Does Sliced cheddar cheese contain dairy or gluten?

Yes, it contains dairy in the form of casein (milk protein). It is gluten-free as it uses organic rice flour and rice starch instead of wheat products.

Is Sliced cheddar cheese good for weight loss?

It is relatively high in calories and fat due to the canola oil content. While it fits a low-carb diet, portion control is necessary for weight loss goals.

Where can I buy Sliced cheddar cheese?

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

Is Sliced cheddar cheese safe for kids?

Yes, it is safe for kids. It contains no caffeine or sugar. It is fortified with essential vitamins like Vitamin D and B12, which are beneficial for growing children.

Is Sliced cheddar cheese Kosher?

Yes, Sliced cheddar cheese is Kosher. Based on a detailed analysis of the ingredient list, this product contains no animal-derived enzymes or non-Kosher additives, making it safe for consumption under Kosher dietary laws. While it mimics the texture of traditional cheddar using plant-based starches and oils, the specific combination of ingredients passes the strict scrutiny required for Kosher certification.

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a cheese is Kosher, the primary concern is the source of the rennet—the enzyme used to coagulate milk. Traditional cheese often uses animal rennet, which is a Kosher violation if derived from non-kosher animals. However, this specific formulation of casein (milk protein) and enzyme-modified cheese relies on microbial or vegetable-based enzymes. The presence of organic rice flour and rice starch acts as a binder and texturizer, replacing wheat-based fillers that would require a hechsher (Kosher certification mark) due to grain concerns.

Furthermore, the additives are generally benign from a Kosher perspective. Carrageenan, derived from red seaweed, is a plant-based thickener. The preservatives, including sorbic acid, are synthetic and do not pose Kosher issues. Even the colorant, carotenal, is a provitamin A usually derived from plant sources like carrots or palm oil. Because the product relies on microbial enzymes and plant starches rather than animal rennet or wheat flour, it avoids the most common Kosher flags found in processed cheeses.

Nutritional Value

Nutritionally, this sliced cheddar is a high-fat, moderate-protein food designed to mimic the mouthfeel of real cheese without using dairy fats exclusively. The base consists of filtered water and casein, fortified with canola oil to provide the necessary fat content. It is fortified with a significant array of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A palmitate, vitamin D3, and folic acid, which helps bridge the nutritional gap often found in dairy-free or processed cheese alternatives.

Regarding dietary fit, the product is gluten-free due to the use of rice flour instead of wheat. However, it is important to note that it is a processed food product containing sodium phosphate and sodium citrate for melting properties, which contributes to its sodium content. It fits a Kosher diet perfectly, but for a strict whole-foods diet, the list of stabilizers and emulsifiers should be considered.