Ingredient

Cheese Whey

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Source
Animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers use whey for its nutritional value and functional properties. It can act as …

What it is

Cheese whey is the liquid byproduct of cheesemaking. It is primarily water, but also contains lactose (milk sugar), proteins, minerals, and vitamins. It is separated from the solid curds during the cheese production process.

Why it's used

Manufacturers use whey for its nutritional value and functional properties. It can act as a sweetener, emulsifier, and flavor enhancer. Whey is commonly found in processed cheese products, baked goods, sauces, and dairy-based beverages.

Health notes

In the US, whey is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. It is a source of high-quality protein and other nutrients. International bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated whey and its components. Evidence suggests whey protein may support muscle growth and recovery, but research is ongoing.

Allergen info

Whey is derived from milk, which is one of the 9 FDA major allergens. It does not contain gluten.

Products containing Cheese Whey

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GOLDING FOODS Aged Cheddar Cheese Sauce Ketchup, Mustard, BBQ & Cheese Sauce High in sodium — 20% DV per serving 113kcal 1.6Protein 7.3Fat 9.7Carbs Riverside Foods Cheddar Cheese Jalapeno Snappers 4655 Cheese/Cheese Substitutes High in sodium — 50% DV per serving 177kcal 6Protein 6Fat 25Carbs Hy-Vee, Inc. Buffalo Style Chicken Cheesy Dip, Buffalo Style Chicken Frozen Appetizers & Hors D'oeuvres 182kcal 12.1Protein 12.1Fat 6.1Carbs Smart & Final Iris Corporation Nacho Cheese Sauce Ketchup, Mustard, BBQ & Cheese Sauce High in sodium — 22% DV per serving 129kcal 1.6Protein 9.7Fat 9.7Carbs Mercado Latino, Inc. Nacho Cheese Sauce Ketchup, Mustard, BBQ & Cheese Sauce High in sodium — 22% DV per serving 129kcal 1.6Protein 9.7Fat 9.7Carbs Juanita's Foods, Inc. Nacho Cheese Sauce, Medium Ketchup, Mustard, BBQ & Cheese Sauce High in sodium — 21% DV per serving 113kcal 0Protein 7.3Fat 9.7Carbs Mercado Latino, Inc. Nacho Cheese Sauce Cheese High in sodium — 22% DV per serving 129kcal 1.6Protein 9.7Fat 9.7Carbs Great American Snacks, Inc. Great American Appetizers, Cheddar & Bacon Potato Skins Frozen Appetizers & Hors D'oeuvres High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 260kcal 11.5Protein 11.5Fat 29.8Carbs Ahold USA, Inc. Giant, Potato Skins, Cheddar & Bacon, Cheddar & Bacon Frozen Appetizers & Hors D'oeuvres High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 263kcal 11.1Protein 11.1Fat 28.3Carbs Ahold USA, Inc. Giant, Buffalo Style Chicken & Cheese Dip Frozen Appetizers & Hors D'oeuvres 121kcal 9.1Protein 7.6Fat 3.0Carbs Gehl Foods, LLC Gehl's, Cheese Sauce Nacho, Milk Cheddar, Milk Cheddar Ketchup, Mustard, BBQ & Cheese Sauce High in sodium — 24% DV per serving 113kcal 0Protein 8.1Fat 9.7Carbs US Foods, Inc. Sauce, Cheddar Cheese Ketchup, Mustard, BBQ & Cheese Sauce High in sodium — 22% DV per serving 113kcal 0Protein 8.1Fat 9.7Carbs

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.