Is White American Cheese Slices Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Kraft Singles
White American Cheese Slices is one of the dairy products analyzed by Zerotox for Kraft Singles. The product scores 60/100 in Zerotox, meaning it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.
The sections below explain why ingredients like Sodium Citrate, Calcium Phosphate affect the overall evaluation.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes Cheddar cheese and various milk derivatives, which are generally acceptable. However, the presence of sodium citrate and natamycin raises concerns about processing and synthetic additives, impacting the overall quality assessment.
Main concern
Sodium citrate is a processed ingredient that can raise concerns about synthetic additives.
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 Cheddar cheese, a natural dairy product that contributes to flavor and texture.
- Includes lactic acid, which is a natural acidifier that helps in flavor development.
- Natamycin is a natural mold inhibitor, which helps maintain product freshness.
- Vitamin D3 is included, which is beneficial for calcium absorption.
Concerns
- Sodium citrate is a processed ingredient that can raise concerns about synthetic additives.
- Whey protein concentrate and milk protein concentrated indicate a high level of processing.
- Calcium phosphate is a synthetic additive that may not align with clean ingredient preferences.
- Contains multiple dairy derivatives, which may pose allergen risks for sensitive individuals.
Who should avoid this product?
This product may be less suitable for:
- people with sensitive skin or fragrance sensitivity
- people avoiding animal-derived ingredients
Ingredients breakdown
Instead of a flat list, this section explains each ingredient in the context of this dairy.
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Is Cheddar Cheese safe in this dairy?
Good
Cheddar Cheese is used here as base. Cheddar cheese is a natural dairy product that provides flavor and texture to the cheese slices. Its presence indicates a base of quality dairy, although it is processed into slices.
Role in formula: base
Original: Cheddar Cheese (Milk, Cheese Culture, Salt, Enzymes)
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Is Whey safe in this dairy?
Medium
Whey is used here as base. Whey is a byproduct of cheese production that adds protein but is often processed. Its inclusion indicates a level of processing that may concern some consumers.
Role in formula: base
Original: Whey
-
Is Milk safe in this dairy?
Good
Milk is used here as base. Milk is a natural ingredient that serves as a primary source of nutrients in cheese. Its presence supports the overall quality of the product.
Role in formula: base
Original: Milk
-
Is Milk Protein Concentrated safe in this dairy?
Medium
Milk Protein Concentrated is used here as base. Milk protein concentrated is a processed form of milk protein that enhances texture and protein content. However, it raises concerns about the level of processing involved.
Role in formula: base
Original: Milk Protein Concentrated
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Is Milkfat safe in this dairy?
Good
Milkfat is used here as base. Milkfat contributes to the creaminess and mouthfeel of the cheese slices. It is a natural component of dairy that enhances flavor.
Role in formula: base
Original: Milkfat
-
Is Whey Protein Concentrate safe in this dairy?
Medium
Whey Protein Concentrate is used here as base. Whey protein concentrate is a processed ingredient that increases protein content but may raise concerns about the extent of processing.
Role in formula: base
Original: Whey Protein Concentrate
Read the full ingredient profile for Whey Protein Concentrate
-
Is Sodium Citrate safe in this dairy?
Bad
Sodium Citrate is used here as emulsifier. Sodium citrate is a synthetic emulsifier used to improve texture and prevent separation. Its synthetic nature raises quality concerns.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: Sodium Citrate
-
Is Calcium Phosphate safe in this dairy?
Bad
Calcium Phosphate is used here as stabilizer. Calcium phosphate is a synthetic stabilizer that may not align with clean ingredient preferences. Its presence indicates a level of processing.
Role in formula: stabilizer
Original: Calcium Phosphate
-
Is Salt safe in this dairy?
Good
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt is a natural flavor enhancer that is essential in cheese production. It contributes to the overall taste and preservation of the product.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Salt
-
Is Lactic Acid safe in this dairy?
Good
Lactic Acid is used here as acidulant. Lactic acid is a natural acidifier that helps in flavor development and preservation. Its presence supports the quality of the cheese.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: Lactic Acid
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Is Natamycin safe in this dairy?
Medium
Natamycin is used here as preservative. Natamycin is a natural mold inhibitor that helps maintain product freshness. While it is natural, it is still a preservative that raises some concerns.
Role in formula: preservative
Original: Natamycin (A Natural Mold Inhibitor)
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Is Enzymes safe in this dairy?
Medium
Enzymes is used here as flavor. Enzymes are used in cheese production to aid in curd formation and flavor development. Their presence indicates processing but is common in cheese.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Enzymes
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Is Cheese Culture safe in this dairy?
Good
Cheese Culture is used here as natural_extract. Cheese culture consists of beneficial bacteria that contribute to flavor and texture development. Its inclusion supports the quality of the cheese.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: Cheese Culture
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Is Vitamin D3 safe in this dairy?
Good
Vitamin D3 is used here as fortificant. Vitamin D3 is added to enhance nutritional value, particularly for calcium absorption. Its presence is beneficial for overall health.
Role in formula: fortificant
Original: Vitamin D3
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: 2389616
More from this brand: Kraft Singles 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.