Is Natural Medium Cheddar Cheese Keto?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When evaluating a product for the ketogenic diet, the goal is to identify hidden sugars, starches, or fillers that could spike insulin levels. Let's look at the specific ingredients found in Natural Medium Cheddar Cheese: PASTEURIZED MILK, CHEESE CULTURE, SALT, ENZYMES, and ANNATTO.

The primary ingredient, PASTEURIZED MILK, is the base for all cheese. While milk contains lactose (a sugar), the cheesemaking process significantly reduces this. Bacteria in the CHEESE CULTURE consume much of the lactose, converting it into lactic acid. By the time the cheese is aged and pressed, the residual carbohydrate count is negligible.

The remaining ingredients—SALT, ENZYMES, and ANNATTO—are standard processing aids. SALT is essential for flavor and preservation and has zero carbs. ENZYMES (like rennet) are used to coagulate the milk and are removed during processing. Finally, ANNATTO is a natural vegetable color used to give the cheddar its signature orange hue; it is not a carbohydrate source and poses no risk to ketosis.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, Natural Medium Cheddar Cheese is a powerhouse for the keto diet. A standard serving (1 oz) typically contains approximately 9 grams of fat, 7 grams of protein, and less than 1 gram of net carbohydrates. This high-fat, moderate-protein, and low-carb ratio is the exact macronutrient profile the keto diet aims for.

Because the carbohydrate content is so low (usually under 1g per serving), it fits easily within the daily limit of 20-50g of net carbs. Furthermore, cheddar is a source of calcium and vitamin A. The calorie density is high, which is common for fatty foods, but on keto, fat is the primary energy source, making these calories beneficial for satiety and energy levels.