Andy Montoya
Pre-packaged shredded cheddar cheese is a convenient option for many, but some have questioned whether it contains plastic. While the cheese itself does not contain plastic, the packaging does, and hazardous chemicals from the plastic can be absorbed by the cheese. Additionally, pre-shredded cheese often contains additives like cellulose, a common anti-caking agent, to prevent clumping and maintain freshness. While generally recognized as safe, some people prefer to avoid these additives in their diet. As a result, some may opt to shred their cheese from a block, which can offer benefits in terms of taste, texture, health, cost, and environmental impact.
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What You'll Learn
- Plastic packaging may expose cheese to harmful chemicals
- Plasticizers in plastic are drawn to and absorbed by high-fat substances like cheese
- Pre-shredded cheese contains additives like potato starch, cellulose, and natamycin
- Anti-caking agents like cellulose can negatively impact the texture of dishes
- Block cheese is often cheaper, fresher, and better for the environment
Plastic packaging may expose cheese to harmful chemicals
Two plastics commonly used to wrap cheese are low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), both of which contain carcinogens and endocrine disruptors that migrate into cheese at various temperatures. LDPE packaging, for example, has been found to release the chemical benzophenone, which is linked to cancer, hormone disruption, and organ system toxicity.
To avoid the potential health risks associated with plastic-wrapped cheese, consumers can opt for cheese sliced at a deli and wrapped in paper or packaged with a square of paper between each slice. Hard, medium-soft, and individual slices can be wrapped in paper, wax, foil, or waxed paper. Soft cheeses can be stored in glass, Pyrex, ceramic, or stainless steel.
In addition to health concerns, pre-packaged shredded cheese has been criticized for its impact on taste, texture, cost, and the environment. The additives used to prevent clumping and mold growth can alter the texture and taste of the cheese, making it drier and grittier. Pre-packaged shredded cheese is also more expensive per ounce than block cheese due to the processing and packaging involved. The additional packaging contributes to plastic waste, a significant concern given the global challenges of plastic pollution.
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Plasticizers in plastic are drawn to and absorbed by high-fat substances like cheese
Plasticizers are a broad category of chemicals used to make plastics softer and more flexible. They are commonly added to polymers to lower their glass transition temperature and increase their processability, mechanical flexibility, ductility, and toughness. One example of a plasticizer is glyceryl tristearate, which has a very high boiling point.
Plasticizers can migrate from plastic to food, a process known as "chemical migration." This occurs constantly, even at room temperature, and is influenced by factors such as the ratio of serving size to packaging. Plasticizers are particularly drawn to and absorbed by high-fat substances like cheese due to being lipophilic, meaning they are attracted to lipids or fats. This means that cheese and other dairy products with high fat content can absorb hazardous plasticizers from their packaging.
Studies have found that certain chemicals in plastic packaging, such as benzophenone in low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and vinyl chloride in polyvinyl chloride (PVC), migrate into soft, semi-hard, and hard cheeses at various temperatures. Benzophenone is linked to cancer, hormone disruption, and organ system toxicity, while vinyl chloride is a known carcinogen. Individually wrapped cheese slices, which have a high surface-to-volume ratio, are of particular concern as they are likely to have a higher burden of chemical leaching.
To avoid ingesting hazardous chemicals, consumers can opt for cheese sliced at a deli and wrapped in paper or other alternatives such as wax, foil, or waxed paper. Hard and medium-soft cheeses can be stored in these materials, while soft cheeses can be stored in glass, Pyrex, ceramic, or stainless steel containers.
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Pre-shredded cheese contains additives like potato starch, cellulose, and natamycin
Pre-shredded cheese often contains additives like potato starch, cellulose, and natamycin. These additives serve various purposes, such as preventing caking, clumping, and moisture absorption, ultimately extending the product's shelf life.
Potato starch, as the name suggests, is derived from potatoes and acts as a thickening agent, helping to prevent the cheese shreds from clumping together. It is commonly used in the food industry and is generally recognized as safe for consumption.
Cellulose, another additive, is a natural component found in most plants. It is valued for its anti-caking and moisture-absorbing properties, ensuring that the shredded cheese remains free-flowing and easy to use. While cellulose itself is not harmful, the concern lies in the uncertainty of the amount present in pre-shredded cheese. Some consumers prefer to grate their own cheese to have better control over the ingredients and texture.
