Does Artisan Crafted Smoked Gouda contain dairy or gluten?

Yes, it contains dairy (milk, whey, cheese cultures) and gluten (enriched macaroni product made from semolina wheat).

Is Artisan Crafted Smoked Gouda good for weight loss?

Not specifically. It is a calorie-dense food containing added oils and processed carbohydrates. It is better suited as an occasional treat than a weight-loss staple.

Where can I buy Artisan Crafted Smoked Gouda?

This product is typically available at major retailers like Walmart, Target, and on Amazon.

Is Artisan Crafted Smoked Gouda safe for kids?

Yes, it is safe for children. It contains no caffeine or alcohol. However, due to the sodium content and processed nature, it should be served in moderation.

Is Artisan Crafted Smoked Gouda Kosher?

Yes, Artisan Crafted Smoked Gouda is kosher. Based on the ingredient list, this product relies on pasteurized milk, standard cheese cultures, and microbial enzymes, making it suitable for a kosher diet without requiring a specific hechsher (certification) in many contexts, though certification is always the gold standard. Here is the detailed breakdown of why this specific cheese blend passes the test.

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a cheese is kosher, the most critical factor is the source of the rennet (enzymes) and the cheese culture. In the case of Artisan Crafted Smoked Gouda, the ingredients list specifies pasteurized milk, cheese culture, salt, and enzymes. Because the milk is pasteurized and the enzymes are not specified as being derived from non-kosher animals (like pork or non-kosher slaughtered cattle), they are assumed to be microbial (vegetable) or fermentation-produced enzymes, which are universally accepted as kosher.

The product also includes cheddar cheese and gouda cheese ingredients. Both of these follow the same safe profile: pasteurized milk, culture, salt, and enzymes. There are no hidden animal-derived flavorings or wine-based additives (which would require kosher certification) in this specific blend. The additives like sodium alginate and xanthan gum are plant-based stabilizers and pose no kosher issues.

Finally, the macaroni product base is made from semolina (wheat), which is inherently kosher. While the product contains skim milk and whey, these are dairy ingredients. The combination of dairy and wheat is perfectly fine under kosher dietary laws, provided the wheat is free from bug infestation, which processed semolina usually is.

Nutritional Value

While this cheese is kosher, it is also a calorie-dense, processed food product. The inclusion of canola oil and mono- and diglycerides indicates that this is likely a processed cheese sauce or pasta meal rather than a block of pure cheese. You should expect a moderate amount of saturated fat from the cheese and added fats, along with sodium from the sodium phosphate and salt.

If you are monitoring your sodium intake or looking for a low-carb option, this product is acceptable in moderation but should not be a staple. The enriched macaroni adds significant carbohydrates to the meal. However, it does provide a good source of protein from the milk and whey protein concentrate.