Ingredient

Lactic Starters

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Lactic starters are used to develop flavor, texture, and aroma in fermented foods. They …

What it is

Lactic starters are cultures of beneficial bacteria, primarily lactic acid bacteria, used to ferment foods. They are naturally found in milk and are essential for making many dairy products like cheese and yogurt. These bacteria convert sugars into lactic acid, which gives fermented foods their characteristic tangy flavor and helps preserve them.

Why it's used

Lactic starters are used to develop flavor, texture, and aroma in fermented foods. They act as a key ingredient in the production of cheese, yogurt, butter, and cultured buttermilk. They also play a role in preserving foods like sauerkraut, pickles, and olives by lowering pH.

Health notes

Lactic starters are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. The bacteria in these cultures are often considered probiotics, which are live microorganisms that may provide health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts. JECFA and EFSA have evaluated lactic acid bacteria and their metabolic products, generally considering them safe for consumption. Research is ongoing into the specific health effects of various probiotic strains.

Allergen info

Lactic starters themselves are not derived from the 9 FDA major allergens. However, if they are used in dairy products, the final product will contain milk allergens.

Products containing Lactic Starters

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DOUX DE MONTAGNE Doux De Montagne, Creamy French Mountain Cheese Cheese High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 321kcal 21.4Protein 25Fat 0Carbs Echire, Beurre De Baratte ECHIRE Echire, Beurre De Baratte Butter & Spread High in saturated fat — 300% DV per serving 728kcal 0.4Protein 82Fat —Carbs French Soft Sheep's Milk Cheese Ripened In Brine VALBRESO French Soft Sheep's Milk Cheese Ripened In Brine Cheese High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 286kcal 14.3Protein 21.4Fat 3.6Carbs Echire, Beurre De Baratte D' Excellence ECHIRE Echire, Beurre De Baratte D' Excellence Butter & Spread High in saturated fat — 290% DV per serving 723kcal 0.5Protein 80Fat —Carbs SAINT ANDRE Triple Creme - Soft Ripened Cheese Cheese High in saturated fat — 40% DV per serving 429kcal 10.7Protein 42.9Fat 0Carbs SAINT ANDRE Triple Creme - Soft Ripened Cheese, Triple Creme Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt High in saturated fat — 40% DV per serving 429kcal 10.7Protein —Fat 0Carbs NOT A BRANDED ITEM Cheese Croquettes, Cheese Frozen Appetizers & Hors D'oeuvres High in sodium — 25% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 200kcal 6.7Protein 7.8Fat 22.2Carbs Weis Markets, Inc. Spinach & Feta Fully Cooked Chicken Sausage, Spinach & Feta Sausages, Hotdogs & Brats High in sodium — 30% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 23% DV per serving 118kcal 17.6Protein 4.1Fat 1.2Carbs Ahold USA, Inc. Cheese Cheese High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 429kcal 25Protein 35.7Fat 0Carbs ANCO Fine Cheese a Division of Schratter Foods, Inc. Entre Mont, Comte Cheese Bites Cheese High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 419kcal 29.9Protein 35.9Fat 6.0Carbs Corly International Cosmetic Paysan Breton, The Whipped Cheese Cheese High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 254kcal 7.1Protein 25Fat 3.6Carbs Roquefort Societe Des Caves Roquefort Cheese High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 357kcal 17.9Protein 32.1Fat 0Carbs
Salt (18 products) Pasteurized Goat's Milk (5 products) Rennet (5 products) Water (4 products) Sugar (4 products) Spices (4 products) Sea Salt (3 products) Citric Acid (3 products) Milk (3 products) Goat Cheese (3 products)

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.