Frederic Melton
Dollar Tree is known for offering a wide range of products at extremely low prices, and one of their most talked-about offerings is their grated topping, often mistaken for Parmesan cheese. With its surprisingly large 8 oz container, this product has sparked curiosity and confusion among shoppers. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that this grated topping is not authentic Parmesan cheese. This has led to discussions and reviews about the product's taste, quality, and ingredients, with some considering it a disappointing alternative to real Parmesan cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Risparmio Grated Parmesan Topping |
| Product Size | 8 oz |
| Price | $1 |
| Ingredients | Dairy whey powder, food starch, casein, natural flavors, hydrogenated soybean oil, preservatives, salt, parmesan cheese |
| Parmesan Cheese Listed | 11th ingredient |
| Customer Rating | 1.9 stars |
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What You'll Learn
Dollar Tree's grated topping
Dollar Tree's "Grated Topping" is an 8 oz container of what appears to be Parmesan cheese. However, upon closer inspection, it is not actually Parmesan. The product is called "grated topping", and it has twelve ingredients, including dairy whey powder, food starch, casein, natural flavours, and hydrogenated soybean oil. Parmesan cheese is listed as the eleventh ingredient, meaning there is very little actual cheese in this product.
The product has received negative reviews, with some describing it as tasting like "chalk" and having a "powder consistency." It is important to note that while Dollar Tree offers many items at low prices, not all of their products are of good quality, especially when it comes to food. Some people advise buying actual Parmesan cheese instead of the grated topping, despite the smaller container size.
While imitation cheese products can provide a similar taste and texture to real cheese, they may not have the same nutritional benefits. Real cheese is a good source of protein, calcium, and other essential nutrients. Imitation cheese products may be lower in these nutrients or contain artificial ingredients and preservatives.
When deciding whether to purchase Dollar Tree's grated topping or another imitation cheese product, it is important to consider your priorities. If you are looking for a low-cost option and are not concerned about the nutritional value or authentic cheese flavour, then an imitation cheese product may be suitable. However, if you prioritise taste, texture, and nutritional content, investing in real cheese, such as Parmesan, may be a better decision.
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Poor reviews of the product
Dollar Tree's "grated topping" has received numerous poor reviews due to its taste, texture, and low parmesan content.
One review on Medium describes it as "by far the worst Parmesan-flavored grated topping I've ever had. Tastes like chalk and has a powder consistency not even close to Parmesan cheese." The review also highlights that parmesan cheese is not the primary ingredient in the product, which is instead dairy whey powder, a byproduct of cheese-making that tastes significantly different from Parmesan.
The product's ingredients list, which includes dairy whey, food starch, casein, natural flavors, hydrogenated soybean oil, preservatives, and salt, has been criticized as containing numerous undesirable or unhealthy components. According to the Center for Research on Ingredient Safety at Michigan State University, the order of ingredients on a label indicates their relative quantity in the product, with ingredients listed first being the most prevalent. Given that parmesan cheese is the 11th ingredient on the list, there is very little actual cheese in Dollar Tree's "grated topping."
A TikTok user also advised against purchasing the product, specifically calling out its ingredients as a concern and recommending buying actual Parmesan cheese instead, despite the smaller container size.
Overall, while Dollar Tree's "grated topping" may be a bargain at 8oz for $1, reviews suggest that the product falls short in terms of taste, texture, and parmesan content, with some considering it a poor value proposition compared to genuine Parmesan cheese.
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Ingredients of the product
Dollar Tree's "grated topping" does include parmesan cheese in its ingredients, but it is not the main ingredient. According to the product label, the first and most prevalent ingredient is dairy whey powder, which is a byproduct of cheese making. This is followed by other ingredients such as food starch, casein (a type of protein powder), natural flavors, hydrogenated soybean oil, preservatives, and salt. Parmesan cheese is listed as the 11th ingredient, indicating that it makes up a very small proportion of the product.
The full list of ingredients in Dollar Tree's grated topping includes:
- Dairy whey powder
- Food starch
- Casein
- Natural flavors
- Hydrogenated soybean oil
- Preservatives
- Salt
- Parmesan cheese (made from cow's milk, culture, salt, and enzymes)
- Cellulose powder (to prevent caking)
- Sodium aluminum phosphate
- Sodium phosphate
- Lactic acid
While this product may resemble Parmesan cheese in appearance and be marketed as a Parmesan topping, it is important to note that it is not a direct substitute for authentic Parmesan cheese in terms of taste and nutritional value.
