Cheese Sauce Ingredients: Cheese Whey

Cheese whey is the liquid remaining after milk has been curdled and strained, typically during the process of making cheese or casein. It is a byproduct of cheesemaking and contains lactose, proteins, minerals, and water-soluble vitamins. The whey is often further processed, such as by drying, to create powdered ingredients.

Manufacturers add cheese whey and its derivatives to foods for flavor, nutrition, and texture. It can act as a binder, emulsifier, and flavor enhancer. It is commonly found in processed cheese products, baked goods, snacks like crackers and chips, and sometimes in dairy-based beverages.

Cheese whey ingredients are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as food ingredients. They are a source of protein and minerals. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have not raised specific concerns about the consumption of whey in typical food amounts. No significant health controversies are associated with its use as a food ingredient.