Kamil Perry
Organic shredded cheese has been the subject of some controversy, with some viral videos and social media posts claiming that it is unhealthy or even toxic. These claims are largely unfounded, according to experts, who say that both pre-shredded and block cheeses are safe and healthy to eat. However, there are some valid concerns about the additional ingredients in shredded cheese, such as cellulose, a plant fiber that is added to prevent clumping and extend shelf life, and natamycin, a mold inhibitor. While these ingredients are considered safe by government and health watchdog groups, some individuals may be sensitive to them. Additionally, shredded cheese can be high in saturated fat, which has been linked to an increased risk of coronary heart disease.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Organic shredded cheese bad for health | No evidence supporting the claim |
| Organic shredded cheese toxic | No evidence supporting the claim |
| Organic shredded cheese ingredients | Organic structural compound called cellulose, corn starch, natamycin, potato starch |
| Cellulose | Natural food additive, prevents clumping, extends shelf life |
| Natamycin | Mold inhibitor |
| Potato starch | Thickener, prevents clumping |
| Health benefits | Calcium, protein, vitamin B12, selenium, niacin, riboflavin, iodine |
| Concerns | Added carbs, higher sodium, starch content |
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What You'll Learn
- Organic shredded cheese is not toxic, despite some viral claims
- Cellulose, a common additive, is generally recognized as safe by the FDA
- Cellulose is added to prevent clumping and extend shelf life
- Natamycin, another additive, is a mold inhibitor
- Pre-shredded cheese is convenient, but block cheese may be more cost-effective
Organic shredded cheese is not toxic, despite some viral claims
Organic shredded cheese has been the subject of recent scrutiny on social media, with some viral claims suggesting that it is toxic. However, these assertions are misleading and inaccurate. The controversy stems from the presence of cellulose, a substance added to prevent clumping and extend the product's shelf life.
Cellulose, an organic structural compound, is often labelled as cellulose gum, carboxymethyl cellulose, or microcrystalline cellulose. While it is true that cellulose is derived from sources such as wood pulp or cotton lint, it is important to understand that it is "generally recognized as safe (GRAS)" by the Food and Drug Administration. Registered dietitians and experts have refuted the viral claims, assuring consumers that cellulose is naturally present in many other foods and passes through the digestive system without being absorbed.
The inclusion of cellulose in shredded cheese is primarily for functional purposes, such as preventing clumping and extending shelf life. It is added to various food products to increase insoluble fibre content and is commonly used as a calorie reducer, anti-caking agent, thickener, and texturizer. While it may add carbohydrates to the cheese, there is no evidence that cellulose negatively impacts human health unless one has a specific sensitivity to it.
The viral claims about the toxicity of organic shredded cheese are unfounded and not supported by scientific evidence. While it is always advisable to review product labels and make informed choices, consumers can be assured that shredded cheese is not toxic due to the presence of cellulose. The consensus among dietitians and experts is that the differences between block and shredded cheese relate primarily to cost, convenience, and taste, rather than any significant health concerns.
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Cellulose, a common additive, is generally recognized as safe by the FDA
Organic shredded cheese is often coated with a powdery or finely grained substance to prevent the cheese from clumping together in the packaging. This substance is called cellulose and is sometimes labelled as cellulose gum, carboxymethyl cellulose, or microcrystalline cellulose. It is also used as a calorie reducer, an anti-caking agent, a thickener, and to add texture.
Cellulose is a plant fibre that is added to foods to give texture and bulk. It is naturally found in fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, lentils, nuts, and seeds. It is also available in supplement form. Cellulose is a type of fibre that makes up the cell walls of plants. When consumed, insoluble fibres like cellulose can help push food through the digestive system and support regular bowel movements. In larger quantities, naturally occurring cellulose plays a vital role in digestive health, helps promote regular bowel movements, and can improve cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
Cellulose is a common food additive and shows up in ice creams, shredded cheese, and diet foods, among other products. The cellulose used as a food additive is usually made from wood pulp or cotton lint. Cellulose is also gluten-free, as it does not contain wheat, rye, barley, or crossbreeds of these grains.
Cellulose, in either natural or additive form, is "generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the Food and Drug Administration" (FDA), according to Jen Messer, a registered dietitian and president of the New Hampshire Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The levels of cellulose currently used in foods are not considered dangerous to humans. However, it is important to note that getting fibre from whole plant foods is usually better than getting it from additives or supplements. These foods provide many other beneficial nutrients and compounds in addition to fibre. Consuming too much cellulose may lead to side effects associated with the overconsumption of fibre, such as gas, bloating, and stomach pain.
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Cellulose is added to prevent clumping and extend shelf life
There has been a lot of discussion around the topic of whether organic shredded cheese is bad for you. Specifically, there have been claims that the cheese is “toxic” due to the addition of cellulose, a substance that is believed to be wood shavings, bark, or sawdust. However, these claims are not supported by scientific evidence and are considered to be fear-mongering.
