Andy Montoya
Kraft's grated parmesan cheese has been a popular product for many, especially for those who enjoy sprinkling it over pasta, salads, and pizzas. However, the product has also been mired in controversy. While it is marketed as 100% grated, it is not authentic Parmesan or Parmigiano-Reggiano, which, according to the FDA, can only contain three ingredients: milk, rennet, and salt. Kraft's version includes illegal additives such as cellulose, potassium sorbate, and cheese culture, and has even been found to contain wood pulp. This has led to a ban on its sale in Europe, where regulations require Parmesan to be produced in Parma or Reggio Emilia. Despite this, some consumers still enjoy the taste and convenience of Kraft's grated cheese, and it remains easily accessible in the United States.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Weight | 8 oz, 24 oz |
| Ingredients | Pasteurized part-skim milk, salt, enzymes, cheese culture, cellulose powder, potassium sorbate |
| Nutrition | High level of saturated fat, calories, protein, calcium |
| Additives | Food colouring |
| Allergens | Milk |
| Customer Reviews | "Delicious", "decent", "good value for money", "stays fresh", "has tons of flavor" |
| Legality in Europe | Not allowed to be sold as Parmesan |
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What You'll Learn
- Kraft's grated parmesan cheese is not legally considered 'Parmesan' in Europe
- The product is made with ingredients that are not permitted in Parmesan
- Kraft's product is made with low-quality milk and cheap production methods
- The cheese is sold in 8oz and 24oz containers
- Customers enjoy the taste and value of the product
Kraft's grated parmesan cheese is not legally considered 'Parmesan' in Europe
Kraft's grated parmesan cheese is not legally considered Parmesan in Europe due to strict European regulations that require Parmesan cheese to be produced in Parma or Reggio Emilia. Kraft's parmesan cheese, on the other hand, is produced in the United States, where food labelling regulations are not as strict.
Kraft's grated parmesan cheese is made with pasteurized part-skim milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes, cellulose powder, and potassium sorbate to protect flavour. While it may be made with similar ingredients and techniques, it does not meet the geographical requirements to be labelled as Parmesan in Europe.
The debate over whether Kraft's grated parmesan cheese can be considered "real" parmesan centres around the definition of Parmesan and the cultural significance of food labelling regulations. Some argue that the quality of Kraft's parmesan cheese is lower due to the use of low-quality milk and cheap production methods. Additionally, the deep cultural impact of slow food laws and regulations in Europe contributes to the perception that Kraft's parmesan cheese is not authentic.
Kraft's grated parmesan cheese is still considered a convenient and tasty option for consumers, particularly for Italian dishes such as pasta, pizza, and salads. It offers a bold, nutty, and salty flavour that complements various recipes, and its pre-grated format saves valuable prep time in the kitchen. However, it is important to distinguish between Kraft's grated parmesan cheese and traditional Parmesan cheese produced in the designated regions of Italy.
In summary, Kraft's grated parmesan cheese does not meet the legal definition of Parmesan in Europe due to geographical restrictions. While it may share similar flavours and characteristics, the cultural significance and strict regulations surrounding traditional Parmesan cheese set it apart from Kraft's product.
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The product is made with ingredients that are not permitted in Parmesan
Kraft's 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese is not considered authentic Parmesan by European regulations. According to the FDA's Code of Federal Regulations, Parmesan cheese, or Parmigiano-Reggiano, is allowed to have only three ingredients: milk, rennet (for hardening), and salt. Small enzyme particles of plant and animal origins are also permitted during fermentation, provided they do not exceed 0.01% of the total milk weight.
However, Kraft's product contains additional ingredients, including cellulose powder, potassium sorbate, and cheese culture, which are not permitted in Parmesan cheese. These ingredients have raised concerns among consumers, particularly those with specific allergies or health considerations. The product's labelling has been criticised for being misleading, taking advantage of lax definitions of 'Parmesan' in the US.
In Europe, the term 'Parmesan' is protected and can only be used for cheese produced in Parma or Reggio Emilia, Italy. Kraft was legally forced to stop selling its cheese labelled as Parmesan in Europe due to these regulations.
The quality of Kraft's grated Parmesan has been attributed more to low-quality milk and cheap production methods rather than additives. The product has been criticised for not meeting the standards of authentic Parmesan in terms of flavour and cultural significance.
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Kraft's product is made with low-quality milk and cheap production methods
Kraft's grated parmesan cheese is a product that has been criticised for its use of low-quality milk and cheap production methods. The product, which is marketed as "Kraft 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese", has come under fire for its misleading labelling and the inclusion of additives not permitted in Parmesan cheese.
