The Best Natural Cheeses To Enjoy Guilt-Free

All cheese is processed to some extent, but some are more processed than others. The most processed cheeses contain emulsifiers, oils, water, milk powder, preservatives, and other additives. To avoid these highly processed varieties, look for cheeses with fewer industrial ingredients and that come from smaller companies.

Some examples of minimally processed cheeses include gouda, edam, goat's cheese, parmesan, paneer, mozzarella, ricotta, cottage cheese, cheddar, and feta.

All cheese is processed to some degree

Some people draw a distinction between "processed cheese" and "real cheese" or "natural cheese". Processed cheese typically refers to cheese products that contain additives or fillers, or which are only made from parts of regular cheese. These products are often highly processed and may contain emulsifiers, oils, water, milk powder, preservatives, and other non-cheese ingredients. On the other hand, "real" or "natural" cheese refers to cheese that is made primarily from milk, without the addition of many other ingredients. However, even this type of cheese is still processed, as it has to be made by combining milk with other ingredients and putting it through the steps of the cheesemaking process.

Some cheeses are more processed than others. For example, "processed cheese" products like cheese singles or shredded cheese often contain starch to prevent clumping and anti-caking agents to keep the shreds from sticking together. Other types of highly processed cheese include powdered cheese, such as the kind that comes in a box of mac and cheese, and cheese in a spray can. Low-fat or non-fat cheeses are also highly processed.

If you are looking for less processed cheese options, it is generally recommended to choose cheeses with fewer industrial ingredients and those that come from smaller companies. Fresh mozzarella, for example, is often recommended as a healthier, less processed option. Other minimally processed cheeses include gouda, edam, goat's cheese, parmesan, paneer, ricotta, cottage cheese, and cheddar.

Examples of highly processed cheese include cheese slices, shredded cheese, powdered cheese, and spray cheese

Cheese slices, shredded cheese, powdered cheese, and spray cheese are all examples of highly processed cheese. While all cheese undergoes some form of processing, these varieties are considered highly processed due to the addition of various non-cheese ingredients and the significant alteration of the cheese's original flavour and texture.

Processed cheese typically contains around 50-60% cheese and 40-50% other ingredients. These additional ingredients can include salt, food dyes, preservatives, dairy products, emulsifiers, vegetable oils, sugar, and artificial ingredients. The specific ingredients added to the cheese depend on the desired characteristics of the final product. For example, shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents to prevent the shreds from sticking together, while spray cheese may have ingredients that improve its spray functionality.

The processing of cheese slices, shredded cheese, powdered cheese, and spray cheese allows for a longer shelf life, resistance to separation when cooked (meltability), and a uniform look and texture. It also enables mass production, resulting in lower costs for producers and consumers. However, the high proportion of additives in these highly processed cheeses may lead to legal restrictions on their labelling as "cheese" in some countries.

While these highly processed cheese options have their advantages in terms of convenience and cost, it's important to note that they may not offer the same flavour possibilities as real, unprocessed cheese. The production process of unprocessed cheese involves the addition of good bacteria and milk-clotting enzymes, followed by cutting, heating, draining, salting, pressing, and curing. This traditional process results in a product that showcases the unique characteristics of the dairy animals, cheesemakers, and microorganisms involved.

Examples of minimally processed cheese include gouda, edam, goat's cheese, parmesan, and paneer

Gouda, Edam, goat's cheese, parmesan, and paneer are all examples of cheeses that are minimally processed.

Gouda is a semi-hard Dutch cheese named after the city of Gouda in the Netherlands. The cheese-making process involves pasteurising milk, adding culture and rennet, cutting the curd, pressing the curd, brining the cheese, and aging it. Gouda is typically made from pasteurised cow's milk, though some varieties use raw milk.

Edam is a spherical cheese, traditionally from Holland, and often coated in red wax. It is usually made with a lower-fat milk (1.6-3% butterfat), which makes it drier than other cheeses. The process of making Edam involves heating milk, adding culture and rennet, cutting the curd, removing whey and adding warm water, and pressing the curd.

