Ingredient

Penicillium Roqueforti

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
This mold is primarily used as a starter culture in cheesemaking to develop the …

What it is

Penicillium roqueforti is a type of mold used to make blue-veined cheeses. It is a naturally occurring microorganism that gives cheeses like Roquefort and Gorgonzola their characteristic blue-green streaks and pungent flavor.

Why it's used

This mold is primarily used as a starter culture in cheesemaking to develop the distinctive flavor, aroma, and appearance of blue cheeses. It is essential for creating the characteristic blue veins and sharp taste found in many popular cheese varieties.

Health notes

Penicillium roqueforti is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for its use in food. It is a natural component of blue cheese and is consumed by many people without issue. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated its safety in food contexts. No significant health controversies are associated with its typical consumption in cheese.

Allergen info

Penicillium roqueforti itself is not one of the nine major allergens. However, it is used to make cheese, which is a dairy product and a major allergen. It does not contain gluten.

Products containing Penicillium Roqueforti

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ROTH Roth, Buttermilk Blue Cheese Cheese High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 357kcal 21.4Protein 28.6Fat 3.6Carbs BOAR'S HEAD Boar's Head, Creamy Blue Cheese Crumbles Cheese High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 321kcal 21.4Protein 28.6Fat 0Carbs ROGUE CREAMERY Blue Cheese Cheese High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 357kcal 21.4Protein 28.6Fat 0Carbs Dolce Gorgonzola, Dolce MAURI Dolce Gorgonzola, Dolce Cheese High in saturated fat — 22% DV per serving 321kcal 17.9Protein 28.6Fat 0Carbs FIRST STREET Blue Cheese Crumbled Cheese High in saturated fat — 22% DV per serving 357kcal 17.9Protein 28.6Fat 7.1Carbs Blue Stilton Cheese, Blue Stilton EMPORIUM SELECTION Blue Stilton Cheese, Blue Stilton Cheese High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 429kcal 25Protein 35.7Fat 0Carbs Supervalu, Inc. Crumbled Blue Cheese, Blue Cheese Cheese High in saturated fat — 22% DV per serving 357kcal 17.9Protein 28.6Fat 7.1Carbs Blue Cheese Dressing, Blue Cheese Topco Associates, Inc. Blue Cheese Dressing, Blue Cheese Salad Dressing & Mayonnaise 367kcal 3.3Protein 40Fat 3.3Carbs Gorgonzola Cheese Raw Milk Cheese Crumbles, Gorgonzola Cheese Whole Foods Market, Inc. Gorgonzola Cheese Raw Milk Cheese Crumbles, Gorgonzola Cheese Cheese High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 393kcal 25Protein 28.6Fat 3.6Carbs Papa John's Salads & Produce Oven Gold Turkey Cobb Salad Pickles, Olives, Peppers & Relishes High in sodium — 38% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 55% DV per serving 127kcal 6.7Protein 8.5Fat 6.4Carbs Ahold USA, Inc. Gorgonzola Dolce Italian Blue Cheese Cheese High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 321kcal 17.9Protein 25Fat 0Carbs B-Fresh, Inc. Willapa Hills Cheese, Bacon Blu Artisan Blue Cheese Spread Cheese High in saturated fat — 22% DV per serving 321kcal 14.3Protein 28.6Fat 7.1Carbs
Salt (273 products) Enzymes (218 products) Water (131 products) Blue Cheese (102 products) Cheese Cultures (98 products) Xanthan Gum (94 products) Pasteurized Milk (90 products) To Prevent Caking (85 products) Powdered Cellulose (83 products) Sugar (80 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.