Is Low-Moisture Part Skim Mozzarella Shredded Cheese Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Kroger
Low-Moisture Part Skim Mozzarella Shredded Cheese is a dairy from Kroger. It has a Zerotox safety score of 70/100, which means it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.
The composition includes pasteurized part-skim milk and cheese culture, which are standard for cheese production. However, the presence of potato starch and tapioca starch as anti-caking agents raises concerns about processing. Natamycin is a natural mold inhibitor, but its inclusion indicates some level of processing that may not appeal to all consumers.
70 / 100
Why score is 70
The composition includes pasteurized part-skim milk and cheese culture, which are standard for cheese production. However, the presence of potato starch and tapioca starch as anti-caking agents raises concerns about processing. Natamycin is a natural mold inhibitor, but its inclusion indicates some level of processing that may not appeal to all consumers.
Main concern
Potato starch and tapioca starch are added as anti-caking agents, indicating processing that may not be preferred by all consumers.
Why it matters: This ingredient is flagged in our analysis based on regulatory and scientific sources. Check the Ingredients section for details and see Data sources for methodology.
Regulation status: Ingredient safety is assessed from EU/EPA/CIR and similar databases; formulations may vary. Always read the product label.
Pros
- Contains pasteurized part-skim milk, a common base for cheese, indicating a dairy origin.
- Cheese culture contributes to flavor development and is a standard ingredient in cheese making.
- Natamycin is a natural mold inhibitor, which helps maintain product quality during storage.
Concerns
- Potato starch and tapioca starch are added as anti-caking agents, indicating processing that may not be preferred by all consumers.
- Dextrose is a form of sugar that may raise concerns for those monitoring sugar intake.
Who should avoid this product?
This dairy may not be the best fit for:
- people with sensitive skin or fragrance sensitivity
- users trying to avoid sulfates
- people avoiding animal-derived ingredients
Ingredients breakdown
Each ingredient below is explained in the context of this dairy so the page answers more than a simple label list.
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Is Pasteurized Part Skim Milk safe in this dairy?
Good
Pasteurized Part Skim Milk is used here as base. Pasteurized part-skim milk serves as the primary ingredient, providing the essential dairy base for this cheese. Its pasteurization ensures safety by eliminating harmful bacteria.
Role in formula: base
Original: pasteurized part-skim milk
Read the full ingredient profile for Pasteurized Part Skim Milk
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Is Cheese Culture safe in this dairy?
Good
Cheese Culture is used here as natural_extract. Cheese culture is a blend of bacteria that aids in fermentation, contributing to the flavor and texture of the cheese. Its presence is essential for traditional cheese-making processes.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: cheese culture
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Is Salt safe in this dairy?
Good
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt is a crucial ingredient in cheese, enhancing flavor and acting as a preservative. It helps in controlling moisture and contributes to the overall taste profile.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: salt
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Is Enzymes safe in this dairy?
Medium
Enzymes is used here as enzyme. Enzymes are used in cheese production to aid in curd formation and texture development. While they are necessary for cheese making, the source and type of enzymes can vary, raising some quality considerations.
Role in formula: enzyme
Original: enzymes
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Is Potato Starch safe in this dairy?
Medium
Potato Starch is used here as stabilizer. Potato starch is added to prevent clumping in shredded cheese. While it serves a functional purpose, its presence indicates processing that may not align with clean label preferences.
Role in formula: stabilizer
Original: potato starch
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Is Tapioca Starch safe in this dairy?
Medium
Tapioca Starch is used here as stabilizer. Tapioca starch is another anti-caking agent that helps maintain the texture of shredded cheese. Similar to potato starch, it raises questions about the level of processing involved.
Role in formula: stabilizer
Original: tapioca starch
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Is Dextrose safe in this dairy?
Medium
Dextrose is used here as sweetener. Dextrose is a simple sugar that can enhance flavor and improve texture. Its inclusion may be a concern for those monitoring sugar intake, impacting the overall perception of the product.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: dextrose
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Is Food Calcium Sulfate safe in this dairy?
Medium
Food Calcium Sulfate is used here as stabilizer. Food calcium sulfate is added to prevent caking in shredded cheese. While it serves a functional role, it is a processed ingredient that may not appeal to all consumers.
Role in formula: stabilizer
Original: food calcium sulfate (added to prevent caking)
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Is Natamycin safe in this dairy?
Good
Natamycin is used here as preservative. Natamycin is a natural mold inhibitor that helps extend shelf life by preventing mold growth. Its natural origin is a positive aspect, although it still indicates some processing.
Role in formula: preservative
Original: natamycin (a natural mold inhibitor)
How we score
Our safety scores and ingredient breakdowns are based on regulatory and scientific sources. See Data sources & methodology and How Zerotox works for full details.
Product info
Product ID: 2358679
More from this brand: Kroger products in Zerotox
Similar products: dairy in Zerotox database
Allergens detected: milk
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.