Frederic Melton
Kroger offers a variety of Parmesan cheese products, including grated, shredded, and wedge-shaped options. The majority of these cheeses are made with pasteurized part-skim milk, with the exception of the Private Selection® Parmesan Cheese Wedge, which uses pasteurized part-skim cow's milk. Kroger's Parmesan cheese is a popular choice for adding flavor to pasta, pizza, salads, and other dishes. The company also offers well-known brands such as Kraft Parmesan Grated Cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | Parmesan |
| Pasteurized | Yes |
| Milk Type | Part-skim |
| Container | Resealable |
| Allergens | Milk and its derivatives |
| Additives | Powdered cellulose (to prevent caking), salt, potassium sorbate (a preservative) |
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What You'll Learn
Kroger Parmesan cheese ingredients
Kroger Parmesan cheese is made from pasteurized part-skim milk, as well as a few other ingredients. The specific ingredients vary slightly depending on the type of Parmesan cheese, for example, whether it is shredded, grated, or a wedge.
Kroger Parmesan Shredded Cheese Ingredients
Kroger Parmesan shredded cheese is made from pasteurized part-skim milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes, potato starch, corn starch, dextrose, and calcium sulfate (added to prevent caking), and natamycin (a natural mold inhibitor).
Kroger 100% Parmesan Grated Cheese Ingredients
Kroger 100% Parmesan grated cheese is made from pasteurized part-skim milk, salt, enzymes, and powdered cellulose (added to prevent caking), and potassium sorbate (a preservative).
Private Selection Parmesan Cheese Wedge Ingredients
The Private Selection Parmesan Cheese Wedge is made from pasteurized part-skim cow's milk, cheese cultures, salt, and enzymes. This variety of Kroger Parmesan cheese is aged over ten months, resulting in a bold, sharp flavor.
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Pasteurization process
Pasteurization is a food preservation process that involves the application of mild heat to destroy or deactivate microorganisms and enzymes that cause food spoilage and contribute to the risk of disease. The process is named after French microbiologist Louis Pasteur, whose research in the 1860s demonstrated that heating wine to about 50–60 °C (122–140 °F) for a short time could prevent abnormal fermentation without sacrificing its ability to be aged.
The process of pasteurization varies depending on the type of food being treated. For example, the original method of pasteurizing milk or other liquid ingredients is vat pasteurization, which involves heating the product in a large tank for at least 30 minutes. In the United States, the most common method for pasteurizing milk is High Temperature Short Time (HTST) pasteurization, which heats milk to at least 161 °F for not less than 15 seconds, followed by rapid cooling. Higher Heat Shorter Time (HHST) is a similar process that uses slightly different equipment and higher temperatures for a shorter time.
To be considered Ultra Pasteurized (UP), a product must be heated to no less than 280 °F for two seconds. This results in a longer shelf life, but the product still requires refrigeration. Another method, aseptic processing or Ultra High Temperature (UHT) pasteurization, involves heating milk using commercially sterile equipment and filling it into hermetically sealed packaging. UHT milk may be stored without refrigeration for months.
In addition to liquid foods, solid foods can also undergo pasteurization, typically involving a mild heat treatment. An example of a non-thermal pasteurization process is radiation pasteurization, which involves applying small amounts of beta or gamma rays to increase the storage time of food.
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Unpasteurized cheese risks
Kroger Parmesan cheese is made from pasteurized part-skim milk. This means that it is safe to consume and does not carry the same risks as unpasteurized cheese.
Unpasteurized cheese, also known as raw-milk cheese, is made from unpasteurized milk and can pose several risks to consumers. Since 1949, the US government has forbidden the sale of cheese made from unpasteurized milk unless it has been aged for at least 60 days. This ban is in place to protect consumers from potentially harmful pathogens, as unpasteurized cheese can contain harmful bacteria such as listeria, salmonella, and E. coli. After 60 days, the acids and salts in the cheese naturally prevent these bacteria from growing, making the cheese safer to consume.
