Is House Italian Made with Parmesan Cheese Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I look at the label to determine the functional role of every ingredient. When analyzing the House Italian Made with Parmesan Cheese dressing, the vegan status is immediately compromised by two specific categories of ingredients: dairy and eggs.

The most obvious offender is PARMESAN CHEESE. Derived from cow's milk, this ingredient is responsible for the savory, umami punch associated with this specific dressing variety. It is created using pasteurized milk, cheese culture, salt, and enzymes. For a product to be vegan, it must contain absolutely no animal-derived byproducts, making Parmesan an instant disqualifier.

Additionally, the label lists EGG YOLKS 2%. In culinary science, egg yolks act as a natural emulsifier. They help bind the water and soybean oil together, preventing the dressing from separating in the bottle. While many vinaigrettes rely solely on mustard or gums for this, this specific recipe utilizes eggs to achieve a creamier, thicker consistency similar to a creamy Italian style.

Finally, we must look at the NATURAL FLAVOR (MILK). Even if the Parmesan cheese were removed, this additive indicates that dairy derivatives are used to enhance the taste profile. Therefore, the entire formulation is built around animal-derived ingredients.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, this dressing is relatively low in calories compared to creamy ranch or blue cheese dressings, primarily because the base is SOYBEAN OIL rather than heavy cream. However, it is not a 'health food.' A standard serving contains added SUGAR and SALT, which contributes to the overall flavor but adds to your daily sodium intake.

The presence of DISODIUM PHOSPHATE and XANTHAN GUM suggests a highly processed product designed for shelf stability rather than whole-food nutrition. While the fat content comes from soybean oil, which is unsaturated, the caloric density is significant for a condiment. If you are monitoring your sugar intake or looking for whole-food ingredients, this dressing falls short, though it fits within standard diet limits for an occasional treat.