Is Cheesy Seasoning Blend Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I often see products labeled "seasoning" that hide surprising animal ingredients. When analyzing this Cheesy Seasoning Blend, the verdict is clear: it is a dairy-heavy formulation. The primary culprit is the very first ingredient listed: DRIED CHEDDAR CHEESE BLEND. This is not a plant-based flavoring; it is actual cheese made from cow's milk, specifically utilizing cheese cultures and microbial enzymes to achieve the curdling and aging process necessary for cheddar.

Further complicating the vegan status are the WHEY SOLIDS and BUTTERMILK SOLIDS. Whey is a byproduct of the cheese-making process—essentially the liquid remaining after milk has been curdled and strained. It is strictly an animal product. While the garlic powder, onion powder, and herbs are plant-based, the heavy reliance on these dairy components means the entire blend is non-vegan.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, this seasoning is designed to add flavor rather than significant calories, though the sodium content is a major consideration. Because the base consists of dried cheese and salt, the sodium levels are likely quite high, which is typical for savory spice blends. The presence of dried cheese and buttermilk solids also contributes a small amount of saturated fat and protein per serving, though you would need to consume a large quantity to see a significant impact on your daily macros. It fits well within a low-carb or keto diet, but for those monitoring blood pressure or sodium intake, this blend could be problematic if used liberally.