Is Oaxaca Queso Part Skim Milk Cheese Melting Cheese Kosher?

The Ingredient Breakdown

To determine if this specific Oaxaca cheese is kosher, we have to look at the three core ingredients listed on the packaging. The first ingredient is cultured pasteurized part skim milk. Milk is naturally kosher, provided it comes from a kosher animal (which cows are). Pasteurization is a standard safety process and does not affect the kosher status.

The second ingredient is salt. Salt is a mineral and is inherently kosher. There are no concerns regarding additives or processing agents here. The third and most critical ingredient to analyze is enzymes. In the cheese industry, enzymes (rennet) are used to coagulate the milk.

Historically, enzymes were sourced from the stomachs of non-kosher animals (like pigs) or young calves (where the mother animal was not slaughtered according to Jewish law). However, this product uses microbial enzymes. These are derived from bacterial or fungal sources and are universally accepted as kosher. Therefore, with no animal-derived enzymes, no wine, and no meat byproducts, this cheese is considered kosher dairy.

Nutritional Value

Because this is a part skim milk variety, it offers a middle ground between flavor and health. Oaxaca cheese is famous for being a melting cheese, similar to mozzarella, but with a stringier texture. The 'part skim' designation means that some of the milk fat has been removed compared to the full-fat version.

This impacts the calorie and fat content, making it a slightly better option for those monitoring their fat intake. It fits well into a balanced diet, particularly for those looking for a cheese that provides protein without the excessive saturated fat found in harder, aged cheeses. However, it is still a cheese, meaning it contains saturated fat and sodium, so portion control is key for heart health.