Ingredient

Parmesan And Cheddar Cheeses

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Source
Animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers add Parmesan and Cheddar cheeses to foods primarily for their distinct savory flavors, …

What it is

Parmesan is a hard, granular cheese originating from Italy, while Cheddar is a relatively hard, off-white, sometimes sharp-tasting natural cheese from England. Both are traditionally made from cow's milk through a process of curdling, pressing, and aging.

Why it's used

Manufacturers add Parmesan and Cheddar cheeses to foods primarily for their distinct savory flavors, creamy textures, and desirable melting properties. They are frequently used in pasta dishes, frozen meals, sauces, and various baked goods to enhance taste and mouthfeel.

Health notes

Parmesan and Cheddar cheeses are regulated as food ingredients by the FDA. They are a good source of protein and calcium, but also contribute saturated fat and sodium to the diet. For individuals with lactose intolerance, consuming these cheeses may cause digestive discomfort, although hard, aged cheeses generally contain lower levels of lactose. These cheeses are not evaluated by JECFA or EFSA as food additives, but as common food components.

Allergen info

This ingredient contains milk, which is one of the nine major food allergens identified by the FDA.

Products containing Parmesan And Cheddar Cheeses

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Conagra Brands BERTOLLI Chicken Parmigianino And Penne Dinner, 24 OZ Dough Based Products / Meals High in sodium — 54% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 144kcal 7.1Protein 5.9Fat 15.9Carbs Finlay Extracts & Ingredients USA, Inc. Roundy's, Three Cheese Skillet Dinner Pasta Dinners High in sodium — 23% DV per serving 324kcal 8.8Protein 1.5Fat 64.7Carbs Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc. Pasta Salad, Creamy Parmesan Pasta Dinners 356kcal 11.1Protein 1.1Fat 75.6Carbs Harris-Teeter Inc. Chipotle Ranch Dressing, Chipotle Ranch Salad Dressing & Mayonnaise 433kcal 0Protein 46.7Fat 3.3Carbs Kraft Heinz Foods Company Southwestern Taco Skillet Veggie Protein Crumbles, Peppers, Onions, Black Beans, Corn, Tomatoes, And Brown Rice Tossed In Southwestern Sauce, Southwestern Taco Frozen Dinners & Entrees 82kcal 4.7Protein 2.4Fat 11.8Carbs Pabst Brewing Company Chipotle Ranch Dressing, Chipotle Ranch Salad Dressing & Mayonnaise 433kcal 0Protein 46.7Fat 3.3Carbs Hannaford Bros. Co. Spinach & Artichoke Dip Dips & Salsa 156kcal 3.1Protein 12.5Fat 9.4Carbs Food Town Stores Inc. Spinach & Artichoke Dip Dips & Salsa 156kcal 3.1Protein 12.5Fat 9.4Carbs Conagra Frozen Foods Chicken Parmigiana & Penne Breaded White Meat Chicken With Penne, Juicy Tomatoes And Mozzarella In A Savory Tomato Sauce, Chicken Parmigiana & Penne Frozen Dinners & Entrees High in sodium — 33% DV per serving 135kcal 6.5Protein 5.1Fat 15.8Carbs Conagra Frozen Foods Chicken Parmigiana & Penne Pasta And Breaded White Meat Chicken In A Tomato Mozzarella Sauce, Chicken Parmigiana & Penne Frozen Dinners & Entrees High in sodium — 40% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 149kcal 7.5Protein 5.9Fat 16.1Carbs Bertolli Frozen Skillet Meals Family Size Chicken Parmigiana & Penne, 36 oz. Conagra Brands, Inc Bertolli Frozen Skillet Meals Family Size Chicken Parmigiana & Penne, 36 oz. Dough Based Products / Meals High in sodium — 29% DV per serving —kcal 5.2Protein 3.8Fat 16.4Carbs Marie Callender's Classic Chicken Parmigiana Bowl, Frozen Meal, 12.5 oz. Conagra Brands, Inc Marie Callender's Classic Chicken Parmigiana Bowl, Frozen Meal, 12.5 oz. Ready-Made Combination Meals High in sodium — 57% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 20% DV per serving 138kcal 7.6Protein 5.1Fat 15.0Carbs

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.