Andy Montoya
Parmesan cheese, or Parmigiano-Reggiano, is a hard, dry cheese made from skimmed or partially skimmed cow's milk. It is one of the world's most popular cheeses, known for its granular texture and rich, sharp flavor. While authentic Parmesan cheese is protected by a designation of origin and can only be produced in specific regions of Italy, similar cheeses are also made in Argentina and Australia. Notably, several news reports and lawsuits have alleged that some major brands selling pre-grated Parmesan cheese, including Kraft Heinz, Walmart, and Albertsons, have been misleading consumers by including non-cheese ingredients such as wood pulp or cellulose (sawdust) in their products. These reports have sparked concerns among consumers about the potential presence of sawdust in their Parmesan cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Cow's milk, salt, and rennet |
| Texture | Hard, dry, granular |
| Calories | 110-120 calories per ounce |
| Production | Labor-intensive, requires time, skill, and precision |
| Aging | Minimum of 12 months, up to 40 months or more |
| Regions | Bologna, Reggio Emilia, Mantua, Modena, Parma |
| Nutritional Concerns | Not suitable for individuals with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies |
| Variations | Parmigiano-Reggiano, Parmesan-style cheeses |
| Lawsuits | Kraft Heinz, Walmart, Albertsons, SuperValu, Icco Cheese for mislabeling |
| Sawdust Content | Some reports of sawdust (cellulose) in certain brands |
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What You'll Learn
- Kraft Parmesan Cheese contains 32% cellulose (sawdust)
- Kraft Heinz, Walmart, Albertsons, SuperValu, and Icco Cheese were sued over their 100% grated Parmesan cheese
- Parmesan cheese is made from cow's milk, salt, and rennet
- Parmesan cheese is low in calories compared to other cheeses
- Parmigiano-Reggiano is the full Italian name for Parmesan cheese
Kraft Parmesan Cheese contains 32% cellulose (sawdust)
Kraft Parmesan Cheese has been found to contain 32% cellulose, which is essentially sawdust. This discovery was made by an Amazon customer who purchased the product and shared their findings in a review. While this may seem concerning, it's important to note that cellulose is not harmful to health. In fact, it is a common additive in many foods, including ice cream and cheese, and is used to improve texture and prevent clumping.
However, the discovery of cellulose in Kraft Parmesan Cheese has led to some controversy. In 2022, Kraft Heinz, along with several other major cheese companies, was involved in a lawsuit over their 100% grated Parmesan cheese products. The issue arose because these products were not, in fact, 100% Parmesan cheese. This incident sparked a wave of salacious headlines claiming that "The Parmesan Cheese You Sprinkle on Your Penne Could Be Wood" and that the "FDA Finds Wood Pulp in Major Parmesan Cheese Brands."
While these headlines may be exaggerated, there is some truth to the claims. The presence of cellulose in Kraft Parmesan Cheese means that it is not purely made of cheese, and the company's claim of their product being 100% Parmesan was misleading to consumers. This incident highlights the importance of accurate labeling and transparency in the food industry.
It's worth noting that while cellulose itself is not harmful, the presence of high levels of cellulose in Kraft Parmesan Cheese may indicate that the product is of lower quality or contains less actual cheese than expected. Consumers who are concerned about the quality and purity of their Parmesan cheese may opt for freshly grated, high-quality Parmesan cheese to ensure they are getting a product that meets their expectations and standards.
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Kraft Heinz, Walmart, Albertsons, SuperValu, and Icco Cheese were sued over their 100% grated Parmesan cheese
Several cheese companies, including Kraft Heinz, Walmart, Albertsons, SuperValu, and Icco Cheese, have been involved in a lawsuit over their 100% grated Parmesan cheese products. The lawsuit alleges that the companies engaged in "unlawful, deceptive, and misleading business practices" by falsely advertising their products as being made of 100% Parmesan cheese.
The issue revolves around the presence of cellulose, an anti-clumping agent made from wood pulp, in the grated Parmesan cheese products. While the product labels did list cellulose as an ingredient, the front labels simply stated "100% Parmesan Cheese," which consumers argued was misleading.
Initially, the lawsuit was dismissed by a federal court judge who agreed with the defendants' argument that the front label only intended to communicate that the cheese in the container was entirely Parmesan, not that the sole contents of the container were cheese. However, the lawsuit was later revived by a federal appeals court, which ruled that it was unreasonable to expect consumers to rely on the fine print on the packaging.
The revival of the lawsuit highlights the importance of accurate and transparent labeling in the food industry. While the presence of cellulose in small quantities is generally considered safe and may even be functional, consumers have the right to know the exact composition of the products they are purchasing. This case serves as a reminder to food manufacturers and retailers to ensure that their product labels are clear, accurate, and not misleading in any way.
