Yes, Sargento uses cellulose in its shredded cheese
For consumers concerned about what's in their food, a look at the ingredients list can be revealing. Many people ask, "Does Sargento shredded cheese contain cellulose?" The answer is yes, many of their shredded cheese products list powdered cellulose as an ingredient on the packaging and in their official FAQs. It's used for a specific and functional purpose, not as a substitute for cheese itself. The presence of this additive is a common practice in the industry, and understanding why it's there helps clear up confusion and misinformation surrounding shredded cheese.
Understanding Powdered Cellulose: What It Is and Why It’s Used
Powdered cellulose is a food-grade ingredient derived from plant cell walls. It's essentially a type of insoluble dietary fiber. As a food additive, it is refined into a fine, white, tasteless powder that serves several important functions for manufacturers and consumers alike.
The Anti-Caking Effect
The primary reason Sargento and other cheese manufacturers add powdered cellulose is to prevent caking. Shredded cheese has a large surface area, which makes it prone to clumping together, especially in a moist environment like a refrigerated bag. The cellulose powder coats the individual shreds of cheese, acting as a barrier that absorbs excess moisture and keeps the cheese pieces from sticking to each other. This ensures the cheese remains free-flowing and easy to sprinkle over food.
Dispelling the "Wood Pulp" Myth
Viral online claims have sometimes sensationalized the use of cellulose by referring to it as "wood pulp". While it's true that food-grade cellulose can be derived from wood pulp, it's a highly refined and purified substance, not the same as sawdust. The FDA considers it "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS), meaning it is a safe and legal food additive. It passes through the human digestive system largely unabsorbed, similar to other dietary fibers.
The Role of Cellulose in Your Food
Beyond shredded cheese, cellulose is a common additive found in thousands of food products. It's used as a thickener, texturizer, and stabilizer in everything from salad dressings and baked goods to dietary supplements. For shredded cheese, the minimal amount of cellulose added is not a significant source of dietary fiber, but it is harmless and serves its intended purpose effectively.
Alternatives for Those Who Prefer to Avoid It
For consumers who wish to avoid powdered cellulose, there are straightforward alternatives. The most obvious is to purchase a block of Sargento cheese or another brand and shred it yourself at home. This requires a little more effort but is the only guaranteed way to have shredded cheese with no anti-caking agents added. Some smaller, specialty brands may also offer cellulose-free shredded varieties.
Why You Still Get Quality
It's important to remember that Sargento emphasizes its commitment to using 100% real, natural cheese in its products. The cellulose is an additive to a real cheese product, not a replacement for it. The ingredients list for Sargento's shredded cheese, for instance, includes cheddar cheese made from cultured pasteurized milk, salt, and enzymes, with powdered cellulose and potato starch as the anti-caking agents. Natamycin, a natural mold inhibitor, is also often included.
The Impact on Melting
One minor consequence of the cellulose is that it can slightly affect how the cheese melts. The anti-caking agent is designed to keep the cheese dry and separate, which can sometimes result in a less uniform melt compared to cheese freshly shredded from a block. While this difference is often subtle, some home cooks who prioritize a perfectly smooth cheese melt prefer to shred their own cheese.
Comparison Table: Pre-Shredded vs. Block Cheese
| Feature | Pre-Shredded Cheese (e.g., Sargento) | Block Cheese |
|---|---|---|
| Convenience | Highly convenient, ready to use. | Less convenient, requires manual shredding. |
| Ingredients | Contains powdered cellulose and other anti-caking agents. | Contains only cheese ingredients. |
| Melting Quality | May melt slightly less smoothly due to anti-caking agents. | Melts very smoothly and evenly. |
| Freshness | Preservatives and packaging extend shelf life, but freshness window is limited after opening. | Fresher, as it's not processed with additives for shelf stability. |
| Cost | Typically costs more per ounce due to processing and packaging. | Generally more affordable per ounce. |
| Flavor | Excellent, but some argue a fresher, more intense flavor from block cheese. | Often has a more robust flavor profile. |
Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice
Yes, Sargento shredded cheese contains powdered cellulose, and this is standard practice across the packaged food industry. This additive is safe, functional, and approved by the FDA. It ensures the convenient, non-clumping texture that makes pre-shredded cheese so popular. For those concerned about additives, the simplest solution is to buy a block of cheese and shred it fresh at home. For everyone else, the powdered cellulose in Sargento and other major brands presents no health risks and provides a dependable, high-quality product for everyday use. Ultimately, the choice between pre-shredded and block cheese comes down to prioritizing convenience versus a preference for pure, unprocessed ingredients.
For more details on Sargento's ingredients, you can check their official FAQ page. Sargento Foods Frequently Asked Questions
