Andy Montoya
Cathedral City is a popular brand of cheddar cheese in the UK. The brand has recently expanded its product line to include a plant-based, vegan-friendly cheese alternative. This has sparked a discussion among consumers, particularly vegans and vegetarians, about the ingredients and processes used in the brand's cheese production. The original Cathedral City Cheddar Cheese is made with 100% British milk and a vegetarian enzyme, while the new plant-based option offers a dairy-free alternative with a similar texture and taste to traditional cheddar.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Vegetarian | Yes, Cathedral City Cheddar Cheese is suitable for vegetarians. It is made with a vegetarian enzyme to coagulate the milk. |
| Vegan | Yes, Cathedral City offers a plant-based range that is vegan-friendly. |
| Gluten | All Cathedral City Cheddar Cheese products are gluten-free. |
| Lactose | All hard cheeses, like cheddar, are naturally low in lactose. To make every batch of lactose-free cheddar, the lactose level is ensured to not surpass 0.01%. |
| Nuts | Nuts are not permitted within the processing areas of the production facility. All manufacturing and packing sites are nut-free. |
| Yeast | There is a small amount of yeast present in the flavourings used in the block, sliced, and grated products. However, it is present in very small amounts. |
| Recyclable Packaging | The plastic film used to wrap the cheese is not currently recyclable, but the company is working towards making all packaging recyclable. |
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What You'll Learn
Cathedral City cheddar is vegetarian
Yes, Cathedral City cheddar is vegetarian. The cheese is made with 100% British milk from 330 dedicated farms in the South West of England, to which a vegetarian enzyme is added to coagulate the milk, forming curds and whey. The curds are then cut into smaller pieces, and the whey is separated from the curds before salt is added. The curds are then pressed and formed into blocks and left to mature until the desired flavour and texture are achieved.
Cathedral City cheddar is also suitable for those who are gluten-intolerant, as all the ingredients used to make the cheese are gluten-free. The cheese is also naturally low in lactose, as enzymes added to the milk during the cheesemaking process feed on the lactose sugars until they are all used up.
In addition to their traditional cheddar, Cathedral City also offers a plant-based range that is suitable for vegans. This range includes a dairy-free cheddar-flavoured spread and a vegan block that is creamy, smooth, and mature.
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It uses a vegetarian enzyme to coagulate milk
The process of making Cathedral City Cheddar Cheese begins with milk sourced from dedicated farms in the South West of England. This milk is then treated with a starter culture and a microbial enzyme, specifically a vegetarian enzyme, which coagulates the milk, forming curds and whey. The curds are then cut into smaller pieces, and the whey is separated from them. Salt is added to the curds, which are then pressed and formed into blocks. These blocks are then matured to achieve the desired flavour and texture.
The use of a vegetarian enzyme in the cheese-making process is an important consideration for those who follow a vegetarian diet. While cheese is traditionally made using animal-based enzymes, the use of vegetarian enzymes ensures that the product is suitable for vegetarians. This is because animal-based enzymes are typically derived from the stomachs of ruminant animals, such as calves, kids, or lambs, which may be considered unacceptable by those who follow a vegetarian lifestyle.
By using a vegetarian enzyme, Cathedral City ensures that their cheese is accessible to a wider range of consumers, including those who choose to avoid animal-derived products. This enzyme allows the milk to coagulate and form curds, which is a crucial step in the cheese-making process, as it separates the solid curds from the liquid whey.
The specific type of vegetarian enzyme used in cheese-making can vary, but it is typically a microbial enzyme produced by bacteria or fungi. These enzymes are carefully selected to ensure they meet the desired specifications and can effectively coagulate the milk to create a high-quality cheese product.
It is worth noting that while Cathedral City uses a vegetarian enzyme in their cheese-making process, they also offer a plant-based range that is suitable for vegans. This range provides an alternative to their traditional dairy-based cheese, catering to a diverse range of dietary preferences and restrictions.
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The milk is sourced from British farms
The milk used to make Cathedral City Cheddar Cheese is sourced from around 330 dedicated farms in the South West of England, specifically in the West Country. This means that the milk used is 100% British. The company holds a Royal Warrant, which means that they have supplied goods or services to the Royal Household. In this case, the company has supplied dairy products, including Cathedral City, to the Household of the Late Queen Elizabeth II.
