Patrick Oconnell
Kraft 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese has been a topic of debate among consumers, with some questioning its authenticity and potential health impact. The product has been associated with concerns about “fake” Parmesan cheese, which refers to cheeses sold under similar names but produced outside of Parma, Italy, the birthplace of Parmigiano-Reggiano. While Kraft's product may not fall under the same strict regulations as Parmigiano-Reggiano, it has been scrutinized for its high levels of saturated fat, the presence of additives like cellulose powder and potassium sorbate, and potential antibiotic use in dairy production. However, the product's convenience, indefinite shelf life, and fresh taste are also noted by some consumers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nutrition | High in calories, saturated fat, and sodium |
| Good source of calcium and protein | |
| Ingredients | Pasteurized part-skim milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes, cellulose powder, potassium sorbate |
| Processing | Low processing concerns |
| Contamination | Contains Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) |
| Contains non-dairy filler ingredients like wood pulp |
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What You'll Learn
- Kraft Parmesan cheese contains cellulose powder, potassium sorbate, and cheese cultures, which are illegal in the production of Parmigiano-Reggiano
- Kraft Parmesan cheese contains high levels of saturated fat, which is associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease
- Kraft Parmesan cheese may contain non-dairy filler ingredients like wood pulp, according to a report by Bloomberg
- Kraft Parmesan cheese is likely to be a fake version of Parmigiano-Reggiano, as it is not produced in Parma, Italy, and does not meet the standards for true Parmesan cheese
- Kraft Parmesan cheese may contain antibiotics and hormones used in dairy production, which can have public health and animal welfare concerns
Kraft Parmesan cheese contains cellulose powder, potassium sorbate, and cheese cultures, which are illegal in the production of Parmigiano-Reggiano
Kraft Parmesan cheese is a convenient alternative to traditional Parmigiano-Reggiano. However, it is important to note that Kraft Parmesan cheese contains several additives that are not permitted in the production of traditional Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. These additives include cellulose powder, potassium sorbate, and cheese cultures.
Cellulose powder, often derived from wood pulp, is added to Kraft Parmesan cheese as a filler to increase volume and reduce cost. While it is legal and generally considered safe to consume, adding cellulose powder to cheese is not permitted in the production of traditional Parmigiano-Reggiano. This practice of adding fillers is often seen as adulteration and can be misleading to consumers who expect pure Parmesan cheese.
Potassium sorbate is another additive found in Kraft Parmesan cheese. It is a preservative that inhibits the growth of mould, yeast, and bacteria, extending the shelf life of the product. While potassium sorbate is generally recognized as safe, it is not an ingredient used in the traditional crafting of Parmigiano-Reggiano.
Additionally, the cheese cultures used in Kraft Parmesan cheese may differ from those in Parmigiano-Reggiano. Cheese cultures play a crucial role in the flavour development and characteristics of the final product. Traditional Parmigiano-Reggiano is made with specific thermophilic cultures, carefully curated to ensure the distinct flavour and texture associated with this variety of cheese.
The use of these additives in Kraft Parmesan cheese is not inherently harmful, but it is essential to understand that they are not permitted in the production of traditional Parmigiano-Reggiano. These additives may impact the overall quality, flavour, and nutritional profile of the cheese, offering a more affordable and convenient option but potentially compromising on some of the characteristics that define Parmigiano-Reggiano.
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Kraft Parmesan cheese contains high levels of saturated fat, which is associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease
Kraft 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese contains high levels of saturated fat. According to the EWG, saturated fat is not an essential nutrient, and increasing intakes are associated with a heightened risk of coronary heart disease. The IOM 2005a, USDA and DHHS 2010 support this finding. As such, saturated fat is often referred to as a "bad" fat, as it raises LDL cholesterol.
Numerous health organisations recommend limiting saturated fat intake to 10% of total calories. This is roughly equivalent to 14 slices of bacon per day. A 2012 review by the Cochrane Collaboration found that reducing saturated fat intake or replacing it with healthier fats lowered the risk of cardiovascular events by 14%.
Kraft Parmesan cheese also contains additives like cellulose powder and potassium sorbate, which are not found in traditional Parmigiano-Reggiano. While these additives are deemed safe for consumption, they are not present in authentic Parmesan cheese.
In addition to high levels of saturated fat, Kraft Parmesan cheese may also contain antibiotics and hormones used in dairy production. These can have negative health and environmental implications.
While the high saturated fat content in Kraft Parmesan cheese may be concerning from a health perspective, it is important to note that cheese is also a source of calcium and protein. However, due to its high-calorie content, it is generally recommended to consume cheese in moderation.
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Kraft Parmesan cheese may contain non-dairy filler ingredients like wood pulp, according to a report by Bloomberg
Kraft 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese has been found to contain non-dairy filler ingredients like wood pulp, according to a report by Bloomberg. While this may sound alarming, it is important to note that the presence of wood pulp in small amounts is not necessarily harmful to health.
The Bloomberg report revealed that several brands of store-bought grated parmesan cheese contained high percentages of cellulose, which is essentially powdered wood pulp and the main ingredient in paper. Kraft 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese was found to have 3.8% cellulose, while other brands had even higher levels, such as Essential Everyday 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese at 8.8% and Wal-Mart Stores Inc.'s Great Value 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese at 7.8%.