Goat's cheese can be made with vinegar or a starter culture. The process involves heating goat's milk to around 185°F, adding vinegar, allowing curds to form, separating curds and whey, and seasoning the curds.

Parmesan is one of the most ancient and unique cheeses. The cheese-making process involves pasteurising milk, adding culture and rennet, cutting the curd, heating the curd, transferring curds to a cloth-lined colander, forming the curd into a ball, and pressing the curd.

Paneer is a traditional Indian cheese made with just two ingredients: milk and an acidic ingredient. The process involves curdling milk using an acidic ingredient, straining the mixture, removing excess moisture, and pressing the mixture into a block.

To avoid highly processed cheese, opt for blocks or wedges of cheese

All cheese is processed to some degree, as it has to be made from milk. However, some cheeses are more processed than others. To avoid highly processed cheese, opt for blocks or wedges of cheese. These are less likely to contain additives and are generally more natural.

Highly processed cheeses will often contain emulsifiers, oils, water, milk powder, preservatives, and other milk products. They may also be labelled as a "cheese product" and will only use parts of normal cheese. Kraft Singles, for example, are heavily processed and should be avoided.

When shopping for cheese, look for the real deal. Buy actual cheddar, actual havarti, or gouda. The safest bet is always the block or wedge. If you can afford it, organic is always a good option, but it's not essential.

Some other less processed cheeses include mozzarella, ricotta, cottage cheese, edam, parmesan, paneer, goat's cheese, and feta. These cheeses are all good options for a healthy diet, offering various nutritional benefits such as high protein, low sodium, and low-fat content.

Remember, while cheese can be part of a healthy diet, it should be consumed in moderation due to its high saturated fat content.

When in doubt, choose cheese with fewer industrial ingredients and from smaller companies

When in doubt about the level of processing in a cheese, it's best to choose cheeses with fewer industrial ingredients and from smaller companies. While all cheese undergoes some form of processing, certain varieties and brands are more heavily processed than others. Here are some tips to help guide your choices:

• Avoid processed cheese slices: Individually packaged, orange, plastic cheese slices that melt well on bread are highly processed and often contain additives and preservatives. Instead, opt for real sliced cheddar or other natural cheese slices.
• Steer clear of pre-shredded cheese: Pre-shredded cheese may be convenient, but it often contains anti-caking agents to prevent the shreds from sticking together. It's better to buy a block of cheese and shred it yourself at home.
• Skip the powdered and spray cheese: Powdered cheese, like the kind found in boxed mac and cheese, and cheese from a spray can are highly processed and should be avoided.
• Beware of low-fat or non-fat cheeses: These varieties are often heavily processed, so it's best to choose regular cheese and consume it in moderation.
• Opt for natural, full-fat cheeses: Look for cheeses like cheddar, havarti, gouda, mozzarella, or ricotta. The safest bet is usually the block or wedge form.
• Consider organic options: If your budget allows, organic cheese is often a better option, though not essential.
• Choose smaller cheese producers: Cheese from smaller companies or artisanal cheesemakers tends to be less processed than those from large, industrial manufacturers.
• Check the ingredient list: Read the ingredient list to identify any additives, fillers, or emulsifiers. Natural cheese will have fewer industrial ingredients and will simply list the type of cheese, such as "cheddar cheese."
• Go for aged cheeses: Harder, aged cheeses like Parmesan tend to have a longer shelf life than softer cheeses like Brie or goat cheese, and they are generally less processed.
• Support local cheesemongers: A cheesemonger or specialist cheese seller can provide expertise in selecting and purchasing high-quality, less processed cheeses.

Remember, while it's important to make informed choices, cheese is a dairy product that inherently undergoes some level of processing. Enjoy cheese in moderation, savor the variety of flavors and textures, and support cheesemakers who prioritize quality and traditional cheesemaking techniques.

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