GLENVIEW, Ill., Oct. 9, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Cream cheese fans now have a delicious new protein option for the morning or at snack time with the first-of-its-kind offering from PHILADELPHIA. The new PHILADELPHIA 2X Protein Cream Cheese Spread, not only offers twice as much protein (4g vs. 2g per serving) as regular cream cheese spread, but also has 70 percent less fat and calories (per serving) than the leading peanut butter.

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According to the Natural Marketing Institute, protein diets are a growing trend with consumers from every walk of life. High-protein eating habits are catching the attention of the general public due to greater awareness of the benefits of its protein.

"We know our fans regularly purchase a variety of items that have protein," said Kathy Burns, director of consumer research at Kraft Foods. "We created this new item to help consumers satisfy their desire for a diet with protein, but in a product that they enjoy- cream cheese spread."

PHILADELPHIA 2X Protein offers a delicious cream cheese spread, while providing fans with another way to incorporate protein into their diets, especially for those who have other dietary restrictions or preferences.

"We've already mastered the country's best-selling cream cheese but want to continue to offer our fans new and delicious ways to truly enjoy their breakfasts and snacks," said Katie Peterson, brand manager for PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese. "PHILADELPHIA 2X Protein Cream Cheese Spread delivers another way for consumers to get the protein they want with less fat and calories than peanut butter."

Now available in regular and honey flavors, PHILADELPHIA 2X Protein is perfect for topping whole wheat bagels, toast, multi-grain crackers or pretzels for part of a nutritious breakfast or snack.

Found in the refrigerated section, this new spread has a suggested retail price of $3.29 for a 7-ounce tub. Like all its products, PHILADELPHIA 2X Protein starts with fresh milk, which naturally has protein and real cream. PHILADELPHIA always goes from the farm to its creameries fridge in just six days.

Learn more about the full line of PHILADELPHIA products at www.creamcheese.com or Facebook.com/LoveMyPhilly.

ABOUT PHILADELPHIA CREAM CHEESE
PHILADELPHIA, a Kraft Foods Group brand, is America's number one selling cream cheese. Originally created 140 years ago in New York by dairyman William Lawrence, the brand was named PHILADELPHIA as the city at the time was synonymous with high quality, as was the product. To ensure the quality and delicious taste of its product, PHILADELPHIA always operates with high standards. PHILADELPHIA has a variety of flavors and forms of cream cheese. The PHILADELPHIA brand has also launched PHILADELPHIA SNACK DELIGHTS, PHILADELPHIA Cooking Creme and Touch of PHILADELPHIA Shredded Cheese, and also hosts an interactive online community RealWomenofPhiladelphia.com where women from across the country join to swap recipes and entertaining tips. For more information, visit www.creamcheese.com or Facebook.com/LoveMyPhilly.

ABOUT KRAFT FOODS GROUP
Kraft Foods Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: KRFT) is one of North America's largest consumer packaged food and beverage companies, with annual revenues of more than $18 billion. With the spirit of a startup and the soul of a powerhouse, Kraft has an unrivaled portfolio of products in the beverages, cheese, refrigerated meals and grocery categories. Its iconic brands include Kraft, Maxwell House, Oscar Mayer, Philadelphia, Planters, Velveeta, Capri Sun, JELL-O and Lunchables. Kraft's 23,000 employees in the U.S. and Canada have a passion for making the foods and beverages people love. Kraft is a member of the Standard & Poor's 500 and the NASDAQ-100 indices. For more information, visit www.kraft.com and www.facebook.com/kraft.

SOURCE PHILADELPHIA