Ingredient

Cheese Cultures Enzymes

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Source
Unknown
Not yet classified by editors
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers use cheese cultures to develop the characteristic flavors, textures, and aromas of various …

What it is

Cheese cultures are live or dried microorganisms, typically bacteria, used to ferment milk and produce cheese. Enzymes are proteins that speed up chemical reactions, and in cheesemaking, they are often used to coagulate milk proteins, helping to form the curd. These can be naturally occurring in milk, produced by the cheese cultures, or added separately.

Why it's used

Manufacturers use cheese cultures to develop the characteristic flavors, textures, and aromas of various cheeses. Enzymes, such as rennet, are crucial for the curdling process, separating milk solids from whey. They are found in a wide range of cheese products, as well as foods where cheese flavor is desired.

Health notes

Cheese cultures and enzymes used in food production are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. They are essential for the production of fermented dairy products and are consumed in large quantities globally. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated these substances, and they are considered safe when used as intended. There is no widespread controversy regarding their consumption at typical levels.

Allergen info

Cheese cultures themselves are not a major allergen. However, cheese is derived from milk, which is one of the 9 FDA major allergens. Gluten is not typically present unless added during processing.

Products containing Cheese Cultures Enzymes

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MAMA COZZIS Cuban Brand Pizza, Cuban Brand Pizza High in sodium — 29% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 50% DV per serving 264kcal 11.5Protein 13.5Fat 25Carbs Cuban Brand Pizza, Cuban Brand MAMA COZZIS Cuban Brand Pizza, Cuban Brand Pizza High in sodium — 29% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 50% DV per serving 264kcal 11.5Protein 13.5Fat 25Carbs GS1 Ireland Dubliner Premium Spreadable Cheese Cheese High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 233kcal 16.7Protein 20Fat 0Carbs Mike-Sell's Potato Chip Co. Popcorn, Hot Cheese Popcorn, Peanuts, Seeds & Related Snacks 571kcal 7.1Protein 42.9Fat 46.4Carbs Best Rio Corporation Liberated Speciality Foods, Cheddar Crackers, Beyond Paleo, Beyond Paleo Flavored Snack Crackers 607kcal 35.7Protein 46.4Fat 10.7Carbs Heber Valley Artisan Cheese LLC Queso Fresco/Verde Fresh Whole Milk Cheese, Hot Green Salsa Cheese High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 371kcal 25Protein 32.1Fat 3.6Carbs Heber Valley Artisan Cheese LLC Cheddar Cheese, Tomato Basil Cheese High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 404kcal 3.6Protein 32.1Fat 0Carbs Heber Valley Artisan Cheese LLC Handcrafted Farmstead Cheddar Cheese, Lemon Sage Cheese High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 404kcal 3.6Protein 32.1Fat 0Carbs Renaissance Food Group, LLC Greek Salad With Chicken Breast & Red Wine Olive Oil Vinaigrette Dressing Pickles, Olives, Peppers & Relishes High in sodium — 60% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 110kcal 6.0Protein 8.1Fat 3.4Carbs Hand Rolled Chicken Wrap With Freshly Made Marinara Sauce And Ricotta 2 Cheese Italian Style Dish, 2 Cheese The Real Good Food Company LLC Hand Rolled Chicken Wrap With Freshly Made Marinara Sauce And Ricotta 2 Cheese Italian Style Dish, 2 Cheese Frozen Dinners & Entrees High in sodium — 21% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 35% DV per serving 141kcal 12.2Protein 7.0Fat 8.3Carbs King Cheese Inc. Ackawi Semi - Soft Cheese Cheese High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 321kcal 21.4Protein 28.6Fat 3.6Carbs Heber Valley Artisan Cheese LLC Jack Cheese Cheese High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 371kcal 25Protein 32.1Fat 3.6Carbs

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.