Is Freshly shredded parmesan cheese, parmesan Kosher?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a cheese is Kosher, the eyes immediately look for the certification symbol, but the ingredient list tells the technical story. Let's look at the specific components of Freshly shredded parmesan: pasteurized part-skim milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes, powdered cellulose, and natamycin.

The most critical ingredient here is the enzymes. Historically, cheese was problematic in Kosher diets because traditional rennet is derived from the stomach lining of non-kosher animals (like calves). However, modern cheese production, especially in brands like Freshly, almost exclusively uses microbial enzymes or fermentation-produced chymosin. These enzymes are derived from fungal or bacterial sources and are universally accepted as Kosher. Unless the label specifically states 'animal rennet' (which this does not), the enzymes are considered Kosher-compliant.

The anti-caking agents are also non-issues. Powdered cellulose is a plant-derived fiber (usually from wood pulp or cotton) and is perfectly Kosher. Natamycin is a natural antifungal agent produced by fermentation of the bacteria Streptomyces natalensis. Since it is microbial in origin and contains no animal products, it is also Kosher. Therefore, from a strictly ingredient-based perspective, this product contains no flags.

Nutritional Value

While we are focused on Kosher status, it is helpful to understand the nutritional profile of this product. Parmesan is a hard, aged cheese that is naturally low in lactose, making it easier to digest for many people (though it still contains milk).

Regarding weight management, parmesan is calorie-dense due to its fat content, but it is also very high in protein and calcium. It contains virtually zero carbohydrates or sugar. This makes it an excellent option for low-carb or Keto diets, though portion control is key for calorie counting. It is generally considered a healthy fat source when consumed in moderation.