Ingredient

Lactic Acid Cheese Culture

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Source

Animal-derived

Allergen

Role in food

Manufacturers use lactic acid cheese cultures to initiate the cheesemaking process, converting milk sugars …

What it is

Lactic acid cheese culture is a starter culture containing live bacteria, typically from the Lactococcus, Lactobacillus, or Streptococcus genera. These bacteria are naturally present in milk and are used to ferment lactose (milk sugar) into lactic acid. This process is essential for developing the characteristic flavor, texture, and aroma of many cheeses.

Why it's used

Manufacturers use lactic acid cheese cultures to initiate the cheesemaking process, converting milk sugars into lactic acid. This acidification helps to coagulate milk proteins, contributing to the desired firmness and texture of cheese. It is also responsible for the tangy flavor profile found in many dairy products.

Health notes

Lactic acid is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a food ingredient. It is a naturally occurring substance in the body and is involved in metabolism. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated lactic acid and its salts, and EFSA has also assessed its safety. Typical dietary intake is considered safe.

Allergen info

Lactic acid itself is not a major allergen. However, cheese cultures are derived from milk, which is one of the nine FDA major allergens.

Products containing Lactic Acid Cheese Culture

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MELANIE'S MEDLEYS Flavored Cream Cheese, Salted Caramel Cheese High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 357kcal 7.1Protein 28.6Fat 14.3Carbs WEGMANS Lox Cream Cheese, Lox Cream Cheese High in saturated fat — 22% DV per serving 286kcal 10.7Protein 28.6Fat 3.6Carbs WEGMANS Scallion Cream Cheese, Scallion Cheese High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 321kcal 7.1Protein 28.6Fat 7.1Carbs WEGMANS Plain Whipped Cream Cheese, Plain Cheese High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 321kcal 7.1Protein 32.1Fat 7.1Carbs WEGMANS Vanilla, Walnut & Raisin Cream Cheese, Vanilla, Walnut & Raisin Cheese High in saturated fat — 22% DV per serving 357kcal 7.1Protein 28.6Fat 17.9Carbs WEGMANS Vegetable Cream Cheese, Vegetable Cheese High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 321kcal 7.1Protein 28.6Fat 7.1Carbs WEGMANS Pumkin Pie Cream Cheese, Pumkin Pie Cheese 286kcal 3.6Protein 21.4Fat 21.4Carbs Aldon Food Corporation Vegetable Cream Cheese, Vegetable Cheese High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 321kcal 7.1Protein 28.6Fat 7.1Carbs Aldon Food Corporation Raisin, Apple & Cinnamon Cream Cheese, Raisin, Apple & Cinnamon Cheese High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 321kcal 3.6Protein 25Fat 25Carbs Aldon Food Corporation Plain Cream Cheese, Plain Cheese High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 321kcal 7.1Protein 32.1Fat 7.1Carbs Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. Vanilla, Walnut & Raisin Cream Cheese, Vanilla, Walnut & Raisin Cream Cheese High in saturated fat — 22% DV per serving 357kcal 7.1Protein 28.6Fat 17.9Carbs

Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. Strawberry Cream Cheese, Strawberry Cheese 286kcal 3.6Protein 21.4Fat 17.9Carbs

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.