Bushra Griffith
Kraft Parmesan cheese is a popular product, but is it gluten-free? In the United States, the term Parmesan is not regulated, and Kraft takes advantage of this lax definition. While the product may be labelled as Parmesan, it is more likely to be an imitation of the traditional Italian Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Kraft's Grated Three Cheese Blend, for example, is not labelled as gluten-free and contains ingredients like cellulose powder and potassium sorbate. The product also includes Romano and Asiago cheeses, which are made from cow's milk and have similar ingredients to Parmesan. With concerns about allergens and the presence of milk-derived ingredients, it is important for consumers to be aware of the product's composition and potential gluten content.
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What You'll Learn
Kraft Parmesan is not regulated in the US
In the United States, the word "Parmesan" is not regulated. A cheese labeled as Parmesan in the US might be genuine Parmigiano-Reggiano, but it is more likely to be an imitation. This is because the US does not regulate food labeling.
Kraft Parmesan is considered "real Parmesan" in the US because the word "Parmesan" does not have a regulated definition. However, in 2008, the European Union defined Parmesan by law as only genuine Parmigiano-Reggiano made according to Italian D.O.C. regulations. Kraft Parmesan was legally prohibited from being sold as Parmesan in Europe because it did not meet these regulations.
The lack of regulation around the term "Parmesan" in the US allows companies like Kraft to take advantage of lax definitions. For example, Kraft's "100% Grated Parmesan Cheese" was issued a temporary permit by the FDA to market test a product that deviates from the standards of identity for Parmesan cheese and grated cheeses. This product is formulated using a different enzyme technology that fully cures the cheese in six months.
The pending trade agreement between the US and the EU may change this dynamic. One of the major goals for the EU is to get the US to recognize their protected brands, especially concerning cheese. However, until the US recognizes and enforces these protected brands, Kraft Parmesan and other imitation Parmesan cheeses will continue to be marketed and sold in the US without regulation.
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Kraft Parmesan is an imitation of Italian Parmigiano-Reggiano
Kraft Parmesan cheese is a product of Kraft Heinz, an American food company. It was first introduced in 1945 and is well-known for its powdery, sawdust-like consistency. Kraft Parmesan is made with a shortened production process, where the cheese is aged for only six months. This is significantly less than the minimum of twelve months required for genuine Parmigiano-Reggiano. The shorter ageing process is a cost-saving measure for the company, as it reduces the time the cheese spends on the shelf and frees up production space.
Parmigiano-Reggiano, on the other hand, is a traditional Italian hard cheese made from cow's milk. It originated in the Italian regions of Parma, Reggio-Emilia, Modena, and Bologna and has a long history, dating back to the Middle Ages. The production of Parmigiano-Reggiano is highly regulated by Italian and European laws, which aim to preserve the traditions and quality of this iconic cheese. According to these regulations, Parmigiano-Reggiano can only contain three simple ingredients: milk from the designated regions, salt, and rennet (a natural enzyme from calf intestines).
In contrast, Kraft Parmesan contains additional ingredients, such as cellulose powder and potassium sorbate, which are not found in traditional Parmigiano-Reggiano and are, in fact, illegal in its production. The difference in ingredients and the shorter ageing process of Kraft Parmesan contribute to a significant difference in taste and quality compared to its Italian counterpart. While some consumers may prefer the convenience and familiarity of Kraft Parmesan, particularly those who grew up with it, the imitation cheese falls short when it comes to delivering the authentic flavour and texture of Parmigiano-Reggiano.
The term "Parmesan" is not regulated in the United States, allowing commercially produced imitation cheeses to be sold under this name. This lack of regulation has led to consumer confusion, as many products labelled as "Parmesan" in the US are imitations rather than the genuine Italian Parmigiano-Reggiano. However, it is important to note that the situation may evolve, as there have been efforts by the European Union to get the US to recognise its protected brands, including Parmigiano-Reggiano.
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Kraft Parmesan is made from milk and rennet
In the United States, the Code of Federal Regulations includes a Standard of Identity for "Parmesan and Reggiano cheese", which defines the production process and the final result. According to this standard, "Parmesan" must be made from cow's milk, cured for at least 10 months, contain no more than 32% water, and have a minimum of 32% milk fat in its solids. Kraft Foods, a major North American producer of grated "Parmesan", has been selling this product since 1945.
The process of making Kraft Parmesan involves using enzymes to convert milk into cheese. These enzymes are purchased from reputable suppliers and are not derived from animal tissue. This means that Kraft Parmesan is suitable for vegetarians, as it does not contain animal-derived rennet. However, it may contain lipase, which is derived from the stomachs of slaughtered calves and lambs, so it is important to check the ingredient list.
While Kraft Parmesan is made from milk and rennet, the quality of the final product is often questioned. Some attribute the lower quality of Kraft Parmesan to the use of low-quality milk and cheap production methods. Additionally, the term "Parmesan" is not regulated in the United States, so Kraft Parmesan is considered an imitation of the traditional Italian Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Despite this, Kraft Parmesan is still enjoyed by many and is easily accessible.
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Kraft Parmesan is a blend of three cheeses
While Kraft Parmesan is a blend of three cheeses, it is marketed as "100% Parmesan." This is because, in the United States, the word "Parmesan" is not regulated, and the term can be used more liberally compared to the European Union, where it is legally defined as genuine Parmigiano-Reggiano made according to Italian D.O.C. regulations. As a result, Kraft Parmesan is considered an imitation of the traditional Italian Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
Despite being an imitation, Kraft Parmesan has become a classic in many households, with some customers preferring it over the real Parmigiano-Reggiano. It is a versatile product that can be used in various recipes, such as baked artichoke dip, eggplant parmesan, and chicken parmesan.
The blend of Parmesan, Romano, and Asiago cheeses offers a unique flavor profile that has gained popularity among consumers. While some prefer the taste of plain Parmesan, others find that the addition of Romano and Asiago cheeses enhances their culinary creations. This blend of three cheeses provides a convenient and economical option for those who enjoy the flavor and versatility of Parmesan-style cheese.
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Kraft Parmesan is not labelled gluten-free
Kraft's Grated Three Cheese Blend is not labelled gluten-free. This product contains Parmesan, Romano, and Asiago cheeses, as well as cellulose powder to prevent caking and potassium sorbate to protect flavour.
While Kraft's Grated Three Cheese Blend is not labelled gluten-free, the manufacturer provides online gluten-free information. They state that they label their products in compliance with the FDA, considering and labelling for all possible sources of major allergens, including eggs, fish, shellfish, milk, peanuts, soy, tree nuts, and wheat.
Kraft's 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese also contains cellulose powder and potassium sorbate to protect flavour. It is also not labelled gluten-free. However, it is classified as having low processing concerns, meaning it has few artificial ingredients and more ingredients that are either whole foods or are minimally processed.
It is important to note that while a product may not be labelled gluten-free, it does not necessarily mean that it contains gluten. The absence of a gluten-free label could be due to various reasons, such as the manufacturer's choice or regulatory requirements. Therefore, it is always advisable to refer to the ingredient list and consult a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian for personalized advice and information.
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