Ingredient

Lactic Starter Culture

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Allergen

Role in food

Manufacturers add lactic starter cultures to produce desirable flavors, textures, and preservation in foods …

What it is

Lactic starter cultures are live microorganisms, typically bacteria, used to ferment foods. They are grown in a controlled environment and then added to food products to initiate or enhance the fermentation process.

Why it's used

Manufacturers add lactic starter cultures to produce desirable flavors, textures, and preservation in foods like yogurt, cheese, and sourdough bread. They are essential for the characteristic tangy taste and firm texture of many dairy products and baked goods.

Health notes

Lactic starter cultures are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. These bacteria are often beneficial, contributing to gut health, and are a key component of fermented foods. International bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated starter cultures, generally considering them safe for their intended use. There are no widespread controversies regarding their consumption at typical levels.

Allergen info

Lactic starter cultures themselves are not a major allergen. However, if derived from milk, they may be a concern for individuals with milk allergies.

Products containing Lactic Starter Culture

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General Mills, Inc. Pizza Poppers, Uncured Pepperoni Pizza 247kcal 8.6Protein 9.9Fat 33.3Carbs Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. Pepperoni Cheese Bread, Pepperoni Cheese Breads & Buns 263kcal 12.3Protein 10.5Fat 29.8Carbs Bread & Circus Inc. Whole Foods Market, Quiche Lorraine Other Deli High in sodium — 24% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 40% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 45% DV per serving 301kcal 11.7Protein 21.4Fat 14.6Carbs Bread & Circus Inc. Whole Foods Market, Lorraine Quiche Other Deli High in sodium — 27% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 40% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 50% DV per serving 287kcal 10.7Protein 20.5Fat 14.8Carbs Harry's Farmers Market, Ltd. Whole Foods Market, New England Clam Chowder Other Soups High in sodium — 28% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 70% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 28% DV per serving 145kcal 4.0Protein 10.1Fat 9.7Carbs Coblentz Distributing, Inc. Old Fashioned Beef Sticks Other Snacks High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 429kcal 17.9Protein 35.7Fat 7.1Carbs

Belgian Boys USA LLC Key Lime Three-Layer Cheesecake, Key Lime Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 55% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 28% DV per serving 365kcal 4.7Protein 23.5Fat 35.3Carbs

Target Stores Italian Trio Uncured Salame Calabrese, Uncured Salame Milano, Uncured Peppered Salame, Italian Trio Pepperoni, Salami & Cold Cuts High in sodium — 21% DV per serving 357kcal 28.6Protein 25Fat 3.6Carbs

Pepperoni Pizza, Pepperoni Pizza High in sodium — 36% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 174kcal 11.8Protein 10.4Fat 19.4Carbs Target Stores Spinach & Feta Cheese Pizza With Organic Spinach And Feta & Mozzarella Cheeses On A Wood-Fired, Hand Stretched Crust, Spinach & Feta Cheese Pizza High in sodium — 31% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 203kcal 13.0Protein 7.2Fat 23.9Carbs Target Stores Three Cheese Pizza With Organic Emmentaler, Mozzarella & Aged Cheeses On A Wood-Fired, Hand Stretched Crust, Three Cheese Pizza High in saturated fat — 35% DV per serving 228kcal 10.2Protein 8.7Fat 29.9Carbs Target Stores Harvest Pumpkin Sauce Wood-Fired Flatbread Pizza With Mozzarella & Feta Cheeses, Red Onion & Arugula, Harvest Pumpkin Sauce Pizza High in sodium — 28% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 220kcal 9.1Protein 8.3Fat 27.3Carbs

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.