Understanding 'Natural Cheese' vs. Processed Cheese
Before diving into specific Sargento products, it's crucial to understand the difference between 'natural cheese' and 'processed cheese'. Natural cheese is made by curdling milk with enzymes, with ingredients including milk, salt, and cheese culture. This is the category Sargento falls under. Processed cheese, on the other hand, is made by grinding and heating natural cheese, often with added emulsifiers, coloring, and other additives to achieve a specific texture and melt. Sargento emphasizes that all their products are 100% real, natural cheese. This distinction is a key aspect of their marketing and a significant point for consumers focused on a clean nutrition diet.
The Additives in Sargento's Shredded Cheeses
For most people asking, 'Does Sargento cheese have additives?', the answer is yes—but the specific additives used are common and generally considered safe. Sargento's shredded varieties, such as their Mild Cheddar or Mozzarella, list the following functional additives:
- Powdered Cellulose: A plant-based anti-caking agent that prevents the shreds from clumping together in the bag. It is tasteless, odorless, and sourced from a variety of plants.
- Potato Starch: Another plant-based anti-caking agent, it functions similarly to powdered cellulose.
- Natamycin: A naturally occurring mold inhibitor, natamycin helps extend the shelf life of the shredded cheese by preventing mold growth.
These additions are necessary for the functional performance of shredded cheese. Without them, the high moisture content would cause the cheese to stick together into a solid block, making it difficult to use. While these are technically 'additives', Sargento labels them clearly on the ingredient list, and they serve a specific, food-safety-oriented purpose.
The Simpler Ingredients of Sargento's Sliced and Block Cheeses
For those on a nutrition diet seeking the fewest possible ingredients, Sargento's sliced and block cheeses are the more direct choice. For example, their Natural Sharp Cheddar Sliced Cheese typically contains only four or five simple ingredients:
- Cultured Pasteurized Milk
- Salt
- Enzymes
- Annatto (a vegetable-based colorant)
This simple composition reflects the traditional cheesemaking process, with minimal additions needed for preservation or texture. The recent introduction of Sargento's Natural American Cheese further highlights this approach, as it was specifically developed to achieve a classic melt and texture without the emulsifying salts typically used in processed American cheese.
A Comparison of Sargento Cheese Ingredients
Understanding the ingredient differences across Sargento's product line can help consumers make informed decisions for their nutrition diet. This table highlights the typical ingredient differences between shredded, sliced, and block cheese varieties.
| Ingredient Category | Sargento Shredded Cheese | Sargento Sliced Cheese | Sargento Block Cheese |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core Ingredients | Pasteurized Milk, Cheese Culture, Salt, Enzymes | Pasteurized Milk, Cheese Culture, Salt, Enzymes | Pasteurized Milk, Cheese Culture, Salt, Enzymes |
| Anti-Caking Agents | Yes (Powdered Cellulose, Potato Starch) | No | No |
| Mold Inhibitors | Yes (Natamycin) | Sometimes (e.g., Medium Cheddar) | No |
| Coloring | Yes (Annatto for Cheddars) | Yes (Annatto for Cheddars) | Yes (Annatto for Cheddars) |
Considering Your Nutrition Diet: Beyond Additives
Beyond the presence of functional additives, there are other nutritional considerations when incorporating Sargento cheese into your diet. Cheese is a concentrated source of several nutrients but should be balanced within a healthy eating plan.
Potential Nutritional Benefits
- Calcium Source: Cheese is an excellent source of calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth.
- Protein: It provides a good amount of protein, which supports muscle health and tissue repair.
Considerations and Potential Concerns
- Saturated Fat: As with most cheeses, Sargento products contain a high level of saturated fat, which should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
- Sodium: Cheese can be high in sodium, so individuals watching their sodium intake should be mindful of portion sizes.
- Antibiotics and Hormones: Information from groups like the Environmental Working Group (EWG) suggests that antibiotics and hormones may have been used in the dairy production of some Sargento products, though Sargento does not add these directly. This is a broader industry concern related to conventional dairy farming.
Conclusion
So, does Sargento cheese have additives? The answer is a qualified 'yes', specifically regarding anti-caking agents and mold inhibitors in their shredded and grated varieties. However, Sargento's sliced and block cheeses maintain a simpler, more traditional ingredient list. All of their products are considered 'natural cheese', which differentiates them from highly processed alternatives and aligns with consumer desires for transparency and whole ingredients. When incorporating Sargento cheese into a balanced nutrition diet, paying attention to the specific product and its ingredients is key to making a choice that aligns with your health goals. It is always best to read the ingredient label and compare products to understand exactly what you are consuming.
For more detailed information on specific products and ingredients, consumers can refer to Sargento's official FAQ page.
