Does Daiya Mozzarella Shreds contain dairy or gluten?

No, it is completely dairy-free and gluten-free. It is made from a blend of oat flour and pea protein.

Is Daiya Mozzarella Shreds good for weight loss?

It is relatively high in calories due to coconut oil, so portion control is necessary. It is lower in protein than dairy cheese.

Where can I buy Daiya Mozzarella Shreds?

It is widely available at major retailers like Walmart, Target, Kroger, and online via Amazon.

Is Daiya Mozzarella Shreds safe for kids?

Yes, it is safe for kids. It contains no caffeine or major allergens like dairy, though check for oat allergies.

Is Daiya Mozzarella Shreds Halal?

Yes, Daiya Mozzarella Shreds are considered Halal. Unlike traditional dairy cheese, this plant-based alternative does not use animal rennet, making it suitable for those avoiding animal-derived enzymes. Below is a detailed breakdown of why this product meets Halal dietary standards.

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a cheese product is Halal, the primary concern is usually the source of the enzymes used to curdle the milk. However, since Daiya Mozzarella Shreds are entirely plant-based, this specific concern is eliminated. The product uses a DAIYA OAT CREAM™ BLEND which consists of water, oat flour, and pea protein, cultured with specific enzymes that are not derived from animals.

Another ingredient to scrutinize in vegan cheeses is the flavoring. Many products use yeast extract to mimic the savory notes of aged dairy. In this case, the YEAST EXTRACT and NATURAL FLAVORS are plant-derived. There are no hidden animal products, pork-derived glycerin, or alcohol-based flavorings in this specific formulation.

Finally, the stabilizers and starches used are compliant. TAPICA STARCH, XANTHAN GUM, and KONJAC FLOUR are all plant-based thickeners. While OAT FLOUR is naturally gluten-free, it is often processed in facilities that handle wheat. However, for Halal purposes, oats are perfectly acceptable. There are no red flags in the ingredient list regarding Haram substances.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, Daiya Mozzarella Shreds are designed to replicate the mouthfeel of cheese rather than its exact macronutrient profile. The base of the product is COCONUT OIL and EXPELLER PRESSED SAFFLOWER OIL, which means it is relatively high in fat compared to a skim dairy mozzarella. However, these are plant-based fats.

The product contains DEXTROSE (a simple sugar) and FRUIT JUICE (often used for color and mild sweetness). While the sugar content is low (usually around 1g per serving), those on strict low-sugar diets should be aware. The inclusion of PEA PROTEIN adds a small amount of protein, though it is significantly lower than dairy cheese. It fits well into a plant-based diet but should be consumed in moderation if you are watching saturated fat intake.