Cultured
What is Cultured?
Cultured refers to a food product that has undergone fermentation, typically by beneficial bacteria or yeasts. This process can enhance flavor, texture, and digestibility. Many dairy products, like cheese and yogurt, are cultured.
Is Cultured vegan?
No. Cultured is animal-derived, so it is not vegan.
Is Cultured a major allergen?
Cultured dairy products are derived from milk, which is one of the 9 FDA major allergens.
What is Cultured used for?
Manufacturers use cultured ingredients to develop characteristic tangy flavors and creamy textures in products like cheese, yogurt, sour cream, and buttermilk.
Is Cultured safe?
Cultured ingredients are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA.
Why it's used
Manufacturers use cultured ingredients to develop characteristic tangy flavors and creamy textures in products like cheese, yogurt, sour cream, and buttermilk. Culturing can also act as a natural preservative by lowering pH, inhibiting spoilage organisms. It's also found in some marinades and seasoning mixes.
Health notes
Cultured ingredients are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. The fermentation process can increase the bioavailability of certain nutrients and introduce beneficial probiotics, which may support gut health. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated many cultured ingredients. Evidence does not suggest adverse health effects from typical consumption.
Allergen info
Cultured dairy products are derived from milk, which is one of the 9 FDA major allergens. If cultured from other sources, check the specific product ingredients.
Foods that contain Cultured
Compare products →
Learn more
Auto-generated content. This description was generated automatically and is pending editorial review. Inaccuracies are possible. Found a mistake? Contact us.