Chedder Cheese
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What it is
Cheddar cheese is a hard, natural cheese made from cow's milk. It is produced by culturing milk, adding rennet to coagulate the milk proteins, pressing the curds to remove whey, and then aging the cheese for various periods, which develops its characteristic flavor and texture.
Why it's used
Manufacturers add Cheddar cheese to packaged foods primarily for its distinct savory flavor, creamy texture, and melting properties. It is frequently used in dishes like macaroni and cheese, dips, sauces, and various snack foods to enhance taste and mouthfeel.
Health notes
Cheddar cheese is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA as a common food ingredient. It is a source of protein and calcium, but also contains saturated fat and sodium. The 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggest limiting saturated fat intake to less than 10% of daily calories, and the FDA Daily Value for sodium is 2,300 mg. JECFA and EFSA have evaluated dairy products as part of a regular diet, but not Cheddar cheese as a specific food additive.
Allergen info
Cheddar cheese is derived from milk, which is one of the nine major food allergens identified by the FDA.