Natamycin, a mold inhibitor, is also added to pre-shredded cheese to prevent fungal growth and maintain freshness. It is produced naturally by soil bacteria and is poorly absorbed by the body, leading some to consider it safe for consumption. However, it is important to note that Whole Foods has listed natamycin as an unacceptable food ingredient, and some individuals may have sensitivities to this additive.
While these additives may not be inherently toxic, the presence of multiple additives in pre-shredded cheese has sparked concerns about the overall impact on health. Additionally, the migration of chemicals from plastic packaging into cheese products has been identified as a potential health hazard, with studies showing the transfer of carcinogens and endocrine disruptors.
As a result, consumers are increasingly seeking clean shredded cheese options, such as RAW FARM's shredded raw cheddar, which omits these additives, prioritizing a natural product over convenience.
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Anti-caking agents like cellulose can negatively impact the texture of dishes
While it's not plastic, pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents like cellulose, potato starch, cornstarch, calcium sulfate, and natamycin. These additives are valued for their ability to prevent clumping and mould growth, but they can negatively impact the texture of dishes, especially those that require melted cheese.
Anti-caking agents like cellulose can dehydrate the cheese, absorbing moisture to help it last longer and prevent sticking. While this property is desirable for maintaining the freshness of pre-shredded cheese, it can lead to a drier texture in dishes that call for melted cheese. For example, when making a cheese sauce, the cellulose may not melt properly, resulting in a separated texture instead of the desired creaminess.
The presence of anti-caking agents can also affect the cooking process. The powdery substance can alter the way the cheese cooks, resulting in a different texture and appearance compared to freshly shredded cheese. This can be especially noticeable in dishes like macaroni and cheese, where a creamy, cohesive texture is desired.
Some people choose to avoid pre-shredded cheese due to these textural concerns. They opt for shredding blocks of cheese themselves, which can result in a smoother, more desirable texture in their dishes. Additionally, freshly shredded cheese retains more moisture and melts beautifully, making it ideal for recipes that require creamy, melted cheese.
While the impact on texture is a primary concern, it's worth noting that the use of anti-caking agents in pre-shredded cheese has also raised health questions. Although generally recognized as safe, some individuals prefer to avoid cellulose and similar additives in their diet.
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Block cheese is often cheaper, fresher, and better for the environment
Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, a preservative that prevents the cheese from sticking together. While cellulose is a natural substance, found in plant cell walls, its presence in pre-shredded cheese is concerning as there is no clear way to know how much is real cheese versus filler. Block cheese is often cheaper, and you can shred it yourself by hand or with a food processor.
Block cheese is also fresher as it has less surface area exposed to the air, reducing the chance of spoilage. Oxygen is a key factor in the deterioration of food, as it causes oxidation and the growth of harmful bacteria. By reducing the surface area exposed to oxygen, block cheese stays fresher for longer.
Furthermore, block cheese is better for the environment. Cheese production has a significant environmental impact, and pre-shredded cheese often comes in plastic packaging, which contributes to waste and can expose consumers to harmful chemicals. Plastic is made from chemicals and fossil fuels, and these chemicals can migrate into the cheese, especially at higher temperatures. This process, known as "chemical migration," can occur even at room temperature. Non-recyclable and non-biodegradable materials used in cheese packaging contribute to environmental harm.
To reduce the environmental impact of cheese consumption, consumers can opt for block cheese and store it in eco-friendly materials like glass or reusable silicone wraps. They can also support local dairy farms that employ sustainable practices, such as rotational grazing and renewable energy sources.
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Frequently asked questions
No, there is no plastic in pre-packaged shredded cheddar cheese. However, plastic packaging is commonly used for shredded cheese, and chemicals from the plastic can migrate into the cheese.
Paper, wax, foil, and waxed paper are all suitable alternatives to plastic packaging for shredded cheese.
Pre-packaged shredded cheddar cheese often contains additives like potato starch, cellulose, and natamycin to prevent clumping and mould growth. These additives can alter the taste and texture of the cheese, and some people may have health concerns about consuming them.
You can shred a block of cheddar cheese yourself to avoid the additives in pre-packaged shredded cheese. This option is also more cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
There is no evidence that pre-packaged shredded cheddar cheese is toxic. However, some people may have sensitivities to certain ingredients, such as cellulose or potato starch.