Despite this, there are still risks associated with consuming unpasteurized cheese, even when it has been aged for the required 60 days. The CDC recommends that pregnant women avoid all unpasteurized cheeses due to the risk of foodborne illnesses. Soft Hispanic cheeses, such as queso fresco, have been linked to listeria outbreaks, and some doctors recommend avoiding all raw-milk cheeses during pregnancy.
Unpasteurized cheese may also carry a higher risk of foodborne illness for individuals with weakened immune systems or certain medical conditions. It is important for individuals to assess their own risk factors and make informed decisions about consuming unpasteurized cheese.
While some cheesemakers argue that using raw milk creates more flavorful and healthful cheeses, it is important to balance this against the potential risks to consumer health. The unique flavor of raw-milk cheese is due to the presence of flavor-rich enzymes that are destroyed during the pasteurization process. However, the benefits of these enzymes may not outweigh the risks associated with harmful bacteria.
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Kroger cheese freshness
Kroger offers a wide range of cheeses, including shredded, sliced, and block varieties, as well as cheese crackers and snacks. Their products are described as "tried, tested, and loved," and they guarantee quality and freshness.
Kroger's Parmesan cheese, for example, is made from pasteurized part-skim milk and salt, with added enzymes and cultures to enhance the flavor. The Private Selection Parmesan Cheese Wedge is aged for over ten months, resulting in a bold, sharp flavor. The longer aging process contributes to its distinctive taste and texture, making it a luxurious addition to pasta, salad, or cheese platters.
Kroger also offers a range of cheddar, mozzarella, Colby Jack, and Mexican-blend cheeses, providing options for various culinary needs. The company partners with Murray's Cheese, a renowned New York City cheese shop, to bring customers an even broader selection of classic and rare cheeses from top creameries worldwide.
To maintain freshness, Kroger packages its cheese products appropriately, such as the resealable containers for their grated Parmesan cheese. The company also provides clear nutritional information and allergen warnings on its website, ensuring that customers can make informed choices about their purchases.
Overall, Kroger emphasizes freshness and quality in its cheese offerings, providing a diverse range of options for cooking, entertaining, and simply enjoying a delicious snack.
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Kroger cheese alternatives
Kroger Parmesan cheese is pasteurized, and the brand offers a range of other pasteurized cheeses, including its store-brand shredded and sliced cheeses. Kroger carries a generous selection of cheeses, including its own store brand and big names like Kraft and Sargento.
Some of the cheeses offered by the Kroger brand include:
- Sharp Cheddar Shredded Cheese
- Mexican Style Blend Shredded Cheese
- American Sliced Cheese Singles
- Colby Jack Block Cheese
- Mild Cheddar Shredded Cheese
- Pepper Jack Sliced Cheese
- Sharp Cheddar Block Cheese
- Mozzarella Shredded Cheese
- Colby Jack Sliced Cheese
- Colby Jack Shredded Cheese
Kroger also offers a range of specialty cheeses under its Private Selection label, including:
- Parmesan Cheese Wedge: Aged over ten months, this cheese has a sharp, distinctive flavor derived from pasteurized part-skim milk, salt, and genuine cheese cultures.
- Murray's Cheese: Kroger acquired this brand in 2017, and it now offers a range of cheeses, including cheddar, brie, gruyere, and Manchego.
In addition to its store-brand cheeses, Kroger also carries a variety of other cheese brands, such as:
- Kraft: Known for their American Sliced Cheese Singles and Mexican Style Four Cheese Blend Shredded Cheese.
- Sargento: Offers a range of shredded cheese blends, including a "3-state cheddar" blend.
- Boars Head: Features cheeses such as Sharp Cheddar and Butterkase.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Kroger Parmesan cheese is made from pasteurized part-skim milk.
Kroger Parmesan cheese is made from pasteurized part-skim milk, salt, enzymes, and cheese cultures.
Kroger Parmesan cheese is a great addition to pastas, pizzas, and salads.