Firstly, it is important to understand the regulations surrounding the production and labelling of Parmesan cheese. According to the FDA's Code of Federal Regulations, Parmesan cheese is only permitted to contain three ingredients: milk, rennet, and salt. Small enzyme particles of plant and animal origins may also be present during the fermentation process, but they must not exceed 0.01% of the total weight of the milk used. Any product labelled as Parmesan cheese that contains additives not permitted by these regulations cannot be considered authentic Parmesan.
In the case of Kraft's grated parmesan cheese, the product has been found to contain additives such as cellulose, potassium sorbate, and cheese culture, which are not allowed in Parmesan cheese. Additionally, the product has been criticised for its misleading labelling. The label "Kraft 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese" has been interpreted as either referring to the cheese being 100% "Parmesan" or simply 100% grated. This ambiguity has led to confusion among consumers, who may believe they are purchasing authentic Parmesan cheese when that may not be the case.
The quality of Kraft's grated parmesan cheese has been attributed more to low-quality milk and cheap production methods rather than the additives. The milk used in the production of Parmesan cheese is crucial to its quality. Happy and well-cared-for animals produce better milk, resulting in higher-quality cheese. However, the fast-paced and overworked nature of many American farms may contribute to the lower quality of milk used in Kraft's product.
In conclusion, Kraft's grated parmesan cheese has been criticised for its use of low-quality milk and cheap production methods. The product's misleading labelling and use of unauthorised additives have called into question its authenticity as Parmesan cheese. While the product may be convenient and tasty, as reviewed by some customers, it is important for consumers to understand the true nature of the ingredients and the potential impact of these production methods on the quality of the final product.
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The cheese is sold in 8oz and 24oz containers
Kraft's 100% grated parmesan cheese is available in 8oz and 24oz containers. The product has received mixed reviews, with some customers praising its convenience, taste, and value for money, while others express concerns about its authenticity and the presence of additives.
The 8oz container is available at Target, with options for same-day delivery, drive-up, or in-store pickup. Online reviews suggest that the product is well-liked by customers, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars and over 1000 reviews.
The 24oz container can be purchased on Amazon and has also received positive feedback from buyers. Many customers appreciate the convenience of having grated parmesan cheese in a large container, as well as its freshness and flavour.
Kraft's grated parmesan cheese has been the subject of controversy due to its labelling and ingredients. In Europe, Kraft was legally required to stop selling its product labelled as "Parmesan" due to regulations that require Parmesan cheese to be produced in Parma or Reggio Emilia. Additionally, the presence of additives such as cellulose, potassium sorbate, and cheese culture, as well as wood pulp, has been a cause for concern among consumers.
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Customers enjoy the taste and value of the product
Customers who buy Kraft's grated parmesan cheese enjoy its taste and value. Many customers have left positive reviews for the product, describing it as "delicious", "decent", and "very tasty". One customer review highlights the convenience of having grated parmesan cheese in a large container, which also lasts a long time. Another customer mentions that the product is good value for money, especially for those who use a lot of grated parmesan cheese. The product is available in 8oz and 24oz containers, and can be purchased from Target and Amazon.
Kraft's grated parmesan cheese has been the subject of some controversy, with some sources claiming that it does not meet the standards to be labelled as 'parmesan' cheese. According to the FDA's Code of Federal Regulations, parmesan cheese is only allowed to have three ingredients: milk, rennet, and salt. However, Kraft's product contains additional ingredients, including cellulose powder, potassium sorbate, and cheese culture, which are not permitted in parmesan cheese. Due to these discrepancies, Kraft has been legally forbidden from selling its cheese labelled as 'parmesan' in Europe.
Despite this controversy, customers who have purchased Kraft's grated parmesan cheese seem to be generally satisfied with the product, citing its convenience, taste, and value for money as positive attributes.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Kraft grated parmesan cheese is not 100% parmesan. According to the FDA's Code of Federal Regulations, parmesan cheese is allowed to have only three ingredients: milk, rennet, and salt. Kraft's grated parmesan cheese contains other ingredients, including cellulose, potassium sorbate, and cheese culture, which are not permitted in parmesan cheese.
No, Kraft was legally forced to stop selling its cheese labeled as parmesan in Europe. European regulations require parmesan cheese to be produced in Parma or Reggio Emilia, Italy, to be labeled as such.
The ingredients in Kraft grated parmesan cheese are: parmesan cheese (pasteurized part-skim milk, salt, enzymes, cheese culture), cellulose powder to prevent caking, and potassium sorbate to protect flavor.
Kraft grated parmesan cheese is available for purchase at various retailers, including Target and Amazon.
