Philadelphia Releases Cream Cheese-Stuffed Olives

We’re in an era of endless martinis, which means that no matter your taste, you can likely find a version of this classic cocktail that you’ll love.

If you usually opt for something savory, ordering a deliciously briny dirty martini offers many different options. Perhaps you prefer your drink made with gin or vodka, swear by a skewer of three specific olives (or even more), favor your garnish stuffed with pimento peppers, or go for the somewhat controversial blue cheese-stuffed olives. 

Even if you love all things dairy, there’s a good chance you might not be a huge fan of blue cheese. It’s an ingredient some people swear by, while many others may avoid it with a similar passion. Fortunately for anyone looking for another way to incorporate cheese into their martini, a new garnish is on the horizon: Philly-tini Olives. 

“Martinis are having a moment and we’re seeing a new generation of cocktail lovers put their own unconventional spins on the classics — with savory and unique martini recipes trending on TikTok and taking over bar menus,” senior brand manager of Philadelphia Cream Cheese, Kelli Srivastava, tells Food & Wine. “While no dirty martini is complete without a stuffed olive, the classic blue cheese pairing isn’t for everyone.”

In collaboration with Divina Market, a family-owned brand that produces Mediterranean goods such as olives, dolmas, capers, jams, and other specialty condiments, Philadelphia Cream Cheese has introduced limited-edition Philly-tini Olives, featuring Greek green olives stuffed with Philadelphia’s signature cream cheese. 

“We saw an opportunity to bring a touch of Philly magic to this martini staple, and with the help of our partner Divina, introduce consumers to a more approachable, creamy alternative,” Srivastava explains. “At Philly, we’re about more than just schmearing bagels and whipping up cheesecakes — our Philly-tini Olives are a delicious reminder of just how versatile cream cheese can be.” 

Philly-tini Olives are currently available exclusively on the Divina Market website while supplies last. The olives can be purchased in sets of two packs, and the bundle is priced at $15.

In a press release published by Philadelphia’s parent company Kraft-Heinz, senior vice president of brand at Divina, Brandon Gross, details, “This playful twist on the classic stuffed olive brings together our bold and briny Greek olives with Philadelphia’s signature cream cheese, for a flavor combo that’s guaranteed to satisfy both cocktail purists and recipe rebels just in time for summer.”

“With savory martini recipes recently amassing millions of social media views, it’s clear there is a new generation of cocktail lovers putting their own spin on the iconic drink,” the press release notes. “While there are countless ways to shake up a dirty martini, one thing rings true: The stuffed-olive garnish is a must.”

If you’re new to the beauty of an upgraded olive, Food & Wine’s senior drinks editor, Prairie Rose, emphasizes that, “A stuffed olive just takes the martini garnish to the next level — I will always take a stuffed olive over an empty one. I love the idea behind cream cheese-stuffed olives. Not only does it complement the briny characteristics of the cocktail, but it’s not as intense as blue cheese, which can turn some folks off.”

To get even more creative, you could skewer a mix of olives to place atop your cocktail by pairing the new Philly-tini olives with Castelvetranos, Kalamatas, or some pimento-stuffed bites. Not in the mood for a martini? Add these cream cheese-filled olives to a charcuterie board or use them in a Dirty Martini Dip instead.