This is Why Prairie Farms Cream Cheese is a Global Champion

Marubishi Malaysia carries award-winning Prairie Farms Cream Cheese which has established itself as a gold standard for cream cheese.

Since its founding in 1938 by a group of Illinois farmers, the cooperative has grown through over 50 acquisitions, including the Swiss Valley Farms co-op and Shullsburg Creamery, to become a leader in the dairy industry that it is today.

But what truly sets their cream cheese apart isn't just their 80-year history; it’s the meticulous, traditional science behind every block.

Did You Know? There are two types of cream cheese.

Before diving into the specifics of Prairie Farms Cream Cheese, it is important to understand what you are buying. While both types are common in the market, they are produced very differently.

Natural Cream Cheese (aka The Prairie Farms way):

Made by mixing pasteurized milk and cream, then fermenting them with live cultures. After fermentation, the mixture coagulates via acidity, and the whey is separated. A small amount of gum is added at the end to prevent moisture separation. 

Processed Cream Cheese:

The main ingredient is actually pre-existing natural cream cheese. It is melted down, and emulsifiers are added to create a highly stable body. While it has a long shelf life and consistent taste, it lacks the "living" character of the natural version.

The majority of cream cheese found in Malaysia is natural cream cheese. Because it is a "living" product containing active cultures, it will continue to mature over time.

What this means is the sour taste may sharpen as it nears its expiry date. It is also highly sensitive to temperature changes, which can cause water separation if not stored correctly. It is important to ensure that cream cheese is stored in chiller at temperature between 3°C to 7°C.

The Superiority that Defines Prairie Farms' Award-winning Quality

#1 - Raw Milk Quality

The foundation of great cheese is the diet of the herd. Whilst Oceanic dairy (Australia and New Zealand) often has a yellowish tint due to a grass-heavy diet, Prairie Farms utilizes a USA-based grain-fed system.

By feeding the herd with a rich balance of corn and grains, Prairie Farms produces a strikingly white cream cheese (as shown in the image below) with a nice aroma.

Image Credit to Autumn Kitchen

#2 - Higher Fat Content

Not all cream cheeses are created equal when it comes to volume. Prairie Farms maintains a higher fat percentage than many competitors, which directly impacts the whipping property of the product.

With a fat content higher than many international competitors, Prairie Farms Cream Cheese offers superior whippability and a richer mouthfeel.

The higher fat-to-protein ratio in Prairie Farms cream cheese also allows for better aeration and increases the rate of yield.

Even when using the same amount of cream cheese and cream, Prairie Farms provides a higher volume of final product. For a bakery, this means more frosting or more filling per batch, maximizing efficiency without sacrificing quality.

#3 - Traditional Production Process (Whey Separation)

This is where Prairie Farms truly separates itself from other industrial brands. Most manufacturers use an accelerated process that skips whey separation to save time and increase volume.

Prairie Farms utilizes a traditional production process that completely removes the whey protein from the cream that improves the texture and stability. 

While removing whey is extra work, it is essential for flavour. Industrial processes that leave whey protein in the mix often result in a softer, less stable body.

By removing whey, Prairie Farms ensures that when you add acidic ingredients (like lemon juice in a cheesecake), the texture remains smooth and doesn't get affected from moisture separation.

#4 - Precision: Cultures and Gums

The "champion" status of Prairie Farms is also a result of a perfectly balanced recipe:

Cultures Starter: The signature rich, sour tang is the result of the addition of culture starters that provide that tangy flavour profile.

Gum Balance: Gums are often added into cream cheese as stabilizers to ensure smooth texture, however too much can lead to a "rubbery" or hard body. Prairie Farms uses a precise, minimal amount of gums to maintain a smooth texture without compromising the creamy melt-in-your-mouth quality of the final application.

The Versatility of Prairie Farms Cream Cheese

Prairie Farms Cream Cheese is a versatile ingredient with its smooth, creamy texture and tangy flavour, making it a fantastic addition to baked goods.

From sweet to savoury, Prairie Farms Cream Cheese can be adapted to various applications. Check out the recipes we shared using this versatile cream cheese:

• Bread & Pastries
• Cheesecake & Desserts

If you wish to discover ways you can use Prairie Farms Cream Cheese to elevate your baked goods, please feel free to reach out to us here.