Is Triple Cheddar Finely Shredded Vermont Cheddar, Sharp Cheddar and Mild Cheddar Cheese Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

To understand why this product is non-vegan, we need to look at the specific components listed on the packaging. The primary ingredient is Cheddar cheese, which is defined by its dairy content. Specifically, the cheese is made from pasteurized milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes, and annatto color. The presence of milk is the immediate disqualifier for a vegan label, as milk is an animal byproduct.

Furthermore, the cheese culture and enzymes used in cheese production are often derived from animal sources, making the processing aids non-vegan as well. While the other ingredients like potato starch and powdered cellulose are plant-derived anti-caking agents used to keep the shreds separated, they cannot outweigh the dairy base. Additionally, the product contains natamycin, a natural mold inhibitor produced by fermentation, which is generally considered safe but does not affect the vegan status of the item.

Nutritional Value

While this Triple Cheddar blend is not vegan, it offers a standard nutritional profile for a dairy cheese product. It is typically high in fat and calories, providing a rich source of protein and calcium. The blend of Vermont, Sharp, and Mild cheddars creates a savory flavor profile without the need for added sugars, meaning the sugar content is usually negligible or zero grams per serving. However, because it is cheese, it will be high in saturated fat and sodium. For those following a plant-based diet for health reasons, the saturated fat content might be a concern, but for non-vegans, it fits within a standard diet as a source of dairy fat and protein.