Is Mozarella Shredded Skim Mozarella Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

To understand why this product isn't vegan, we need to look closely at the label. The primary ingredient is Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese. This is a traditional dairy product made by stretching and curdling milk (specifically water buffalo milk or cow's milk). Because it is an animal byproduct, it is not vegan.

The other ingredients, Modified Cornstarch and Natamycin, are plant-derived and microbial, respectively. Modified cornstarch is simply a thickener, and Natamycin is a natural anti-fungal agent used to prevent mold growth. These do not pose an issue for a vegan diet, but they cannot outweigh the dairy base.

Nutritional Value

Because this is a 'skim' version, it generally has lower fat content than whole milk mozzarella. It fits well into diets focused on calorie control or lower fat intake. However, it still contains lactose and animal proteins. For those strictly avoiding animal products for ethical or health reasons, the nutritional profile doesn't offer a vegan alternative; it is simply a lower-calorie dairy option.