Bushra Griffith
All cheese is processed to some extent, but some are more processed than others. Fresh mozzarella is one of the least processed options, as it is rich in protein and calcium and lower in sodium than many other cheeses. Other cheeses to look out for include cheddar, havarti, and gouda.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Least processed cheese | Fresh mozzarella |
| Cheddar | |
| Havarti | |
| Gouda | |
| Tillamook |
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What You'll Learn
Fresh mozzarella is a healthier option
All cheese is processed to some extent, as it requires a draining and curdling process to be made. However, some cheeses are more processed than others. Fresh mozzarella is a healthier option, as it is rich in protein and calcium, and lower in sodium than many other cheeses. It is also a good option if you are looking for a minimally processed cheese.
Mozzarella is a soft, white cheese made from buffalo or cow's milk. It is a popular choice for pizza and other Italian dishes. Fresh mozzarella is typically sold in balls or logs and has a higher moisture content than other types of mozzarella, such as the low-moisture variety that is often shredded and used as a topping.
When choosing cheese, it is important to read the ingredients and look for options that are made with minimal processing. Some brands may use additional ingredients or processing methods that can increase the level of processing. For example, shredded cheese is often coated in anti-caking agents to prevent clumping, and cheese in a spray can is highly processed and may not even qualify as cheese.
In addition to fresh mozzarella, other types of cheese that are considered minimally processed include Tillamook and cheddar, havarti, or gouda. These options are likely to be found at your local deli counter or grocery store.
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Tillamook is better than Great Value
All cheese is processed to some extent, as it requires draining and curdling to be made. However, some cheeses are more processed than others. For example, low-fat or non-fat cheeses are heavily processed.
Some people believe that Tillamook is better than Great Value (GV) cheese. This is because Tillamook appears to be unpasteurised, which is an additional form of human processing. GV cheese, on the other hand, contains "cheese culture", which may make it more processed than Tillamook. However, another source claims that the ingredients of Tillamook and GV are not significantly different.
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Avoid spray cheese
All cheese is processed to some extent, but some are more processed than others. Fresh mozzarella, for example, is a minimally processed option that is rich in protein and calcium and lower in sodium than many other cheeses.
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Avoid low-fat or non-fat cheeses
All cheese is processed to some extent, but some are more processed than others. For example, fresh mozzarella is a minimally processed option, as it is rich in protein and calcium and lower in sodium than many other cheeses.
However, low-fat or non-fat cheeses should be avoided as they are heavily processed. These cheeses are often made with less than 50% cheese, and contain additives such as emulsifiers, flavour enhancers, preservatives, whey solids, and other fillers. They can also be too hard, gummy, or chewy, affecting both flavour and the cooking experience.
If you are looking for lower-fat cheese options, aged cheeses such as extra-sharp or sharp cheddar, Gorgonzola, Parmesan, and Asiago are good choices as they are more flavourful, so you don't need to use as much. Other lower-fat options include part-skim mozzarella, string cheeses, farmer's cheese, and Neufchâtel. Goat cheese is also lower in fat and has fewer calories than cow's milk cheese.
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Cheddar, havarti, and gouda are good options
All cheese is processed to some extent, but some cheeses are more processed than others. Cheddar, havarti, and gouda are good options if you're looking for cheese that's less processed. These cheeses are the "real deal", unlike low-fat or non-fat cheeses, which are heavily processed. Fresh mozzarella is another minimally processed option that's rich in protein and calcium and lower in sodium than many other cheeses.
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Frequently asked questions
Fresh mozzarella is a good option.
Cheddar, havarti and gouda are also less processed than other options.
Tillamook is a brand that is often recommended as being less processed than other brands.
Yes, avoid low-fat or non-fat cheeses as these are heavily processed. You should also avoid "cheese" from a spray can.
No, all cheeses are processed to some degree as a draining and curdling process is required when making them.