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Parmesan cheese is made from cow's milk, salt, and rennet
Parmesan cheese, or Parmigiano-Reggiano, is a hard, granular Italian cheese produced from cow's milk, salt, and rennet. It is a specialty cheese made from unpasteurized cow's milk, heavily salted, and aged for at least 12 months to develop its distinctive flavour. Parmesan is traditionally made from a combination of whole and naturally skimmed cow's milk, which is heated in copper vats. During this two-step heating process, additional ingredients like whey and rennet are added to form the curd.
The inclusion of rennet in Parmesan production is notable because it means the cheese is not suitable for vegetarians or those following a halal diet. Rennet is a natural enzyme found in the stomachs of young ruminant mammals, such as calves, and it helps them digest their mother's milk. In cheese-making, rennet is used to create curds, which are crucial for the formation of the final product. While there are vegetarian and vegan alternatives to traditional rennet, the authentic Parmesan cheese-making process dictates the use of animal-derived rennet.
The use of cow's milk in Parmesan production is also significant. Parmesan cheese made outside of the European Union is typically produced from cow's milk, following the original Italian recipe. Within the EU, the term "Parmesan" is legally restricted to Parmigiano Reggiano, which must be made in a specific geographic area using stringent methods. The cows used for Parmigiano Reggiano production are traditionally fed only grass or hay, resulting in grass-fed milk. This milk is then combined with natural whey culture and calf rennet, with salt as the only permitted additive.
In summary, Parmesan cheese is made from a combination of cow's milk, salt, and rennet, with the specific type of milk and the inclusion of rennet being key factors in the cheese's production and characteristics.
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Parmesan cheese is low in calories compared to other cheeses
Parmesan cheese is a dense, dry, and hard cheese with a strong flavour and a crumbly texture. It is produced in certain regions of northern Italy and is known as "Caseus Parmensis" or the "King of Cheese". It is a versatile and nutritious cheese that can be added to a variety of dishes, from appetizers to desserts.
Parmesan is a good source of calcium, phosphorus, and zinc, which are essential for bone health. It also contains magnesium, vitamins A and B12, and protein. Its protein and fat content make it an energy-dense food, providing a high number of calories per serving. However, compared to other cheeses, Parmesan is considered low in calories.
For example, 100 grams of Parmesan cheese contains 420 calories, while the same amount of cream cheese has 295 calories. The difference in calorie content is due to the lower water content in Parmesan, making it a more concentrated source of calories. Additionally, Parmesan has a stronger flavour, so a smaller amount can be used to achieve the desired taste, resulting in lower overall calorie intake.
When shopping for Parmesan cheese, it is important to check the ingredients. Traditional Parmigiano-Reggiano is made with only three ingredients: milk, salt, and rennet (a mix of enzymes). However, in the US, the term "Parmesan" is not regulated, and some cheeses labelled as Parmesan may contain additional ingredients and fillers. Choosing a variety with fewer ingredients will ensure a more natural product.
Overall, Parmesan cheese is a nutritious and tasty option that can enhance many dishes. While it is high in calories compared to some other foods, it is relatively low in calories compared to other cheeses, making it a good choice for those watching their calorie intake.
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Parmigiano-Reggiano is the full Italian name for Parmesan cheese
Parmigiano-Reggiano is made from unpasteurised cow's milk. The whole milk of the morning milking is mixed with the naturally skimmed milk of the previous evening's milking, resulting in a part-skim mixture. Rennet, a natural enzyme found in cow's milk, is added to develop soft curds. The curds are then cooked, cut, and added to wheel-shaped moulds where they age for a minimum of two years. Parmigiano-Reggiano undergoes a rigorous production process that must adhere to Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) standards. In order to meet PDO requirements, Parmigiano-Reggiano must be produced in the provinces of Parma, Bologna, Mantua, Modena, or Emilia Romagna.
Outside the EU, the name Parmesan is legally used for imitations, with only the full Italian name unambiguously referring to PDO Parmigiano Reggiano. Within the European Union, the term Parmesan may only be used, by law, to refer to Parmigiano Reggiano itself, which must be made in a restricted geographic area, using stringently defined methods. In the United States, the word "Parmesan" is not regulated, and a cheese labelled as Parmesan is more likely to be an imitation. In many areas outside Europe, the name Parmesan has become genericised and may denote any of several hard Italian-style grating types of cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it does. A handful of cheese companies, including Kraft Heinz, Walmart, Albertsons, Supervalu and Icco Cheese, have been involved in a lawsuit as their 100% grated parmesan cheese was found to contain sawdust.
Parmesan cheese is a nutritious choice for some, but individuals with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies should avoid consuming it. It is always best to consult a healthcare professional if you have specific dietary concerns or restrictions.
Parmesan cheese has only three ingredients: cow's milk, salt, and rennet.
