Ingredient

And Cultures

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Source
Unknown
Not yet classified by editors
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers add cultures to foods to help with fermentation, which can improve flavor, texture, …

What it is

And Cultures is a general term for live microorganisms, often bacteria or yeasts, that are added to foods. They are typically grown in a laboratory or on a nutrient-rich medium. These cultures are then added to food products to perform specific functions, such as fermentation or to add beneficial microbes.

Why it's used

Manufacturers add cultures to foods to help with fermentation, which can improve flavor, texture, and preservation. They are commonly found in dairy products like yogurt and cheese, as well as in fermented vegetables like sauerkraut and kimchi. Some baked goods also use cultures for leavening or flavor development.

Health notes

Cultures used in food are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. Many cultures are considered probiotics, which are live microorganisms that may provide health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts, though research is ongoing. International bodies like the WHO/FAO Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have evaluated many specific strains of cultures, often finding them safe for intended use. Evidence on the specific health benefits of different cultures is still evolving.

Allergen info

Depending on the specific culture and the medium it is grown on, it may be derived from major allergens. For example, some cultures are grown on dairy or soy. Always check the product's ingredient list for specific allergen information.

Products containing And Cultures

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Orange Music, Inc. Parmela Creamery, Creamy Treenut Cheese, Kalamata Olive, Kalamata Olive Cheese 310kcal 10Protein 30Fat 10Carbs Orange Music, Inc. Parmela Creamery, Creamy Nutcheese, Original, Original Cheese 310kcal 10Protein 30Fat 10Carbs Prairie Farms Dairy, Inc. Premium Ice Cream Bars, Peppermint Cheesecake Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 304kcal 3.6Protein 17.9Fat 28.6Carbs Ahold USA, Inc. Pancake & Waffle Mix, Triple Berry Cake, Cookie & Cupcake Mixes 360kcal 10Protein 0Fat 78Carbs Orange Music, Inc. Parmela Creamery, Creamy Nutcheese Cheese 310kcal 10Protein 30Fat 10Carbs Delhaize America, Inc. Lemon Blueberry Pancake & Waffle Mix Cake, Cookie & Cupcake Mixes High in sodium — 21% DV per serving 340kcal 10Protein 0Fat 76Carbs Traditional Plain Organic Kefir Lowfat Cultured Milk, Traditional Plain Clover Stornetta Farms, Inc. Traditional Plain Organic Kefir Lowfat Cultured Milk, Traditional Plain Yogurt 49kcal 4.1Protein 1.0Fat 6.2Carbs Relish Labs LLC Steak With Garlic-Herb Butter And Buttermilk-Cheddar Mashed Potatoes And Zucchini Meal Kits, Steak With Garlic-Herb Butter Other Deli High in sodium — 37% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 60% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 46% DV per serving 99kcal 8.1Protein —Fat 7.4Carbs Relish Labs LLC Jalapeno Popper Chicken Penne Alfredo Meal Kits, Jalapeno Popper Chicken Penne Alfredo Other Deli High in sodium — 38% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 60% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 40% DV per serving 188kcal —Protein 6.2Fat 19.3Carbs Relish Labs LLC Buffalo-Style Pork Meatballs With Cheesy Ranch Green Beans Oven Kits, Buffalo-Style Other Deli High in sodium — 58% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 55% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 36% DV per serving 129kcal 9.1Protein 9.1Fat 6.0Carbs Relish Labs LLC Panko Crusted Ranch Chicken And Hot Honey Butter With Roasted Fingerlings And Parmesan Broccoli Meal Kits, Panko Crusted Ranch Chicken And Hot Honey Butter Other Deli High in sodium — 52% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 45% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 52% DV per serving 120kcal 10.0Protein 4.7Fat 9.2Carbs All-Purpose Ranch Seasoning All-Purpose Ranch Seasoning Seasoning Mixes, Salts, Marinades & Tenderizers 0kcal 0Protein 0Fat 143Carbs
Lactic Acid (12 products) Salt (11 products) Water (8 products) Spices (7 products) Skim Milk (7 products) Corn Starch (7 products) Sugar (7 products) Buttermilk Powder (6 products) Wheat Flour (5 products) Natural Flavors (5 products)

Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.