Ingredient

Milk Cheese Cultures

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Source

Animal-derived

Allergen

Role in food

Manufacturers add cheese cultures to dairy products to create or enhance cheese flavors. They …

What it is

Milk cheese cultures are live or inactive microorganisms, usually bacteria, used to produce cheese. They are added to milk to start the fermentation process, which develops the characteristic flavor, texture, and aroma of cheese. Different strains of bacteria are used for different types of cheese.

Why it's used

Manufacturers add cheese cultures to dairy products to create or enhance cheese flavors. They are essential for making cheese and are also used in other foods like snacks, sauces, and frozen meals to provide a savory, cheesy taste. The cultures help in the ripening and flavor development of the final product.

Health notes

Milk cheese cultures are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as intended. They are a natural part of many fermented foods and are not associated with adverse health effects at typical consumption levels. International bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated various microbial cultures used in food production. Evidence does not suggest significant health concerns from consuming foods containing these cultures.

Allergen info

Milk cheese cultures are derived from milk, which is one of the 9 FDA major allergens. Therefore, products containing them are considered to contain a major allergen.

Products containing Milk Cheese Cultures

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Frito-Lay Company Corn & Potato Snacks Fries, Bacon Cheddar Other Snacks 536kcal 7.1Protein 28.6Fat 60.7Carbs General Mills, Inc. Tuna Helper, Pasta And Cheesy Sauce Mix, Tuna Melt, Tuna Melt Pasta Dinners High in sodium — 27% DV per serving 361kcal 8.3Protein 2.8Fat 72.2Carbs General Mills, Inc. Pasta, Broccoli, Carrots & Cheese Sauce, Lightly Sauced Frozen Dinners & Entrees High in sodium — 41% DV per serving 97kcal 3.4Protein 1.5Fat 18.1Carbs Finlay Extracts & Ingredients USA, Inc. Roundy's, Cheddar Cheese Condensed Soup Canned Condensed Soup High in sodium — 37% DV per serving 72kcal 1.6Protein 4Fat 8Carbs UTZ Quality Foods, LLC Puffs, Cheese Other Snacks High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 536kcal 7.1Protein 39.3Fat 57.1Carbs Don Miguel Mexican Foods, Inc. Beef, Beans, & Cheese Sauce With Red Chiles Burrito Frozen Dinners & Entrees High in sodium — 35% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 35% DV per serving 253kcal 8.2Protein 10Fat 31.8Carbs Popcornopolis LLC Delicious Aged White Cheddar Popcorn, Aged White Cheddar Popcorn, Peanuts, Seeds & Related Snacks 571kcal 10.7Protein 35.7Fat 53.6Carbs Sunshine Biscuits, Inc. Original Letters Baked Snack Crackers, Original Flavored Snack Crackers 467kcal —Protein —Fat 66.7Carbs

Nestle USA Inc. Steak & Cheddar Cheddar Cheese With Sauce In A Crispy Buttery Crust Sandwiches, Steak & Cheddar Frozen Appetizers & Hors D'oeuvres High in sodium — 28% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 35% DV per serving 244kcal 11.0Protein 10.2Fat 26.0Carbs

Food Town Stores Inc. Sharp Cheddar Pasteurized Snack Cheese Product, Sharp Cheddar Cheese High in sodium — 20% DV per serving 250kcal 12.5Protein 18.8Fat 9.4Carbs

Bi-Lo Inc. Salsa Sesame Sticks & Chips, Salsa Peanuts, Corn Nuggets, Almonds & Pepitas (Pumpkin Seeds) Trail Mix, Salsa Popcorn, Peanuts, Seeds & Related Snacks 567kcal 20Protein 40Fat 33.3Carbs Frito-Lay Company Cheddar & Sour Cream Flavored Potato Chips, Cheddar; Sour Cream Chips, Pretzels & Snacks 541kcal 7.1Protein 35.3Fat 54.1Carbs

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.