Is Good & gather mozzarella classic shredded low Kosher?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a cheese is Kosher, the primary concern is the source of the rennet—the enzyme used to coagulate the milk. In Good & Gather Mozzarella Classic Shredded Low, the enzymes are explicitly listed as microbial. This indicates they are derived from fungal or bacterial sources, which are universally accepted as Kosher, rather than animal stomachs.

The cheese base consists of pasteurized part-skim milk, cheese cultures, and salt. These are all standard, Kosher-friendly ingredients. The potential red flags in many cheeses are the anti-caking agents, but this product uses a blend of potato starch, corn starch, and powdered cellulose. These plant-based starches are free from animal products.

Finally, the product contains natamycin, a natural mold inhibitor. Natamycin is a fermentation product produced by bacteria, making it permissible under Kosher regulations. Because the product does not contain animal rennet or non-Kosher additives, it does not require a specific Kosher certification symbol to be considered compliant by many observers, though strict adherents may still look for a 'OU' or similar symbol on the packaging.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, Good & Gather Mozzarella Classic Shredded Low is designed to be a lighter alternative to full-fat cheese. A standard serving contains approximately 80 calories, with a significant portion coming from protein (around 7g).

Because it is made from part-skim milk, the fat content is reduced to about 5g per serving, with 3.5g being saturated fat. It is naturally low in carbohydrates and sugar, containing less than 1g of sugar per serving. This makes it an excellent option for those monitoring their calorie intake or following a low-carb diet, while still providing the calcium and protein benefits of dairy.