Ingredient

Pasteurized Milk Cheese Culture

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 add cheese cultures to milk to initiate the cheesemaking process. They are essential …

What it is

A cheese culture is a starter culture of beneficial bacteria used in cheesemaking. These bacteria are added to milk to ferment lactose (milk sugar) into lactic acid, which helps develop the characteristic flavor, texture, and aroma of cheese. The milk used is pasteurized to kill harmful microbes before the culture is added.

Why it's used

Manufacturers add cheese cultures to milk to initiate the cheesemaking process. They are essential for producing the desired flavor and texture in a wide variety of cheeses, including cheddar, mozzarella, and Swiss. Cultures are also used in processed cheese products and some dairy-based dips and spreads.

Health notes

Cheese cultures are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. The bacteria used in cheese cultures are beneficial probiotics that can aid digestion. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated starter cultures, but they generally do not set specific intake limits for these types of ingredients. No significant health concerns are associated with typical consumption levels.

Allergen info

Cheese cultures are derived from milk, which is one of the nine major allergens recognized by the FDA. Therefore, products containing cheese cultures may not be suitable for individuals with milk allergies.

Products containing Pasteurized Milk Cheese Culture

Compare products →
Sort by: Sugar Protein Sodium Calories
PINT SIZED KITCHEN Philly Cheesesteak Bites Frozen Appetizers & Hors D'oeuvres High in sodium — 23% DV per serving 235kcal 12.9Protein 8.2Fat 27.1Carbs BEAVER STREET FISHERIES, INC. Scallop St Jacque High in sodium — 30% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 230kcal 8.0Protein 17.7Fat 10.6Carbs Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Fiesta Blend Monterey Jack, Cheddar, Queso Quesadilla & Asadero Finely Shredded Cheese, Fiesta Blend Cheese High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 393kcal 25Protein 32.1Fat 3.6Carbs Ahold USA, Inc. Three Cheese Bagel Snackers Pizza 227kcal 11.4Protein 5.7Fat 33.0Carbs The Kroger Co. London Broil On Focaccia, Peppercorn Mayo Prepared Subs & Sandwiches High in sodium — 41% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 40% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 35% DV per serving 256kcal 18.8Protein 10.3Fat 21.5Carbs OMG...It's Gluten Free, LLC Lasagna Frozen Dinners & Entrees High in sodium — 45% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 70% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 36% DV per serving 171kcal 8.2Protein 7.9Fat 17.1Carbs OMG...It's Gluten Free, LLC Omg...It's Gluten Free, Spinach Lasagna Frozen Dinners & Entrees High in sodium — 46% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 70% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 36% DV per serving 168kcal 8.5Protein 7.9Fat 16.2Carbs OMG...It's Gluten Free, LLC Omg...It's Gluten Free, Cheese Pizza Pizza High in sodium — 26% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 27% DV per serving 262kcal 9.0Protein 12.3Fat 27.9Carbs Food Town Stores Inc. Food Lion, Blue Cheese Crumbled Cheese High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 357kcal 25Protein 28.6Fat 3.6Carbs Natural Shredded Double Cheddar Cheese, Sharp & Milk Cheddar Hannaford Bros. Co. Natural Shredded Double Cheddar Cheese, Sharp & Milk Cheddar Cheese High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 393kcal 25Protein 32.1Fat 3.6Carbs Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc. Steamable Broccoli With Cheese Sauce Frozen Vegetables 48kcal 1.9Protein 1.4Fat 6.7Carbs M & P Plastics, Inc. White Sharp Cheddar Rosemary Wafers Frozen Appetizers & Hors D'oeuvres High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 500kcal 14.3Protein 39.3Fat 17.9Carbs
Salt (53 products) Enzymes (51 products) Water (33 products) Sugar (30 products) Spices (25 products) Citric Acid (23 products) Pasteurized Milk (23 products) Natural Flavors (22 products) Yeast (20 products) Cheese Culture (19 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.