Ingredient

Lactic Culture

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Allergen

Role in food

Manufacturers use lactic cultures to produce characteristic flavors and textures in fermented foods, such …

What it is

Lactic culture is a starter culture containing live microorganisms, typically bacteria, that ferment sugars into lactic acid. These cultures are naturally present in many foods and are also intentionally added to foods like dairy products and fermented vegetables. The fermentation process contributes to flavor, texture, and preservation.

Why it's used

Manufacturers use lactic cultures to produce characteristic flavors and textures in fermented foods, such as cheese, yogurt, pickles, and sauerkraut. They act as natural preservatives by lowering pH and inhibiting the growth of spoilage microbes. Lactic cultures are essential for the traditional production of many dairy and vegetable products.

Health notes

Lactic cultures are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. They are considered probiotics by some, which are live microorganisms that may confer a health benefit when consumed in adequate amounts. JECFA has evaluated lactic cultures and their products, and EFSA has also assessed their safety. Research is ongoing into the specific health effects of different strains of lactic acid bacteria.

Allergen info

Lactic cultures themselves are not a major allergen. However, if derived from milk, they would be considered a dairy product. Gluten is not typically associated with lactic cultures.

Products containing Lactic Culture

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STONERIDGE Monterey Jack Cheese Cheese High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 357kcal 25Protein 32.1Fat 3.6Carbs QUESO DESMORONADO Chunk Of Cheese Cheese High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 286kcal 25Protein 28.6Fat 3.6Carbs Finlay Extracts & Ingredients USA, Inc. Authentic Organic Italian Wheat Macaroni Made With Organic Three Cheese Sauce Authentic Italian Macaroni & Cheese Frozen Dinners & Entrees High in sodium — 31% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 160kcal 7.1Protein 3.6Fat 24.4Carbs Taylor Fresh Foods, Inc. Earthbound Farm, Organic Chopped Salad Southwest Kit Pre-Packaged Fruit & Vegetables 130kcal 2Protein 9Fat 10Carbs Creare Ltd. Mild Cheddar Cheese Cheese High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 524kcal 28.6Protein 42.9Fat 0Carbs Creare Ltd. Rainbow Semisoft Cheese Cheese High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 381kcal 23.8Protein 33.3Fat 4.8Carbs

Quesos La Ricura Chunks Of Hard Cheese With Loroco Cheese High in sodium — 23% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 22% DV per serving 321kcal 17.9Protein 25Fat 3.6Carbs Karabetian Import & Export Nabulsi Cheese Cheese High in sodium — 37% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 250kcal 14.3Protein 21.4Fat 0Carbs Karabetian Import & Export Tazah, Feta Cheese Cheese High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 286kcal 14.3Protein 25Fat 0Carbs Glencourt Inc. BBQ Seasoned Chicken With BBQ Ranch Dressing Chopped Salad Pickles, Olives, Peppers & Relishes High in sodium — 26% DV per serving 120kcal 4.3Protein 6.5Fat 12.0Carbs Karabetian Import & Export Labneh In Oil Pickles, Olives, Peppers & Relishes High in sodium — 23% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 286kcal 17.9Protein 21.4Fat 0Carbs Karabetian Import & Export Shanklish Cheese In Oil Pickles, Olives, Peppers & Relishes 268kcal 17.9Protein 17.9Fat 0Carbs

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.