Is Kraft grated parmesan healthy? An in-depth nutritional look

November 10, 2025 •

4 min read

First introduced in 1945, Kraft grated parmesan has become a pantry staple for decades. However, with rising interest in whole, minimally processed foods, many are asking: Is Kraft grated parmesan healthy? Let's take a closer look at its ingredients, nutritional profile, and how it stacks up against traditional parmesan cheese.

Quick Summary

Kraft grated parmesan contains additives like cellulose and preservatives, setting it apart from fresh, traditional versions. It offers convenience, but its higher sodium and processed nature make it a less nutritionally dense choice than authentic aged parmesan.

Key Points

Processed vs. Natural: Kraft grated parmesan contains additives like cellulose and preservatives, whereas traditional aged parmesan does not.
Lower Nutrient Density: On a per-calorie basis, traditional parmesan is more nutrient-dense, offering higher levels of protein and calcium.
Higher Sodium Content: Despite lower absolute numbers per small serving, Kraft grated parmesan has a higher sodium content relative to its nutritional contribution.
Ultra-Processed Designation: Some analyses classify certain Kraft grated products as moderately or ultra-processed, which is associated with potential health risks.
Fresh is Flavorful: Traditional aged parmesan offers superior flavor and texture due to its longer and more natural aging process.
Moderation is Prudent: Both Kraft and traditional parmesan should be enjoyed in moderation due to their calorie, fat, and sodium content.

What's in the Can? Ingredients of Kraft Grated Parmesan

Unlike a simple block of high-quality aged cheese, the ingredient list for Kraft grated parmesan is more complex. The ingredients can vary slightly by product line (e.g., 100% Parmesan vs. Parmesan Style Topping), but common additives are present in many versions. These additives serve several purposes, including preventing caking and extending shelf life.

Common ingredients found in Kraft grated parmesan products often include:

Pasteurized Part-Skim Milk, Cheese Culture, Salt, Enzymes: These are the basic components of cheese.
Cellulose Powder: A plant-based anti-caking agent added to prevent the grated cheese from clumping together. While a form of fiber, it is considered an additive and does not offer the same health benefits as fiber from whole foods.
Potassium Sorbate: A preservative added to protect flavor and inhibit mold growth.
Natamycin: Another natural mold inhibitor used in some products.

The Aging Process: Time vs. Convenience

Traditional Parmigiano-Reggiano is aged for a minimum of 12 months, which contributes to its rich flavor and crumbly texture. Kraft, however, developed a process using a much shorter aging time to reduce production costs. This makes it a cost-effective, pantry-safe option, but it also results in a significantly different flavor and nutritional composition compared to the real deal.

Nutritional Comparison: Kraft vs. Traditional Parmesan

To understand whether Kraft grated parmesan fits into a healthy diet, it's helpful to compare its nutritional profile to that of traditional, block parmesan cheese. A standard serving size is about 2 teaspoons for Kraft and 1 ounce (about 28 grams) for a block of cheese.


Nutritional Aspect	Kraft Grated Parmesan (per 2 tsp)	Traditional Parmesan (per 1 oz)
Calories	~20	111
Protein	2g	10g
Total Fat	1.5g	7g
Saturated Fat	1g	4g
Sodium	80mg (3-4% DV)	340mg (15% DV)
Calcium	~50mg (~4% DV)	335mg (~26% DV)
Lactose	Low	Very Low (due to aging)

Key Takeaways from the Comparison

Serving Size Difference: The numbers are for different serving sizes. On a per-calorie or per-gram basis, fresh parmesan delivers significantly more protein and calcium.
Calcium Content: A one-ounce serving of real parmesan provides a substantial 26% of your Daily Value for calcium, a critical nutrient for bone health. By contrast, a two-teaspoon serving of Kraft offers only about 4%.
Sodium Density: While Kraft has a lower absolute sodium count per serving, it is a significant contributor to overall sodium intake, especially for those sensitive to it.

