Is Shredded 3 cheese blend Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, looking at the label of a standard Shredded 3 cheese blend, the classification is immediate. The product is defined by its dairy content. Let's look at the specific ingredients that confirm this.

The first three ingredients listed are Low-Moisture Mozzarella Cheese, Monterey Jack Cheese, and Cheddar Cheese. All three are dairy products derived from cow's milk. The manufacturing process involves separating milk curds from whey, which is inherently an animal-derived process.

Furthermore, the ingredients list specifies Pasteurized Milk and Cheese Cultures for each cheese type. While cheese cultures are technically microorganisms, they are grown in a dairy-based medium, making the final product non-vegan. The enzymes listed, such as Microbial Enzymes, are often used to coagulate the milk.

Finally, the label explicitly states CONTAINS MILK. This is a regulatory requirement for major allergens and serves as a definitive confirmation that the product is not vegan. The anti-caking agents like potato starch and cellulose powder are plant-derived, but they are minor additives and do not change the nature of the primary ingredients.

Nutritional Value

Because this is a dairy product, the nutritional profile is dense in fats and proteins. A standard serving of shredded cheese is relatively high in calories, primarily coming from saturated fats. It is also a significant source of calcium and protein, which are essential nutrients.

For those monitoring their sodium intake, processed shredded cheeses often have added salt, so this product may be high in sodium. It fits well into diets like Keto or Paleo due to the low carbohydrate count (the anti-caking agents contribute negligible carbs), but it is not suitable for low-fat or dairy-free diet plans.