Is Triple cheddar shredded cheese Keto?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I look beyond the marketing claims and straight at the label. Triple cheddar shredded cheese is a blend of three distinct cheddars: Sharp cheddar cheese, medium white cheddar cheese, and medium cheddar cheese. On their own, these are excellent Keto foods—high in fat, moderate in protein, and virtually zero carbs. However, the problem lies in the additives used for processing.

The primary culprit is potato starch. Manufacturers add this to prevent the shreds from clumping together in the bag. While potato starch is a natural ingredient, it is a concentrated source of carbohydrates. Even a small dusting of this starch adds up, potentially pushing your daily net carb limit over the 20-30g threshold required to stay in ketosis.

Additionally, the blend contains natamycin, a natural mold inhibitor. While natamycin is generally considered safe and does not impact carb counts, it indicates that the cheese has been processed to extend shelf life. For a strict Keto dieter, the potato starch is the dealbreaker here.

Nutritional Value

If you were to eat pure cheddar cheese, the nutritional profile would be perfect for Keto: high in satiating fats and calcium with negligible sugar. However, the 'Triple cheddar shredded' variety alters this balance. The addition of potato starch introduces hidden carbohydrates.

When calculating your macros, you must account for the starch. This additive increases the total carb count and, more importantly, the net carbs (Total Carbs minus Fiber). While the fat content remains high, the presence of starch dilutes the purity of the fat source. If you are following a strict Keto regimen, these extra carbs from the starch can prevent you from reaching ketosis or slow down weight loss progress.