Provolone Cheese With Natural Smoke Flavor

Provolone is a semi-hard Italian cheese made from cow's milk. It is typically aged for a few months, developing a firm texture and a sharp, sometimes smoky flavor. Natural smoke flavor is derived from the smoke of burning hardwoods, like hickory or mesquite, and is added to cheese to mimic the taste of traditionally smoked varieties.

Natural smoke flavor is added to provolone and other cheeses to impart a smoky taste without traditional smoking methods. It is used in cheese blends for pizzas, sandwiches, and snacks, as well as in processed meats and baked goods like garlic knots.

Provolone cheese is a source of protein and calcium. Natural smoke flavor is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a flavoring. Regulatory bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated smoke flavorings, but specific intake limits are not typically set for natural flavorings. Research on the health effects of smoke exposure, including that from food, is ongoing, but typical consumption of foods with natural smoke flavor is not associated with adverse health effects.