Can Shredded Cheese Be Healthy? A Look at Nutrition, Additives, and Quality

November 26, 2025 •

3 min read

With shredded natural cheese sales reaching $4.7 billion in 2018, it's a staple for many busy households. But as concerns about processed foods grow, many people wonder: can shredded cheese be healthy, or do the added ingredients compromise its nutritional value?

Quick Summary

Pre-shredded cheese is a convenient option, but it contains additives that affect its taste and meltability. While its core nutrition is similar to block cheese, your choice depends on prioritizing convenience over freshness and melting quality.

Key Points

Additives Included: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents like cellulose or potato starch to prevent clumping.
Negligible Nutritional Impact: The small amount of additives has a minimal effect on the overall nutritional profile of the cheese.
Melting Differences: The anti-caking coating prevents shredded cheese from melting as smoothly as cheese freshly grated from a block.
Cost vs. Convenience: Shredded cheese is more convenient for quick use but typically costs more per ounce than block cheese.
Prioritize Moderation: All cheese is calorie-dense. The healthiest approach is to consume it in moderation and focus on low-fat varieties.
Read the Label: For a healthier choice, look for brands with minimal additives, or consider grass-fed cheese for potentially higher healthy fats.
Not Toxic: Claims that cellulose in shredded cheese is 'toxic' or 'sawdust' are misinformed; it is a safe, food-grade plant fiber.

What's Really in Your Bag of Shredded Cheese?

When you open a bag of pre-shredded cheese, you'll notice that the shreds don't clump together. This is due to a coating of anti-caking agents, which absorb moisture and prevent the cheese from sticking. Common agents include cornstarch, potato starch, and powdered cellulose.

Cellulose: Often mistakenly called “wood pulp,” food-grade cellulose is a safe, indigestible plant fiber.
Starches: Corn and potato starches are also used and recognized as safe by the FDA.
Natamycin: Some pre-shredded cheeses also contain this mold inhibitor to extend shelf life.

While these additives are present in small, regulated amounts and are generally considered safe, they do have some culinary and minor nutritional impacts. For example, starches contribute a negligible amount of carbohydrates and calories, while cellulose adds fiber. However, their primary effect is on the cheese's performance in cooking.

Shredded vs. Block Cheese: A Side-by-Side Comparison

The most significant differences between pre-shredded and block cheese are not in their fundamental nutritional content but in their processing and performance. Here's a quick breakdown to help you decide which is right for your needs:


Feature	Pre-Shredded Cheese	Block Cheese (Freshly Grated)
Convenience	High, ready to use immediately.	Low, requires time and effort to grate.
Cost	Typically more expensive per ounce.	Cheaper per ounce, especially when bought in bulk.
Melting Quality	Less smooth and less consistent melt due to anti-caking agents.	Melts smoothly and more evenly, ideal for sauces and pizzas.
Taste & Texture	Can sometimes have a slightly less fresh flavor and a drier texture.	Fresher, purer flavor, and a creamier, richer texture.
Additives	Contains anti-caking agents and sometimes preservatives.	Contains no additives, just cheese.
Shelf Life	Longer shelf life due to lower moisture and preservatives.	Shorter shelf life once opened, though mold on the surface can be cut off.

The Bottom Line on Health and Nutrition

For most people, the difference in nutritional value is negligible. The decision to buy pre-shredded or block cheese should be based on your cooking needs and personal preference regarding additives and taste. The broader health implications of cheese consumption come down to the bigger picture:

Prioritize Moderation and Type

All cheese, whether shredded or in a block, is calorie-dense and high in saturated fat and sodium. Portion control is crucial for any healthy diet. For the healthiest option, consider:

Low-Fat Cheeses: Choosing low-fat varieties like part-skim mozzarella or ricotta can help reduce overall fat intake.
High-Quality Options: Cheeses made from grass-fed milk may contain higher levels of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a healthy fat with potential benefits.
Harder Cheeses: Cheeses like parmesan or aged cheddar are lower in lactose, making them a better choice for those with sensitivities. They also tend to be richer in nutrients like calcium and protein.

Smart Ways to Incorporate Shredded Cheese into a Healthy Diet

If you opt for the convenience of pre-shredded cheese, there are still many ways to use it as part of a nutritious meal. The key is to see it as a flavorful garnish rather than the main ingredient. Here are some ideas:

Sprinkle on Salads: Add a small amount of shredded cheese to a large salad packed with fresh vegetables for extra flavor and calcium.
Enrich Roasted Vegetables: Toss roasted broccoli or cauliflower with a little shredded cheese at the end of cooking.
Upgrade Healthy Soups: Top a bowl of broccoli cheddar soup with a sprinkle of shredded cheese for a comforting finish.
Enhance Lean Proteins: Use shredded cheese to complement grilled chicken or a turkey burger rather than overpowering it.

Conclusion

So, can shredded cheese be healthy? The answer is yes, with the same caveats as any other cheese: it's all about moderation and context. While the anti-caking agents found in pre-shredded varieties are a point of difference, they pose little health risk and have a negligible impact on overall nutrition. Your choice between pre-shredded and block cheese is a trade-off between convenience and culinary quality. If you prioritize easy meal prep and don't mind a different melt, shredded is fine. If you seek the purest flavor and a superior, smooth melt, shredding your own block cheese is the better option. For truly healthy consumption, focus on portion size, choose low-fat or grass-fed varieties, and pair cheese with whole foods like vegetables to maximize nutritional benefits.

Visit the FDA website to learn more about food additives recognized as safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, food-grade cellulose is a safe, indigestible plant fiber often added to many foods. The FDA recognizes it as generally safe to consume in the small amounts used in cheese.

Some people find that the anti-caking agents can give shredded cheese a slightly drier texture and less fresh flavor compared to freshly grated block cheese.

The anti-caking agents on shredded cheese, such as starches and cellulose, create a barrier that prevents the cheese strands from melting and fusing together as smoothly as a block cheese you grate yourself.

Nutritionally, the difference is negligible. The primary benefit of block cheese is the absence of additives, which may be preferred by those seeking a less processed product.

Yes, but in moderation. Due to its high saturated fat and sodium content, it is best used in small, controlled portions. Choosing lower-fat varieties can also help.

Look for a shorter ingredient list with fewer anti-caking agents. Additionally, brands made from grass-fed milk may offer a better fat profile.

Rinsing shredded cheese can wash away some of the surface starches, but it is not a guaranteed way to remove all additives and may negatively affect the cheese's texture and taste.