Patrick Oconnell
Kraft Parmesan cheese is a dairy-based product made from milk, cheese culture, salt, and enzymes. It is also made with cellulose powder, potassium sorbate, and cheese cultures, which are illegal in the production of Parmigiano-Reggiano. Kraft Parmesan cheese is marketed as 100% grated and is a popular topping for pasta, pizza, and salads. It has been the subject of lawsuits over its use of cellulose filler, which is derived from wood chips and used as an anti-clumping agent. In the United States, the term Parmesan is not regulated, and while Kraft Parmesan is considered real cheese, it does not meet the standards for Parmigiano-Reggiano set by European regulations.
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What You'll Learn
- Kraft Parmesan is made from milk, cheese culture, salt, and enzymes
- It also contains cellulose powder, an FDA-approved additive
- Kraft Parmesan is imitation Parmigiano-Reggiano, which is produced in Parma, Italy
- Kraft Parmesan is real cheese, but it's not considered real Parmesan
- Kraft Parmesan is a good value, tasty cheese that's great for pasta, salads, and pizza
Kraft Parmesan is made from milk, cheese culture, salt, and enzymes
Kraft Parmesan is a dairy product, made from milk, cheese culture, salt, and enzymes. It is a popular cheese product, used as a topping or added to cooked sauces, with a strong flavour that enhances the taste of pastas, pizzas, salads, and other meals.
Kraft Parmesan is often compared to Parmigiano-Reggiano, a specific variety of Italian cheese. In the European Union, the term 'Parmesan' is defined by law as genuine Parmigiano-Reggiano, made according to Italian D.O.C. regulations. However, in the United States, the term 'Parmesan' is not regulated, and any hard Italian-style grating cheese made from cow's milk can be labelled as such.
The difference in regulations has led to some controversy and lawsuits. Kraft Parmesan was banned from being sold in Europe due to differences from traditional Parmigiano-Reggiano. Additionally, Kraft Heinz faced lawsuits in multiple states for including cellulose filler, derived from wood chips, in its Parmesan cheese.
Despite the differences in regulations and some negative perceptions, Kraft Parmesan is still enjoyed by many consumers. It is considered a convenient and affordable option for adding flavour to various dishes.
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It also contains cellulose powder, an FDA-approved additive
Kraft's 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese is a dairy-based product made from premium quality milk. It contains Parmesan Cheese (Pasteurized Part-Skim Milk, Cheese Culture, Salt, Enzymes), Cellulose Powder, and Potassium Sorbate. The product is designed to enhance the flavour of various dishes, including pasta, pizza, seafood, and salads.
Cellulose powder is an additive in Kraft's 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese that has received attention due to its nature as an FDA-approved additive. Cellulose is derived from wood chips and functions as an anti-clumping or anti-caking agent in the cheese, preventing it from clumping together and improving its flow. This additive is commonly used in the food industry to modify the texture and mouthfeel of products, such as ice cream, and is not limited to low-quality cheeses. In the United States, cellulose is recognised as a "`safe additive",' by the FDA and is permitted in pre-grated cheese at levels ranging from 2% to 4%.
The inclusion of cellulose powder in Kraft's 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese has sparked controversy, resulting in lawsuits against the company. Consumers and regulatory bodies have expressed concerns about the use of this additive, with some considering it a form of food fraud or deception. The lawsuits allege violations of consumer protection laws and deceptive business practices, highlighting the presence of cellulose filler in a product marketed as "100% Grated Parmesan Cheese."
It is important to note that the use of cellulose as a filler or anti-clumping agent is not unique to Kraft's product. Several other companies, including Walmart, have faced similar lawsuits for using cellulose in their grated Parmesan cheese products. The issue of cellulose powder in Kraft's 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese underscores the complexities of food labelling, ingredient regulations, and consumer expectations surrounding the term "Parmesan" in the United States.
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Kraft Parmesan is imitation Parmigiano-Reggiano, which is produced in Parma, Italy
Kraft Parmesan is an imitation of Parmigiano-Reggiano, a type of Italian cheese produced in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, which includes the city of Parma.
Parmigiano-Reggiano is made from only three ingredients: milk, salt, and rennet (a natural enzyme from calf intestine). The milk used must be produced in the Parma/Reggio region and must be less than 20 hours old. The process of making the cheese involves adding the milk to a copper cauldron, warming it, and adding a natural whey starter (a by-product of the previous day's production) and rennet, which allows the milk to curdle. The curdled milk is then broken into small granules, and the granules are cooked, forming a solid mass. This mass is then divided, rinsed, and shaped before being placed in a plastic mould for 2–3 days. Each cheese is marked with a stamp that includes the Parmigiano Reggiano name, the production house, and the date, ensuring total traceability.
