Ingredient

Parmesan Cheese Parmesan Cheese

Auto-generated content. This description was generated automatically and is pending editorial review. Inaccuracies are possible. Found a mistake? Contact us.

Source
Animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers use Parmesan cheese as a flavoring ingredient, adding a rich, umami taste to …

What it is

Parmesan cheese is a hard, dry cheese traditionally made from cow's milk. It is produced in specific regions of Italy, with Parmigiano-Reggiano being the most famous and legally protected type. The cheese is aged for at least 12 months, developing a granular texture and a complex, nutty, and savory flavor.

Why it's used

Manufacturers use Parmesan cheese as a flavoring ingredient, adding a rich, umami taste to a wide variety of foods. It is commonly found in pasta dishes, soups, salads, and as a topping for baked goods. Its granular texture also makes it suitable for use in cheese blends and snack foods.

Health notes

Parmesan cheese is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for its use as a food ingredient. It is a source of protein, calcium, and other nutrients. The WHO/IARC has not classified Parmesan cheese regarding its carcinogenicity. Like all dairy products, it contains saturated fat and sodium, and excessive intake of these components is linked to health concerns by dietary guidelines.

Allergen info

Parmesan cheese is derived from milk, which is one of the 9 FDA major allergens. It does not contain gluten.

Products containing Parmesan Cheese Parmesan Cheese

Compare products →
Sort by: Sugar Protein Sodium Calories
Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. Chicken Caesar Salad Bowl, Chicken Caesar Pickles, Olives, Peppers & Relishes High in sodium — 36% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 20% DV per serving 34kcal 10.2Protein 10.7Fat 3.4Carbs Wawa Incorporated Spaghetti & Meatballs Other Deli High in sodium — 54% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 35% DV per serving 140kcal 6.7Protein 5.2Fat 17.9Carbs The Fresh Market, Inc. Romaine Lettuce, Cheese & Garlic Crouton Crumbles, Parmesan Cheese With Creamy Caesar Dressing Chopped Kit, Creamy Caesar Pre-Packaged Fruit & Vegetables 190kcal 4Protein 16Fat 9Carbs The Kroger Co. Kale Caesar Romaine & Kale Lettuce Blend, Grape Tomatoes, Parmesan Cheese, Seasoned Croutons, Carrots With Caesar Dressing Salad Kit, Kale Caesar Pickles, Olives, Peppers & Relishes High in sodium — 31% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 171kcal 4.7Protein 12.4Fat 9.3Carbs Taylor Fresh Foods, Inc. Ziti With Italian Sausage Marinara And Ricotta Blend, Cooked Penne, Italian Sausage And Parmesan Cheese, Ziti With Italian Sausage Other Deli High in sodium — 20% DV per serving 143kcal 5.7Protein 5.7Fat 17.9Carbs Bacon Caesar Romaine Lettuce, Cheese & Garlic Crouton Crumble, Parmesan Cheese, Uncured Bacon With Caesar Dressing Chopped Kit, Bacon Caesar Taylor Fresh Foods, Inc. Bacon Caesar Romaine Lettuce, Cheese & Garlic Crouton Crumble, Parmesan Cheese, Uncured Bacon With Caesar Dressing Chopped Kit, Bacon Caesar Pre-Packaged Fruit & Vegetables High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 220kcal 5Protein 18Fat 9Carbs 3 Pepper Parmesan Salmon With Butter, 3 Pepper Parmesan Inland Market Premium Foods 3 Pepper Parmesan Salmon With Butter, 3 Pepper Parmesan Other Deli High in sodium — 21% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 55% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 30% DV per serving 25kcal 19.0Protein 19.0Fat 2.1Carbs Caesar Romaine Lettuce, Parmesan, Garlic Crouton Crumbles, Caesar Dressing, Black Pepper, Quinoa Chopped Kit, Caesar Dole Fresh Vegetables Inc. Caesar Romaine Lettuce, Parmesan, Garlic Crouton Crumbles, Caesar Dressing, Black Pepper, Quinoa Chopped Kit, Caesar Pre-Packaged Fruit & Vegetables 160kcal 4Protein 13Fat 8Carbs Shrimp Alfredo With Penne Tender Shrimp, Broccoli & Al Dente Penne Pasta In A Rich Alfredo Sauce, Shrimp Alfredo With Penne Demers Food Group Inc. Shrimp Alfredo With Penne Tender Shrimp, Broccoli & Al Dente Penne Pasta In A Rich Alfredo Sauce, Shrimp Alfredo With Penne Frozen Dinners & Entrees High in sodium — 27% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 26% DV per serving 128kcal 9.7Protein 2.2Fat 16.3Carbs Dole Fresh Vegetables Inc. Pesto Caesar Just Add Chicken Kit, Pesto Caesar Pre-Packaged Fruit & Vegetables High in sodium — 23% DV per serving 160kcal 3Protein 15Fat 7Carbs Kale Caesar Romaine Blend, Grape Tomatoes, Parmesan Cheese, Seasoned Croutons With Caesar Dressing Salad Kit, Kale Caesar The Kroger Co. Kale Caesar Romaine Blend, Grape Tomatoes, Parmesan Cheese, Seasoned Croutons With Caesar Dressing Salad Kit, Kale Caesar Pickles, Olives, Peppers & Relishes High in sodium — 26% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 207kcal 6Protein 16Fat 9.3Carbs Target Stores Greek Yogurt Caesar Romaine Lettuce, Garlic Croutons & Shredded Parmesan Cheese Salad Kit With Creamy Greek Yogurt Caesar Dressing, Greek Yogurt Caesar Pre-Packaged Fruit & Vegetables 140kcal 5Protein 9Fat 10Carbs
Salt (14 products) Enzymes (13 products) Water (13 products) Sugar (12 products) Pasteurized Milk (12 products) Cheese Culture (11 products) Spices (11 products) Natural Flavors (11 products) Cheese Cultures (10 products) Citric Acid (10 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.