Mozzarella cheese traditionally shredded

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70 Good
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Summary

This mozzarella cheese is made from whole milk and contains beneficial ingredients like pasteurized milk and cheese cultures, which contribute to its nutritional value. However, it includes natamycin as an anti-caking agent, which is a preservative some consumers prefer to avoid. The product is processed, which limits its score despite the relatively clean ingredient list.

At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 2
Harmful ingredients 1
Owned by Ahold Delhaize
Category Cheese

Key ingredients 7

Low-moisture whole milk mozzarella cheese
Good

This is a minimally processed cheese made from whole milk, providing a good source of protein and calcium. The low moisture content enhances shelf life and flavor concentration. It is a traditional dairy product with no artificial additives.

Benefits

Rich in protein and calcium, supporting bone health and muscle maintenance.

Pasteurized milk
Good

Pasteurized milk is used to ensure safety by eliminating harmful bacteria while retaining nutritional value. It is a primary ingredient in cheese production, contributing to its protein and calcium content. The pasteurization process is standard for dairy safety.

Benefits

Provides essential nutrients such as calcium and protein, important for bone and muscle health.

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Cheese culture
Neutral

Cheese culture consists of bacteria used to ferment milk, essential for cheese flavor and texture development. It is a natural component of cheese-making with no direct health risks. The cultures are crucial for the fermentation process but do not add significant nutritional value.

Benefits

Essential for developing the characteristic flavor and texture of cheese.

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Salt
Neutral

Salt is used in cheese for flavor enhancement and preservation. It is a common ingredient in cheese-making, contributing to taste and shelf life. While necessary for flavor, excessive consumption can lead to health issues.

Risks

High sodium intake can contribute to hypertension and cardiovascular issues.

Benefits

Enhances flavor and acts as a preservative in cheese.

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Enzymes
Neutral

Enzymes are used in cheese-making to coagulate milk, forming curds. They are a natural part of the cheese production process. Enzymes do not contribute significant nutritional value but are essential for cheese texture.

Benefits

Crucial for the cheese-making process, aiding in curd formation.

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Anti-caking blend
Neutral

The anti-caking blend, consisting of potato starch and tapioca starch, prevents cheese shreds from clumping. These starches are minimally processed and commonly used in food products. They do not add nutritional value but improve product usability.

Benefits

Improves the usability of shredded cheese by preventing clumping.

Natamycin
Bad

Natamycin is a natural antifungal used to prevent mold growth on cheese. While effective as a preservative, it is an additive that some consumers prefer to avoid. It is generally recognized as safe but may be unnecessary in traditional cheese-making.

Risks

Overuse of preservatives can lead to reduced microbial diversity in the gut.

Benefits

Prevents mold growth, extending the shelf life of cheese.

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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