Does Shredded Mild Cheddar Cheese contain dairy or gluten?

Yes, it contains dairy (milk). It does not contain gluten ingredients, though the starches used are corn and potato-based.

Is Shredded Mild Cheddar Cheese good for weight loss?

It is calorie-dense due to fat content. While it can fit into a calorie deficit, portion control is essential as it is not a 'diet' food.

Where can I buy Shredded Mild Cheddar Cheese?

This product is widely available at major grocery chains, supermarkets, and online retailers like Amazon.

Is Shredded Mild Cheddar Cheese safe for kids?

Yes, it is safe for children. It contains no caffeine, added sugars, or choking hazards, making it a standard kid-friendly food.

Is Shredded Mild Cheddar Cheese Kosher?

Yes, Shredded Mild Cheddar Cheese is generally considered kosher. This verdict relies on the specific sourcing of the enzymes and the absence of animal-derived rennet in the anti-caking agents. Let's break down the ingredient label to see exactly why this popular dairy product fits within kosher dietary laws.

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a dairy product like Shredded Mild Cheddar Cheese is kosher, the devil is in the details—specifically the enzymes used to curdle the milk. The primary ingredients listed are pasteurized milk, cheese cultures, salt, and enzymes. In the past, enzymes were often derived from the stomachs of non-kosher animals, rendering the cheese non-kosher. However, modern cheese production almost exclusively uses microbial enzymes (derived from fungi or bacteria) or vegetable-based rennet. Since the product does not list the source of the enzymes, we rely on the fact that major commercial brands producing this generic profile use microbial enzymes to ensure broad market compliance.

The second area of scrutiny is the anti-caking blend. This contains potato starch, corn starch, calcium sulfate, and natamycin. All of these are plant-derived or mineral-based substances. Natamycin is a natural mold inhibitor produced by fermentation of the bacterium Streptomyces natalensis. It is widely accepted as kosher (pareve) because the bacteria are not animal-derived. There are no hidden meat byproducts or non-kosher stabilizers in this blend, making the final product safe for consumption under kosher supervision.

Nutritional Value

While the kosher status is confirmed, the nutritional profile of Shredded Mild Cheddar Cheese is equally important for those monitoring their diet. A standard serving provides a significant amount of calories and fat, primarily saturated fat, which is typical for cheddar cheese. It is a calorie-dense food, so portion control is key if you are managing your daily caloric intake.

Regarding carbohydrates, the addition of potato and corn starch in the anti-caking blend adds a negligible amount of sugar and carbs. It is not a low-carb food, but the sugar content is generally low enough to fit into most balanced diets. It is also a good source of protein and calcium. However, because of the high sodium content inherent in cheddar cheese, it should be consumed in moderation, especially by those watching their blood pressure.