Cellulose is a plant fiber that is added to shredded cheese to prevent clumping and extend shelf life. It is an organic structural compound that acts as an anti-caking agent and absorbs excess moisture, inhibiting mold growth. This is especially important for shredded cheese because its increased surface area makes it more susceptible to mold. By absorbing moisture and preventing clumping, cellulose helps to maintain the texture and freshness of the cheese.
The addition of cellulose to shredded cheese has raised concerns among consumers, who worry about the impact of ingesting this substance. However, it is important to note that cellulose is naturally found in many fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, lentils, nuts, and seeds. It is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is commonly used as a food additive. While it adds negligible amounts of dietary fiber to shredded cheese, larger amounts of naturally occurring cellulose are beneficial for digestive health, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.
The cellulose used in food products is typically derived from wood pulp or cotton lint. While it may seem unusual to consume a substance derived from wood, it is important to understand that cellulose passes through the human digestive system without being absorbed, as humans lack the enzymes to break it down. Therefore, while it may have a functional role in food products, it does not provide additional nutritional value or harm to those who consume it.
In conclusion, the addition of cellulose to shredded cheese is primarily for functional purposes, such as preventing clumping and extending shelf life, rather than nutritional enhancement. While it may be aesthetically unappealing to some consumers, it is generally recognized as safe and does not pose any known health risks. However, for those who prefer to avoid it, the option of shredding cheese at home or choosing brands without cellulose is always available.
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Natamycin, another additive, is a mold inhibitor
Natamycin, also known as pimaricin, is an antifungal medication used to treat fungal infections, including Candida, Aspergillus, Cephalosporium, Fusarium, and Penicillium. It is produced by the fermentation of certain types of the bacterium Streptomyces. It was discovered in 1955 and has been used for decades in the food industry as a preservative.
Natamycin is a white or creamy-white coloured powder with a molecular weight of 665.75 g/mol. It shows poor solubility in water, but it is soluble in organic solvents. Its stability depends on various factors, including solvent type, temperature, pressure, pH, light (UV and fluorescent light), oxidants, and heavy metals. Due to its low solubility in water, natamycin remains on the surface of food products, such as cheese, instead of migrating inside, thus maintaining its preservative effect.
Natamycin is commonly used in shredded cheese to inhibit mould growth and extend shelf life. Shredded cheese has a large surface area that is prone to mould colonisation, and natamycin can extend its shelf life from less than two weeks to up to 38 days. Natamycin is generally recognised as safe by governmental and health organisations, including the FDA, the European Union, the World Health Organization, and individual countries like Australia and New Zealand.
However, there have been concerns raised about potential allergic reactions to natamycin, and its potential to cause resistance to topical antifungal medications. Whole Foods has banned the use of natamycin in their cheese products, citing a preference for cheese in its natural state, even if that means shorter shelf life.
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Pre-shredded cheese is convenient, but block cheese may be more cost-effective
Pre-shredded cheese is a convenient option for many, saving time and effort in food preparation and cleanup. It comes in pre-measured bags, making it easy to use and store. However, some people may prefer the satisfaction of preparing their meals from scratch, in which case purchasing block cheese and shredding it yourself might be preferable.
One of the main considerations when choosing between pre-shredded and block cheese is cost. Pre-shredded cheese can be more expensive due to the added ingredients and processing. Block cheese may be a more cost-effective option, especially when purchased in larger quantities. It also allows for greater control over the ingredients used and can be a healthier choice, as pre-shredded cheese often contains added carbohydrates, starches, and cellulose to prevent clumping and extend shelf life.
Cellulose, an organic structural compound, has been the subject of controversy in pre-shredded cheese. It is added to prevent clumping and extend shelf life, but some consumers have expressed concerns about its source and potential health impacts. While cellulose is generally recognized as safe by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), some individuals may have sensitivities or prefer to avoid added ingredients.
When deciding between pre-shredded and block cheese, it's essential to consider your priorities regarding cost, convenience, and ingredient preferences. Pre-shredded cheese offers convenience and ease of use, but block cheese may provide more control over ingredients and cost-effectiveness. Ultimately, the choice depends on individual needs and preferences.
It's worth noting that the nutritional content of cheese, whether pre-shredded or block, remains the same. Both options provide the same nutrient-rich benefits, including calcium, protein, vitamin B12, selenium, niacin, riboflavin, and iodine. The key differences lie in the added ingredients, cost, and convenience.
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Frequently asked questions
Organic shredded cheese is not bad for your health. However, it contains cellulose, a plant fibre that adds texture and bulk and prevents the cheese from clumping together. While it is not harmful to your body, it adds carbohydrates to your cheese.
Cellulose is an organic structural compound that is sometimes labelled as cellulose gum, carboxymethyl cellulose, or microcrystalline cellulose. It is usually made from wood pulp or cotton lint.
In larger quantities, naturally occurring cellulose plays a vital role in digestive health and helps promote regular bowel movements. It can also help improve cholesterol and blood sugar levels and aid in feelings of fullness.
The only differences one needs to consider between block and shredded cheese are related to cost, convenience and taste.