The milk sourced from these British farms is pasteurized and used to make the cheese at an award-winning creamery in Davidstow, Cornwall, in the South West of England. The process of making the cheese involves adding a starter culture, a microbial enzyme, and salt to the milk. The enzyme added to the milk naturally feeds on the lactose sugars, developing the flavor of the cheese. This continues until all the lactose sugar is used up, resulting in a naturally low-lactose product.
Cathedral City has also introduced a plant-based range of cheese alternatives, which are suitable for vegans and vegetarians. These alternatives are made from a rice base, coconut oil, and potato starch, among other ingredients, and are designed to mimic the taste and texture of their dairy-based cheese. The company is also committed to reducing its environmental impact and has set targets for recyclable packaging. While the current plastic film used to wrap the cheese is not recyclable, the company is actively working to increase the proportion of recyclable packaging for its products.
The milk sourced from British farms is a key component in the production of Cathedral City Cheddar Cheese, ensuring a consistent supply of high-quality milk for their cheese-making process. The company's dedication to sustainability and environmental responsibility is also reflected in their efforts to reduce packaging waste and increase recyclability. By sourcing milk from local farms and maintaining high standards of production, Cathedral City has established itself as a trusted and recognizable cheese brand in the United Kingdom.
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The cheese is gluten-free
The cheese-making process for Cathedral City Cheddar Cheese involves adding a vegetarian enzyme to milk, causing it to coagulate and form curds and whey. The curds are then cut into smaller pieces, and the whey is separated before salt is added to the curds. These salted curds are then pressed and formed into blocks, which are matured to achieve the desired flavour and texture.
Cathedral City Cheddar Cheese is made with 100% British milk, sourced from around 330 dedicated farms in the South West of England, specifically in Cornwall. This milk is pasteurised and combined with a starter culture, microbial enzyme, and salt to create the cheese.
Cathedral City Cheddar Cheese is naturally gluten-free. All the ingredients used in its production are gluten-free, which is typical of all unflavoured cheese. This makes it a suitable option for those with gluten intolerance or coeliac disease, who can confidently enjoy the iconic taste of Cathedral City cheese without gluten concerns.
In addition to being gluten-free, Cathedral City Cheddar Cheese is also naturally low in lactose. This is because, during the cheesemaking process, enzymes added to the milk feed on the lactose sugars, developing the cheese's flavour until the lactose is depleted. The company also offers a Lactose-Free cheddar option, which is tested using an accredited method to ensure the lactose level does not exceed 0.01%.
Cathedral City has also introduced a plant-based range, providing a dairy-free alternative for vegans and those with lactose intolerance. This vegan-friendly option, made with a rice base and coconut oil, offers the iconic taste of Cathedral City cheese without the use of dairy products.
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The cheese is also nut-free
Cathedral City Cheddar Cheese is suitable for vegetarians. The cheese is made with 100% British milk from farms in the South West of England, to which a vegetarian enzyme is added to coagulate the milk, forming curds and whey. The curds are then cut into smaller pieces, and the whey is separated before salt is added to the curds. The curds are then pressed and formed into blocks, which are matured to achieve the desired flavour and texture.
Cathedral City Cheddar Cheese is committed to providing a safe and inclusive product for all consumers, including those with dietary restrictions or allergies. The absence of nuts in the production process ensures that the cheese is suitable for a wide range of individuals, allowing them to enjoy the product without worry.
The company prioritizes consumer safety and transparency, as evident in their detailed FAQs and product information. By clearly stating the absence of nuts in their production process, they provide valuable information for individuals with nut allergies or preferences for nut-free products. This transparency empowers consumers to make informed choices about the products they purchase and consume.
In addition to being nut-free, Cathedral City Cheddar Cheese also offers a plant-based, vegan-friendly option for those who follow a dairy-free or plant-based diet. This option, made with a rice base and coconut oil, provides an alternative for those who cannot or choose not to consume dairy. With this offering, the company demonstrates its inclusivity and commitment to serving a diverse range of consumers.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Cathedral City Cheddar Cheese is suitable for vegetarians. It is made with 100% British milk from farms in the South West of England and a vegetarian enzyme is added to coagulate the milk.
No, Cathedral City Cheddar Cheese is not suitable for vegans as it is made with milk. However, the company does offer a plant-based range, which is vegan-friendly.
The company has stated that it is working towards making all its packaging recyclable. As of 2022, they had achieved 85% recyclable packaging and were actively working on finding solutions for the remaining packaging.
