Publix Fancy Shredded Mild Cheddar Cheese — OKAY

Munch or Dump rates Publix Fancy Shredded Mild Cheddar Cheese by Publix OKAY — score 62/90.

Real cultured cheddar that's been shredded and dusted with starches plus natamycin to keep the strands from clumping and molding. The cheese itself is clean; the anti-caking blend is the only thing holding it back from a top score. Buy the block and shred it yourself if you want to skip the additives.

Why this verdict

• Base is real cultured cheddar — milk, salt, enzymes, annatto
• Potato and tapioca starch added purely as anti-caking agents
• Natamycin, a mold inhibitor, coats the shreds
• A convenience form of an otherwise simple whole cheese

Ingredients (7)

• CHEDDAR CHEESE (safe) — Real cheddar, but a small fraction of the mix.
• Salt (moderate) — Used in moderation, might exceed necessary amount.
• microbial enzymes (safe) — Vegetarian coagulant used to set the curd.
• annatto (safe) — Natural plant-based coloring, the least concerning additive here.
• potato starch (safe) — Anti-caking agent to keep shreds separate.
• TAPIOCA STARCH (moderate) — Refined starch used for binding and chew, nutritionally empty.
• natamycin (moderate) — A natural mold-inhibiting preservative applied to the surface. Safe at these levels, but it is an additive block cheese does not need.

Healthier alternatives

• Original Paneer Cheese
• Kroger Sharp Cheddar Cheese Block
• Good & Gather Sharp Cheddar Cheese Block
• Good & Gather Mozzarella String Cheese
• A2 Milk Paneer