Health Considerations for Choosing Cheese

When evaluating the health of any cheese, several factors are important to consider, especially when choosing between processed and natural options.

The Impact of Processed Additives

While cellulose powder is generally considered safe for consumption, some varieties of Kraft grated parmesan have been flagged by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) for moderate processing concerns and for containing potential contaminants. The addition of anti-caking agents means the product is not 100% cheese, which alters its nutritional profile and level of processing.

Saturated Fat and Sodium Content

Like many cheeses, both Kraft and traditional parmesan contain saturated fat and sodium. Overconsumption of either can be a concern for individuals with heart conditions or high blood pressure. The convenience of pre-grated products can sometimes lead to using larger portions, increasing the intake of these components. However, consumed in moderation, cheese can still be part of a healthy diet.

The Upside of Real Parmesan

Real parmesan (Parmigiano-Reggiano) is a nutrient-dense food.

Some of its notable health benefits include:

Rich in Calcium and Protein: It is an excellent source of calcium for strong bones and protein, which helps with satiety.
Digestibility: The aging process makes it very low in lactose, so many people with lactose intolerance can enjoy it without issues.
Beneficial Fatty Acids: Studies suggest real Parmigiano-Reggiano may contain Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA), an essential fatty acid that could aid in fat loss.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Diet

While Kraft grated parmesan is a convenient and long-lasting pantry item, it is not as nutritionally robust as fresh, traditional parmesan. Its inclusion of cellulose and preservatives, along with a higher sodium density relative to its nutrient profile, positions it as a less healthy option. The answer to whether is Kraft grated parmesan healthy? is nuanced. For those seeking maximum nutritional value, better ingredients, and a richer flavor, investing in a block of high-quality aged parmesan is the superior choice. However, for those prioritizing convenience and using it sparingly, Kraft can be an acceptable addition to a balanced diet. Ultimately, understanding the differences allows you to make an informed decision based on your health goals and preferences.

For more information on the nutritional aspects of various cheeses, WebMD offers a helpful guide on the health benefits and risks of different types.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kraft grated parmesan is made from cheese, but it is not the same as traditional, naturally aged parmesan cheese. It is manufactured using a shorter aging process and contains additives like cellulose powder and preservatives, which are not present in authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Cellulose powder is a plant-based anti-caking agent added to many grated cheese products, including Kraft. Its purpose is to prevent the cheese from clumping together and to extend its shelf life. While it is a type of fiber, it's an additive derived from plant pulp and is not a naturally occurring component of cheese.

Kraft grated parmesan contains 80mg of sodium per two-teaspoon serving. While this seems low, it's a significant amount for a small portion. Traditional parmesan also contains high levels of sodium, and overuse of either can contribute to a high-sodium diet, which can be a concern for people with high blood pressure.

Fresh, block parmesan is generally more nutritionally dense. A one-ounce serving of real parmesan provides significantly more protein and calcium than a two-teaspoon serving of Kraft. However, real parmesan is also higher in calories per serving.

Yes, for most people, consuming Kraft parmesan in moderation is acceptable as part of a balanced diet. The key is to be mindful of its higher processing, additives, and sodium content compared to fresh parmesan. Limit the amount used to keep your intake of saturated fat and sodium in check.

For a healthier and tastier alternative, consider buying a block of traditional Parmigiano-Reggiano and grating it yourself. For a pantry-safe option, look for pre-grated products with a shorter, simpler ingredient list that only includes cheese, and possibly a natural mold inhibitor like natamycin. Harder, aged cheeses generally have a long shelf life.

Some analysis of Kraft's dairy ingredients has raised concerns about the potential use of antibiotics and growth hormones (rBGH) in dairy production. This practice is not permitted in Europe but is used in some American dairy farming. Choosing organic or rBGH-free products can help avoid these concerns.

Real aged parmesan is considered healthier because it is a minimally processed, nutrient-dense food. It is a richer source of calcium, protein, and other nutrients. The longer aging process also makes it very low in lactose, which is easier for many people to digest.