Is Grated Parmesan Italian Style Cheese Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

To understand why this cheese isn't vegan, we need to look closely at the label. The primary ingredient is PARMESAN CHEESE, which is defined by the FDA as a hard cheese made from part-skim milk. This milk is almost always cow's milk, which is an animal product, immediately disqualifying the item from being vegan.

Furthermore, the production of Parmesan relies on enzymes to curdle the milk. In traditional Parmigiano-Reggiano, these enzymes are often rennet derived from the stomach lining of calves. While some modern cheeses use microbial or vegetable-based enzymes, the presence of dairy milk is the non-negotiable factor here.

The other ingredients listed are powdered cellulose and potassium sorbate. Powdered cellulose is a plant-derived fiber used to prevent the grated cheese from clumping, and potassium sorbate is a preservative to extend shelf life. While these specific additives are technically vegan-friendly, they do not change the fact that the base product is entirely dairy.

Nutritional Value

As a dairy product, Grated Parmesan Italian Style Cheese is calorie-dense and high in fat and protein. A standard serving typically contains between 40 to 60 calories, with a significant portion coming from fat. It is also a source of calcium and protein, which are essential nutrients, though they are obtained here through animal sources.

Because it is a cheese, it does contain saturated fat and dietary cholesterol. For those monitoring heart health or saturated fat intake, this product should be consumed in moderation. It contains negligible sugar (usually less than 1 gram), which makes it a better option than many processed cheese spreads, but the sodium content is quite high due to the salting process required to cure the cheese.