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Risparmio grated topping
Dollar Tree's "grated topping", Risparmio, has received a lot of attention for being an infamously bad imitation of Parmesan cheese. While it is priced at a very affordable $1 for an 8oz container, the product has received a lot of backlash for its ingredients and taste.
The main issue with Risparmio grated topping lies in its ingredients. According to the product label, the ingredients listed are:
- Dairy whey powder
- Food starch
- Casein
- Natural flavors
- Hydrogenated soybean oil
- Salt
- Preservatives
- Parmesan cheese
As per the Center for Research on Ingredient Safety at Michigan State University, ingredients on product labels must be listed in descending order of their quantity in the product. This means that the first few ingredients are what the product mostly consists of, while the last few are only present in small amounts. In the case of Risparmio, parmesan cheese is listed as the 11th and second-to-last ingredient, indicating that there is barely any real cheese in the product. This has led to customers complaining about the taste, with one review stating that it "tastes like chalk and has a powder consistency not even close to Parmesan cheese".
While Dollar Tree offers a range of great deals on various products, not all of their items are of good quality, especially when it comes to food. Risparmio grated topping is a classic example of this, where, despite the attractive pricing, the product falls short in terms of taste and quality due to its minimal parmesan cheese content.
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Alternatives to the product
While Dollar Tree does sell an 8-ounce container of what appears to be Parmesan cheese, it is actually a "grated topping" that barely contains any real Parmesan cheese. The first ingredient is dairy whey powder, and it also contains food starch, casein, natural flavors, hydrogenated soybean oil, preservatives, and salt. If you are looking for alternatives to Parmesan cheese, there are several options to consider:
Breadcrumbs
The "poor man's Parmesan," as Italians call it, is a traditional substitute for Parmesan. To make your own, use crusty bread, good-quality olive oil or butter, and flaky salt. You can also add garlic, anchovies, dried herbs, chili pepper, or citrus zest to the oil as it heats up.
Dairy Cheeses
- Pecorino: A type of Italian cheese made from sheep's milk with a sharp, nutty, and herbaceous flavor. It is also quite salty, so adjust your seasoning accordingly.
- Halloumi: Provides a similar substance and salty kick to Parmesan and can be grated over dishes.
- Feta: Is saltier and won't melt as well as Parmesan but will give an intense boost of flavor.
- Fresh goat's cheese: Is tangier, creamier, and less salty than Parmesan, but will add some cheesy goodness. Goat's cheese won't melt like Parmesan, so it may not be ideal for cooked dishes.
- Grana Padano: A less expensive version of Parmesan cheese with a similar granular, hard texture that melts in the mouth. It has a nutty flavor with hints of browned butter and a sharp fruitiness balanced by a savory, salty finish.
- Comté: French cheese that can be easily grated and used wherever you would use Parmesan. It is slightly softer than Parmesan but can be grated into a dust-like consistency.
- Reggianito: A cow's milk cheese aged for about six months, originally made in Argentina by Italian farmers who missed Parmigiano Reggiano. It has a smooth, slightly rubbery texture that is hard enough to grate, and a mild and fruity flavor.
Non-Dairy Alternatives
- Brazil Nut 'Parmesan': Delicious sprinkled on pasta dishes or anywhere you would normally use grated Parmesan. It adds a hit of deeply savory umami flavor without being as salty.
- Olives: For a salty burst of flavor, sprinkle a handful of olives over your dish as a dairy-free and vegan alternative to Parmesan.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Will add a burst of sweetness to your dish instead of a salty hit.
- Roasted almonds: Will take your dish in a different direction but will not lack flavor or crunch.
- Salted capers: For a salty hit similar to olives.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Dollar Tree sells an 8-ounce container of Risparmio grated Parmesan topping for $1.
The ingredients in Dollar Tree's Risparmio grated Parmesan topping are: dairy whey, food starch, casein, natural flavors, water, partly hydrogenated soybean oil, salt, sodium aluminum phosphate, sodium phosphate, lactic acid, Parmesan cheese (made from cow's milk, culture, salt, enzymes), and cellulose powder (to prevent caking).
While Dollar Tree's Parmesan cheese is inexpensive, it has received poor reviews for its taste and texture. It also contains very little actual Parmesan cheese, with the cheese listed as the second-to-last ingredient.
In addition to their Parmesan cheese, it is recommended to avoid Dollar Tree's electronics, pet treats, canned food, knives, makeup, medicine, and batteries due to quality concerns.
