Does Tillamook Cheese Contain Natamycin? What You Need to Know

December 22, 2025 •

2 min read

According to Tillamook's own foodservice ingredient lists, specific shredded cheese products, such as their Medium Cheddar Shredded Cheese, explicitly contain the natural mold inhibitor natamycin. This practice is common in the industry to extend the shelf life of pre-shredded cheese and prevent caking.

Quick Summary

Tillamook's use of natamycin depends on the cheese type; it is used in shredded varieties but generally absent from their traditional block cheeses. This additive is an FDA-approved antifungal agent for surface applications.

Key Points

Tillamook shredded cheese contains natamycin: Unlike their block varieties, many Tillamook shredded cheeses explicitly list natamycin as an ingredient to prevent mold and extend shelf life.
Tillamook block cheese typically does not: The ingredient lists for block cheddars, such as Medium or Sharp Cheddar, do not include natamycin, relying on traditional aging and storage.
Natamycin is a natural antifungal: This tasteless, odorless preservative is derived from bacteria and effectively inhibits molds and yeasts on the surface of food products.
FDA approved for surface use: The FDA has approved natamycin for use on the surface of cut and sliced cheeses as a safe mold-inhibiting ingredient.
Choose block cheese to avoid natamycin: If you prefer to avoid natamycin, purchasing Tillamook's block cheese and shredding it yourself is the most effective method.
Natamycin does not affect ripening: As an antifungal, natamycin does not inhibit the bacteria that cause fermentation, preserving the cheese's flavor and maturing process.

Tillamook Block Cheese vs. Shredded Cheese: The Ingredient Difference

The presence of natamycin in Tillamook cheese depends on whether it's block or shredded. Tillamook's ingredient lists and FAQs highlight these differences.

Block Cheese Ingredients

Tillamook's traditional block cheeses, such as Medium Cheddar Block or Extra Sharp Cheddar Block, use a simple recipe of cultured milk, salt, and enzymes. Annatto is added for color in yellow varieties. Preservatives like natamycin are not typically included in block cheese.

Shredded Cheese Ingredients

Tillamook's shredded cheeses, including Medium Cheddar Shredded and Triple Cheddar Farmstyle Shredded Cheese, contain additional ingredients for convenience and shelf life. These often include potato starch to prevent caking and natamycin as a natural mold inhibitor. The use of these additives in shredded cheese is a common industry practice.

What is Natamycin?

Natamycin (also known as E235) is a natural antifungal agent derived from Streptomyces natalensis. It's tasteless and odorless, suitable for use on food surfaces.

Why Natamycin is Used in Food

Natamycin inhibits mold and yeast growth on foods like cheese and sausages. It acts as a surface coating because it doesn't dissolve well in water. This extends shelf life without affecting flavor or bacterial ripening.

Safety and Regulation

The FDA approves natamycin for surface application on cuts and slices of cheese. Regulatory bodies like the FDA and EFSA have found it safe for consumption within limits. While generally safe, some individuals report mild reactions.

How to Avoid Natamycin

To avoid natamycin in Tillamook cheese, choose block cheese and shred it yourself. Always check the ingredient list on the packaging for explicit mention of natamycin.

Tillamook Product Comparison: Block vs. Shredded


Feature	Tillamook Block Cheese	Tillamook Shredded Cheese
Key Ingredients	Cultured milk, salt, enzymes (and annatto)	Cheese, potato starch, natamycin
Contains Natamycin?	No.	Yes.
Contains Anti-Caking Agent?	No	Yes (potato starch).
Mold Prevention	Aging, packaging, storage.	Natamycin.
Best For	Fewer additives, fresh shredding.	Convenience, longer shelf life, less clumping.

Conclusion

Tillamook uses natamycin in some shredded cheeses but not typically in block cheeses. This allows consumers to choose based on their preference for ingredients and convenience. Natamycin is an FDA-approved antifungal commonly used in cheese. Always check the product label for ingredients.

For more information on Tillamook products, visit their official FAQ page: https://www.tillamook.com/faq.

Frequently Asked Questions

Natamycin is found in some of Tillamook's pre-shredded cheese varieties, such as Medium Cheddar Shredded and Triple Cheddar Farmstyle Shredded cheese.

Natamycin is added to shredded cheese as a natural mold inhibitor to retard spoilage and extend its shelf life. It works alongside anti-caking agents to keep the shreds from clumping.

Yes, natamycin is generally considered safe for human consumption. It has been approved by regulatory bodies like the FDA and EFSA, with extensive safety assessments conducted.

Yes. Tillamook's traditional block cheeses, such as their Medium, Sharp, and Extra Sharp cheddars, do not contain natamycin, based on their standard ingredient lists.

Natamycin is a natural preservative produced during the fermentation process of the bacterium Streptomyces natalensis, which is commonly found in soil.

The most reliable method is to read the ingredient list on the product packaging. Any Tillamook product containing natamycin will list it clearly as an ingredient.

No, natamycin is tasteless and odorless. It is used in small quantities as a surface treatment and does not alter the flavor, texture, or appearance of the cheese.

The term 'healthier' can be subjective. Block cheeses have a simpler ingredient list, which some consumers prefer. Shredded cheeses contain additional agents for convenience. Both are approved as safe to eat by the FDA.