Ingredient

Pasteurized Cow's Milk Cheese Cultures

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Source
Animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers add cheese cultures to milk during the cheesemaking process to initiate fermentation. This …

What it is

These are live or inactive microorganisms, typically bacteria, used to produce cheese. They are added to milk to ferment lactose (milk sugar) into lactic acid, which helps develop the characteristic flavor, texture, and aroma of cheese. The specific cultures used vary depending on the type of cheese being made.

Why it's used

Manufacturers add cheese cultures to milk during the cheesemaking process to initiate fermentation. This is essential for developing the desired flavor, texture, and aroma in a wide variety of cheeses, from cheddar and mozzarella to brie and gouda.

Health notes

Pasteurized cow's milk cheese cultures are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as intended in food. They are considered a vital component of traditional cheesemaking and are not associated with adverse health effects when consumed as part of a balanced diet. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated similar starter cultures used in food production.

Allergen info

This ingredient is derived from cow's milk, which is one of the nine FDA major allergens. It does not contain gluten.

Products containing Pasteurized Cow's Milk Cheese Cultures

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SCREAMIN' SICILIAN PIZZA CO. Pepperoni Pizza, Pepperoni Pizza High in sodium — 48% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 50% DV per serving 269kcal 11.5Protein 12.8Fat 26.3Carbs Hy-Vee, Inc. Double Cream Brie Cheese High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 357kcal 14.3Protein 32.1Fat 0Carbs 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 Mini Beef Ravioli In Tomato & Meat Sauce, Beef Learning Horizons Mini Beef Ravioli In Tomato & Meat Sauce, Beef Chili & Stew High in sodium — 30% DV per serving 96kcal 3.3Protein 2.9Fat 13.8Carbs The Moran Group Incorporated 3 Meat Pepperoni (Made With Pork, Chicken & Beef), Sausage (Made With Pork & Chicken) & Beef Topping Stuffed Crust Pizza, 3 Meat Pizza High in sodium — 35% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 35% DV per serving 240kcal 10Protein 10Fat 28.7Carbs Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Margherita Zesty Tomato Sauce, Fresh Mozzarella Slices, Mozzarella, Parmesan & Romano Cheeses, Tomatoes And Basil On A Thin Crust Pizza, Margherita Pizza High in sodium — 27% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 40% DV per serving 229kcal 9.2Protein 12.2Fat 19.9Carbs Cheese Pizza Flavored Snack Mix, Cheese Pizza 7-Eleven, Inc. Cheese Pizza Flavored Snack Mix, Cheese Pizza Other Snacks 500kcal 20Protein 36.7Fat 33.3Carbs Palermo Villa Inc. Uncured Pepperoni, Mozzarella, Parmesan, And Romano Cheeses, Basil, And Oregano Classic Thin Crust Pizza, Uncured Pepperoni Pizza High in sodium — 58% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 60% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 22% DV per serving 256kcal 10.8Protein 13Fat 24.2Carbs Spicy Pesto Gotham Greens Farms LLC Spicy Pesto Seasoning Mixes, Salts, Marinades & Tenderizers High in sodium — 20% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 421kcal 7.0Protein 42.1Fat 7.0Carbs 4 Meat Italian Sausage, Pepperoni (Made With Pork, Chicken & Beef), Beef, Bacon, Mozzarella, Marinara Sauce Rising Crust Pizza, 4 Meat Palermo Villa Inc. 4 Meat Italian Sausage, Pepperoni (Made With Pork, Chicken & Beef), Beef, Bacon, Mozzarella, Marinara Sauce Rising Crust Pizza, 4 Meat Pizza High in sodium — 37% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 260kcal 10.3Protein 11.6Fat 28.1Carbs Big Y Foods, Inc. Turkey Dinner With Gravy, Turkey Other Deli High in sodium — 30% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 168kcal 8.0Protein 8.8Fat 13.3Carbs

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.