Man Spills the Beans on Wood Pulp in Popular Cheeses

Did you know some popular brands of cheeses include fillers like wood pulp? Well, it’s technically called cellulose – an additive derived from wood pulp that prevents cheese from clumping.

A recent video¹ exposé by a food enthusiast has gone viral, revealing some unsavory facts about these cheese products. Calling out brands like Kraft, Sargento, and Great Value.

What’s the Deal with Wood Pulp in Cheese?

Cellulose, often sourced from wood pulp, is a common food additive used in shredded and grated cheeses to prevent clumping and improve texture. While the FDA considers cellulose safe to consume (ref), some consumers may want to avoid it for various reasons:

1. Cellulose offers no nutritional value and is used as a filler, meaning you’re getting less actual cheese.
2. Some brands use excessive amounts of cellulose, up to 8.8% in some cases, which is well above the 2-4% deemed acceptable by the Center for Dairy Research.
3. Labeling can be misleading, with some “100% Grated Parmesan” products containing significant amounts of cellulose.

To ensure you’re getting high-quality, natural cheese without additives like wood pulp, consider these 15 clean label cheese brands:

1. Simple Truth (Kroger’s Organic Brand)

Simple Truth offers a variety of dairy-free cheese alternatives, including cream cheese and nutritional yeast, which provide a savory “cheesy” flavor without using any animal products.

2. Beehive Cheese

Beehive Cheese is known for its artisanal, small-batch cheeses made from high-quality milk. Their cheese products are free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.

3. Sartori

Sartori is a family-owned company that crafts award-winning Italian-style cheeses. They use traditional cheesemaking methods and high-quality ingredients to create unique flavors and textures.

4. 4C Grated Parmesan

4C offers grated Parmesan cheese, which is a popular topping for pasta dishes. Their cheese is made from high-quality milk and is free from artificial ingredients.

5. Cracker Barrel

Cracker Barrel is a popular brand of cheese that offers a variety of flavors and styles. Their cheese is made from high-quality milk and is free from artificial colors and flavors.

6. Raw Farm

Raw Farm is a brand that offers raw, unpasteurized cheese products. They believe that raw milk cheese is more nutritious and flavorful than pasteurized cheese.

7. Tillamook

Tillamook is a well-known dairy cooperative that produces a wide range of cheese products. They use high-quality milk from their own herd of cows and traditional cheesemaking methods to create their signature cheeses.

8. Murray’s Private Label

Murray’s is a specialty cheese shop that offers its own line of private label cheeses. These cheeses are carefully selected and aged to ensure exceptional quality and flavor.

9. Organic Valley

Organic Valley is a cooperative of organic farmers that produces a wide range of dairy products, including cheese. Their cheeses are made from organic milk and are free from synthetic hormones and pesticides.

10. Kerrygold

Kerrygold is an Irish dairy company known for its grass-fed butter and cheese. Their cheese products are made from the milk of cows that graze on lush, green pastures in Ireland.

11. Uplands

Uplands is a small, family-owned dairy farm that produces award-winning cheese. They use traditional cheesemaking methods and milk from their own herd of cows to create unique, flavorful cheeses.

12. Horizon Organic

Horizon Organic is a leading producer of organic dairy products, including cheese. Their cheese is made from organic milk and is free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.

13. BelGioioso

BelGioioso is an Italian-American cheese company that specializes in authentic Italian-style cheeses. They use traditional methods and high-quality ingredients to create their products.

14. Applegate Organics

Applegate Organics offers a range of organic and natural cheese products, including slices and shreds. Their cheese is made from organic milk and is free from artificial ingredients.

15. Cypress Grove

Cypress Grove is a specialty cheese company known for its unique and innovative cheese products. They use high-quality milk and traditional cheesemaking methods to create their signature cheeses.

Picking cheeses that are naturally delicious and free of fillers makes your food taste better and helps you support businesses that care about quality and honesty. You’ll enjoy the real taste of authentic cheese even more when you know it was made with skill and dedication.

Source:

1. https://www.tiktok.com/@bixbyfilms/video/7330674157190941995