Ingredient

Cheeses

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Source

Animal-derived

Allergen

Role in food

Manufacturers add cheese to foods primarily for its distinct flavor, texture, and ability to …

What it is

Cheese is a food product made from milk, typically cow's, goat's, or sheep's milk. It is produced by curdling the milk protein (casein), separating the curds from the liquid whey, and then pressing and often aging the curds.

Why it's used

Manufacturers add cheese to foods primarily for its distinct flavor, texture, and ability to melt and bind ingredients. It is a common ingredient in many packaged foods, including pizzas, pasta dishes, sandwiches, and snack foods.

Health notes

Cheese is regulated by the FDA as a food product. It is a source of protein and calcium, but depending on the type, it can also contribute saturated fat and sodium to the diet. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend limiting saturated fat intake to less than 10% of daily calories. JECFA and EFSA primarily evaluate food additives and have not set an acceptable daily intake (ADI) for cheese as a food ingredient.

Allergen info

Cheese is derived from milk, which is one of the nine major food allergens identified by the FDA.

Products containing Cheeses

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SPARTAN Spartan, Rising Crust 4 Cheese Pizza Pizza High in sodium — 35% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 218kcal 9.0Protein 6.8Fat 30.8Carbs ALPINE MAID Alpine Maid, Smoked Swiss Cheese High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 339kcal 25Protein 25Fat 0Carbs Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. Thin Crust Pizza, Southwest Style Pizza High in sodium — 37% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 209kcal 10.8Protein 7.2Fat 25.2Carbs

PAGANI Ravioli Filled With Cheese And Cruffle Pasta by Shape & Type High in sodium — 20% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 20% DV per serving 386kcal 12.3Protein 8.8Fat 61.4Carbs Conagra Brands CHEF BOYARDEE Dinos With Meatballs Mini Bites, 15 OZ Pasta/Noodles High in sodium — 26% DV per serving 105kcal 3.6Protein 4.5Fat 13.0Carbs Hy-Vee, Inc. Hand Toasted Pepperoni Pizza Pizza High in sodium — 37% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 244kcal 9.6Protein 11.1Fat 27.4Carbs Kraft Heinz Foods Company Bacon And Cheddar Dip, Bacon And Cheddar Cheese 188kcal 3.1Protein 15.6Fat 9.4Carbs Topco Associates, Inc. Supreme Made With Italian Sausage, Pepperoni, Red & Green Peppers, Black Olives & Onions Pizzeria Style Pizza, Supreme Pizza High in sodium — 38% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 232kcal 8.6Protein 10.6Fat 24.5Carbs Topco Associates, Inc. Pepperoni Ultra Thin Crust Pizza, Pepperoni Pizza High in sodium — 48% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 50% DV per serving 258kcal 11.3Protein 14.5Fat 19.5Carbs Topco Associates, Inc. Four Meat Made With Pepperoni, Italian Sausage, Canadian Bacon & Bacon Thin & Crispy Crust Pizza, Four Meat Pizza High in sodium — 37% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 233kcal 10.5Protein 9.8Fat 25.6Carbs Topco Associates, Inc. Supreme Made With Italian Sausage, Pepperoni, Onions, Red, Yellow & Green Peppers Thin & Crispy Crust Pizza, Supreme Pizza High in sodium — 32% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 227kcal 9.2Protein 9.9Fat 24.1Carbs Topco Associates, Inc. Smokehouse Made With Mozzarella Cheese, Cheddar Cheese, Canadian Bacon, Italian Sausage, Bacon & Red Onion Pizzeria Style Pizza Pizza High in sodium — 33% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 237kcal 9.6Protein 8.9Fat 28.1Carbs

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.