Dean Sommer, a cheese technologist at the Center for Dairy Research, stated that cellulose is a safe additive and that an acceptable level is 2% to 4%. This was supported by Amy Bentley, a professor in the department of nutrition at New York University, who said that cellulose is considered a type of fiber and is not necessarily dangerous. She compared the grated parmesan to cheese products like Velveeta, which are not pure cheese but are still safe to consume.
However, it is worth noting that Kraft 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese also contains other ingredients that may be of concern. For example, it has a high level of saturated fat, which has been linked to an increased risk of coronary heart disease. Additionally, it is a high-fat dairy product, which can be a key source of dioxin and other persistent pollutants in the diet. As such, it is recommended to eat less fatty dairy to reduce the intake of these pollutants.
In conclusion, while the presence of wood pulp in Kraft 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese may be unexpected and concerning to some, it is not necessarily harmful to health when consumed in small amounts. However, the product does contain other ingredients, such as saturated fat, that may be of greater concern for overall health and well-being.
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Kraft Parmesan cheese is likely to be a fake version of Parmigiano-Reggiano, as it is not produced in Parma, Italy, and does not meet the standards for true Parmesan cheese
Parmigiano-Reggiano is a hard, granular cheese that is widely imported into the United States and is known for its high quality and taste. It is produced in the Parma/Reggio region of Italy and can only contain three simple ingredients: milk, salt, and rennet, a natural enzyme from calf intestines. On the other hand, Kraft's 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese contains additional ingredients such as cellulose powder, potassium sorbate, and cheese cultures, which are illegal in the production of Parmigiano-Reggiano. These ingredients serve as anti-caking agents, preservatives, and flavor protectors.
The debate between Kraft's processed cheese and the "'real deal'" Parmigiano-Reggiano has sparked strong opinions among consumers, with some preferring the convenience and taste of Kraft's product, while others advocate for the superior quality and flavor of authentic Parmesan. The price difference between the two products also plays a factor in consumer choices, with Kraft's cheese being more affordable for some.
While Kraft's Parmesan cheese may not be a true Parmigiano-Reggiano, it is important to note that it still contains natural cheese and can be a convenient and tasty option for those who are unable to access or afford the real thing. However, it is essential to be aware of the differences between the two products and to understand that Kraft's version may not meet the same standards as traditional Parmesan cheese.
In conclusion, Kraft Parmesan cheese is likely a fake version of Parmigiano-Reggiano due to its production outside of Parma, Italy, and the inclusion of illegal ingredients. While it may still be a viable option for some consumers, it is important to recognize its limitations and understand the value of authentic Parmesan cheese.
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Kraft Parmesan cheese may contain antibiotics and hormones used in dairy production, which can have public health and animal welfare concerns
Kraft 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese has been found to contain cellulose powder, potassium sorbate, and cheese cultures, which are illegal in the production of Parmigiano-Reggiano. While cellulose powder is added to prevent caking and potassium sorbate is used to protect flavor, their presence, along with that of cheese cultures, indicates that the Kraft product is not authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano.
Parmigiano-Reggiano is allowed to contain only three simple ingredients: milk produced in the Parma/Reggio region, salt, and rennet, a natural enzyme from calf intestines. In contrast, Kraft's product contains additional ingredients that are not found in traditional Parmesan cheese.
Furthermore, Kraft Parmesan cheese, like other dairy products, may contain antibiotics and hormones used in dairy production. Antibiotics are often used to treat sick animals, but their presence in the food supply can lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which is a significant public health concern. Milk-boosting hormone injections (rBGH) are also injected into about 20% of American dairy cows. These treatments are not allowed in Europe due to public health and animal welfare concerns.
While the presence of antibiotics and hormones in Kraft Parmesan cheese is not explicitly mentioned in the sources, it is a common issue in dairy production and could potentially affect the product. The use of antibiotics and hormones in dairy farming can have negative consequences for both human health and animal welfare, underscoring the importance of informed consumer choices and the need for transparent labeling practices in the food industry.
In conclusion, while Kraft Parmesan cheese may not be inherently bad for consumers, its potential inclusion of antibiotics and hormones used in dairy production raises valid concerns. These additives are not typically found in traditional Parmesan cheese and can have implications for public health and animal welfare. Consumers should be aware of the potential presence of these additives and make informed choices based on their values and preferences.
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Frequently asked questions
Kraft Parmesan Cheese contains a high level of saturated fat, which is linked to an increased risk of coronary heart disease. It also contains cellulose powder, potassium sorbate, and cheese cultures, which are illegal in the production of Parmigiano-Reggiano. However, the level of cellulose powder in Kraft Parmesan Cheese is considered safe for consumption.
Cellulose powder is a non-dairy filler ingredient that is essentially powdered wood pulp, the main ingredient in paper. While it is not necessarily dangerous and could be considered healthy, it is important to note that it is not a good source of fiber.
Yes, it is classified as having low processing concerns, which means it may contain fewer artificial ingredients and more whole food ingredients. However, it is still a highly processed product, and the use of antibiotics and hormones in dairy production can be a concern for some consumers.
Most cheeses are high in calories, saturated fat, and sodium, so a little goes a long way. Kraft Parmesan Cheese may have slightly lower sodium content, with only 80mg per serving, but it still contains a high level of saturated fat.
Cheese can be a good source of calcium and protein, but these benefits should be weighed against the high levels of saturated fat and sodium. It is important to consume Kraft Parmesan Cheese, or any highly processed cheese, in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