In contrast, Kraft Parmesan cheese is produced outside of Italy and contains additional ingredients not found in Parmigiano-Reggiano, such as cellulose powder, potassium sorbate, and cheese cultures. While it is still considered "real cheese" and is made using similar methods, it does not meet the strict requirements to be labelled as Parmigiano-Reggiano.
Due to European regulations, only cheese produced in the Parma or Reggio Emilia regions can be labelled as "Parmesan". As a result, Kraft was legally forced to stop selling its cheese labelled as Parmesan in Europe. In the United States, however, the term "Parmesan" is not regulated, and any hard Italian-style grating cheese made from cow's milk can be labelled as such.
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Kraft Parmesan is real cheese, but it's not considered real Parmesan
Kraft Parmesan is made from milk, cheese culture, salt, and enzymes. It also contains cellulose powder, an anti-clumping agent derived from wood chips, and potassium sorbate, which is used to protect its flavor.
Kraft Parmesan is real cheese, but it is not considered "real" Parmesan. In the United States, the word "Parmesan" is not regulated, and it can be used as a generic label for any hard Italian-style grating cheese made from cow's milk. As a result, a cheese labeled as Parmesan in the US might be genuine Parmigiano-Reggiano, but it is more likely to be an imitation.
In contrast, the term "Parmesan" is legally defined in the European Union. Since 2008, the word "Parmesan" is defined by law as only genuine Parmigiano-Reggiano, made according to Italian D.O.C. regulations. Parmigiano-Reggiano must be made in Parma or Reggio Emilia and can only contain three ingredients: milk produced in the Parma/Reggio region (less than 20 hours from cow to cheese), salt, and rennet (a natural enzyme from calf intestine).
Because of these differing regulations, Kraft was legally forced to stop selling its cheese labeled as Parmesan in Europe. However, it is important to note that the taste and quality of Kraft Parmesan are generally well-regarded by consumers, who find it tasty, affordable, and convenient.
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Kraft Parmesan is a good value, tasty cheese that's great for pasta, salads, and pizza
Kraft Parmesan is a tasty, affordable cheese that's perfect for pasta, salads, and pizza. It's a popular choice for those looking to add a bold, tangy flavour to their meals without breaking the bank.
While it may not be considered "real" Parmesan cheese, Kraft Parmesan is made with premium quality milk and delivers a sharp, distinctive taste. It's a versatile product that can be used as a topping or mixed into cooked sauces, making it a convenient and flavourful addition to a variety of dishes.
In the United States, the term "`Parmesan`" is not regulated, and any hard Italian-style grating cheese made from cow's milk can be labelled as such. This means that while Kraft Parmesan may not be traditional Parmigiano-Reggiano, it can still be enjoyed as a tasty, affordable alternative.
Kraft Parmesan is also available in a convenient 8 oz shaker, making it easy to store and use. The product has received positive reviews from customers who appreciate its flavour, freshness, and value for money.
So, if you're looking to add a tasty, affordable cheese to your pasta, salad, or pizza, Kraft Parmesan is a great option. While it may not be the most authentic choice, it certainly delivers on flavour and convenience.
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Frequently asked questions
Kraft Parmesan cheese is made from pasteurized part-skim milk, cheese culture, salt, and enzymes. It also contains cellulose powder, an FDA-approved anti-clumping ingredient, and potassium sorbate, which is used to protect flavor.
In the US, the word "Parmesan" is not regulated and can be used as a generic label for any hard Italian-style grating cheese made from cow's milk. Kraft Parmesan cheese is therefore considered real parmesan in the US. However, in the European Union, the word "Parmesan" is defined by law as genuine Parmigiano-Reggiano made according to Italian D.O.C. regulations. As a result, Kraft was legally forced to stop selling its cheese labeled as Parmesan in Europe.
Parmigiano-Reggiano is an Italian cheese that is made in Parma or Reggio Emilia and follows specific production methods and standards. Parmesan is a more general term that can be used to refer to any hard Italian-style grating cheese made from cow's milk.
Kraft Parmesan cheese is considered an imitation of Parmigiano-Reggiano because it is made outside of Parma or Reggio Emilia and may contain additional ingredients and additives that are not found in Parmigiano-Reggiano.
Kraft Parmesan cheese is a more affordable and convenient option compared to Parmigiano-Reggiano. It has a bold flavor and can enhance the taste of various dishes, such as pasta, pizza, seafood, and salads.
