Ingredient

Hard Cheese

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Source

Animal-derived

Allergen

Role in food

Hard cheese is used to add a rich, savory flavor and a firm texture …

What it is

Hard cheese is a type of cheese that has been aged for a long time, typically from several months to several years. This aging process removes moisture, resulting in a firm texture and concentrated flavor. Hard cheeses are made from milk, usually cow's milk, and involve processes like coagulation, cutting the curd, cooking, draining, and pressing.

Why it's used

Hard cheese is used to add a rich, savory flavor and a firm texture to foods. It melts well, making it ideal for toppings and sauces. It is commonly found in pizzas, pasta dishes, sauces, and frozen meals.

Health notes

Hard cheese is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. It is a source of protein, calcium, and other nutrients. Like other dairy products, it contains saturated fat and sodium, which should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. JECFA has evaluated cheese and its components. Evidence does not suggest adverse health effects from typical consumption.

Allergen info

Hard cheese is derived from milk, which is one of the nine FDA major allergens. It does not contain gluten.

Products containing Hard Cheese

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ITALPIZZA Woodfired Garden Vegetable Pizza Pizza High in sodium — 21% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 208kcal 7.7Protein 9.2Fat 26.9Carbs Santini Foods, Inc Italian Pasta Sauce Prepared Pasta & Pizza Sauces 235kcal 2.9Protein 20.6Fat 8.8Carbs LMH Brokerage LLC Ravioloni Pasta, Porcini Mushrooms Pasta by Shape & Type High in sodium — 31% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 23% DV per serving 264kcal 12Protein 5.6Fat 40.8Carbs Alimentitalia / I.F.C. Basil Pesto, Basil Prepared Pasta & Pizza Sauces High in sodium — 35% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 55% DV per serving 567kcal 5Protein 56.7Fat 8.3Carbs Santini Foods, Inc Santini, Sundried Tomato Pesto, Italian Pasta Sauce Prepared Pasta & Pizza Sauces 412kcal 5.9Protein 35.3Fat 17.6Carbs Raley's Wood Fired Crust Pizza, Pesto & Goat Cheese Pizza High in sodium — 30% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 263kcal 10.5Protein 12.0Fat 28.6Carbs Green Chemical Products Inc. Creamy Cheese Risotto Frozen Dinners & Entrees High in saturated fat — 40% DV per serving 179kcal 5Protein 9.3Fat 20Carbs Raley's Italian Flatbread Pizza, Pesto & Spinach Pizza High in sodium — 28% DV per serving 204kcal 8.8Protein 4.4Fat 31.0Carbs Esti Foods LLC Margherita Tomato Sauce, Mozzarella, Tomatoes, Pesto, Oregano Pizza, Margherita Pizza High in sodium — 23% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 193kcal 10.2Protein 8.2Fat 19.7Carbs Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. Cauliflower Hash Browns, Cauliflower French Fries, Potatoes & Onion Rings 180kcal 6Protein 9Fat 17Carbs

Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. Cauliflower Hash Browns, Cauliflower Frozen Vegetables 180kcal 6Protein 9Fat 17Carbs Common Good LLC Ravioli, Pasta Filled With Ricotta And Spinach Pasta by Shape & Type 393kcal 14.3Protein 8.0Fat 66.1Carbs

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.