Spread

Buy the 30 lb Original block if you bake, cater or go through cream cheese fast; it is denser, firmer and holds up in frostings, cheesecakes and cooking. Buy the 12 oz Spread tub for everyday bagels and quick spreading, where its softer texture and 4.8 rating from over 4,700 shoppers show it does the job. The block is the better ingredient; the tub is the better convenience buy.

Choose the Philadelphia Original Cream Cheese block if you cook or bake with cream cheese and want a firm, sliceable product in bulk.
Choose the Philadelphia Cream Cheese Spread tub if you want a ready-to-spread tub for bagels, dips and quick snacks.

Prices

Philadelphia Original Cream Cheese: $2.38 at Stylus Solutions shop (checked today)