Is Crumbled Blue Cheese Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

To understand why this product is non-vegan, we need to look at the source material. The primary ingredient is pasteurized milk, which comes from cows. In the cheesemaking process, this milk is coagulated using enzymes and cultures to form the curd. Since the final product is essentially concentrated dairy, it contains lactose and casein, two compounds that vegans strictly avoid.

It is also important to address the additives listed. The powdered cellulose used to prevent caking is a plant-derived fiber (often from wood pulp), and natamycin is a natural antifungal agent produced by bacteria. While these specific additives are plant-based or microbial, they are irrelevant to the vegan status because the base ingredient—the cheese itself—is an animal product.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, Crumbled Blue Cheese is a high-fat, high-sodium food typical of aged dairy products. It is relatively low in carbohydrates and sugar compared to sweet snacks, but it is calorie-dense. For those monitoring their saturated fat intake, this product should be consumed in moderation. However, for vegetarians who consume dairy, it provides a good source of calcium and protein.