Are Blocks of Cheese Healthier Than Shredded Cheese?

October 27, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the FDA, anti-caking agents found in pre-shredded cheese are generally recognized as safe, but the debate continues over their potential health implications. So, are blocks of cheese healthier than shredded cheese, or are the differences negligible? We explore what's really in your packaged cheese.

Quick Summary

The primary health distinction between block and pre-shredded cheese is the presence of anti-caking agents in the latter. While nutritionally similar, block cheese offers a purer product with no added fillers, preservatives, or starches, which can affect taste, meltability, and overall purity.

Key Points

Additives are the main difference: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents like cellulose and starches to prevent clumping, which block cheese lacks entirely.
Nutritional value is similar: The fundamental nutritional content of block and shredded cheese of the same type is virtually identical, with only a negligible carbohydrate difference from added starches.
Block cheese melts better: The additives in pre-shredded cheese can inhibit a smooth, even melt, making freshly shredded block cheese superior for sauces and other recipes.
Taste and freshness are superior: Many find that freshly shredded block cheese offers a cleaner, fresher, and more robust flavor profile compared to pre-packaged versions.
Cost and shelf life favor blocks: Block cheese is generally cheaper per ounce, and its lower surface area means it lasts longer before going bad, offering better value.
Purity is a key benefit: Choosing block cheese allows you to avoid preservatives and anti-caking agents, which is preferable for those concerned about additives.

The modern grocery aisle presents a convenient but often confusing array of choices. When it comes to cheese, the decision between buying a block and a pre-shredded bag seems simple—until you consider what's inside. Beyond the obvious difference in preparation, there are key distinctions that affect taste, texture, and yes, health.

The Additive Difference: What's in Shredded Cheese?

The main difference between block and pre-shredded cheese lies in the additives. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents, which are added to prevent the shreds from clumping together inside the bag. Common anti-caking agents include cellulose (often derived from wood pulp or cotton lint), potato starch, corn starch, and calcium sulfate. These powders absorb moisture, keeping the cheese strands separate.

Block cheese, in contrast, contains no such additives. It is simply pure cheese, which means you avoid consuming these extra ingredients entirely by grating it yourself at home. While regulatory bodies like the FDA consider these additives safe in the small quantities used, some consumers prefer to avoid them for health reasons or concerns about product purity. Furthermore, some brands may also add natamycin, an antifungal agent, to extend shelf life.

Nutritional Breakdown: Is There a Healthier Choice?

For the most part, the core nutritional profile of block and shredded cheese is very similar, assuming they are the same variety (e.g., cheddar). They contain comparable levels of fat, protein, and calcium. The added starches in shredded cheese do contribute a very small amount of carbohydrates, which has been noted in keto and low-carb communities. However, food scientists confirm that the nutritional impact of these anti-caking agents is negligible for the average consumer. The real nutritional concern with cheese remains its natural content of saturated fat and sodium, regardless of its form.

Impact on Your Gut and Allergies

For individuals with sensitivities to corn or potato starch, opting for block cheese is a clear choice. While the quantity of these additives in shredded cheese is minimal, avoiding them completely by grating your own can prevent potential issues. Additionally, concerns have been raised about how the antifungal agent natamycin might affect the balance of healthy bacteria in the gut, though more research is needed.

Culinary Performance: Flavor and Meltability

For home cooks, the differences in performance are significant. Freshly shredded block cheese, with no additives, melts far more smoothly and evenly, resulting in a creamier texture. This is especially noticeable in dishes like mac and cheese, pizzas, and sauces. The added starches in shredded cheese inhibit this smooth melt, sometimes leading to a gritty or grainy texture.

Taste is another factor. The anti-caking agents can subtly alter the flavor, making it taste less fresh to some palates. Many enthusiasts prefer the cleaner, purer flavor of block cheese, especially when grating it just before use.

Cost and Longevity: A Financial and Waste Perspective

In most cases, buying block cheese is more economical. You are paying for the convenience of shredding when you purchase the pre-packaged version, so the price per ounce is typically higher. Furthermore, a block of cheese has a longer shelf life than its pre-shredded counterpart. The increased surface area of shredded cheese exposes it to more air, increasing the risk of mold and bacterial growth once opened. The protective coating on a block preserves its freshness for longer.

Comparison Table: Block vs. Shredded Cheese


Feature	Block Cheese	Shredded Cheese
Additives	None	Contains anti-caking agents (cellulose, starch) and sometimes antifungal agents
Cost (per ounce)	Generally lower	Generally higher (paying for convenience)
Flavor	Fresher, purer taste	Slightly less fresh taste due to additives
Meltability	Melts smoothly and evenly	Can melt unevenly or clump due to additives
Shelf Life	Longer if properly stored	Shorter once opened
Convenience	Requires manual shredding	Ready-to-use, saves time

Which Option is Right for You?

The choice depends on your priorities:

For maximum purity and freshness: Choose block cheese. The minimal effort of shredding it yourself is worth the superior flavor and texture for important dishes.
For specific culinary needs: If a smooth, creamy melt is critical (think mac and cheese or sauces), block cheese is the best option to avoid a grainy texture.
For convenience: If time is your main concern, pre-shredded cheese can be a perfectly acceptable option for dishes where the melt quality is less critical, such as topping salads or tacos.
To avoid additives: For those concerned about added starches, cellulose, or antifungal agents, block cheese is the only way to guarantee a pure product.

For more detailed information on food additives, you can consult sources like the Food Science Explainer from Delish, which breaks down the safety of anti-caking agents.

Conclusion

While the nutritional difference between block and pre-shredded cheese is virtually nonexistent, block cheese emerges as the healthier option due to its lack of additives. By avoiding anti-caking agents, you ensure a purer product with better flavor and superior melting characteristics. For those prioritizing convenience, pre-shredded cheese is a safe option, but for the best results, grating your own from a block is the clear winner from a health, taste, and culinary perspective.

Frequently Asked Questions

Food regulatory bodies like the FDA consider the small amounts of anti-caking agents used in shredded cheese to be generally safe for consumption. However, some consumers prefer to avoid them for dietary reasons or concerns about additives.

Cellulose, an anti-caking agent derived from plant sources like wood pulp or cotton lint, is approved for use in shredded cheese. While the term 'wood pulp' sounds alarming, the processed cellulose used is safe to eat and adds a minimal amount of dietary fiber.

Freshly shredded block cheese melts better because it does not contain the anti-caking agents that are added to pre-shredded varieties. These agents prevent the cheese from clumping but also inhibit it from melting together smoothly, which can create a grainy or gritty texture.

Due to the added starches used as anti-caking agents, pre-shredded cheese may contain a negligible amount of additional carbohydrates. For most people, the difference is nutritionally insignificant, though it is sometimes a consideration for those on strict low-carb diets.

Many people find that block cheese, when freshly shredded, has a fresher and more pronounced flavor. The additives in pre-shredded cheese can subtly affect the taste, making it less robust than the pure, freshly grated alternative.

A block of cheese has a longer shelf life than a bag of shredded cheese, especially once opened. The increased surface area of shredded cheese makes it more susceptible to mold and bacterial growth when exposed to air.

No, it is generally cheaper to buy block cheese than pre-shredded cheese on a per-ounce basis. The higher price of shredded cheese reflects the cost of convenience and packaging.

Most commercially pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents. However, you can find some specialty brands that offer additive-free shredded cheese. The most reliable way to get pure shredded cheese without additives is to buy a block and shred it yourself.