Shredded Cheese and Wood Pulp
That’s right—store-bought shredded cheese often contains cellulose, a fancy term marketers likely came up with to mask the fact that it’s essentially wood pulp. They add this pulp, or sawdust if you want to call it that, to prevent the cheese from clumping in the bag. While it’s not harmful in the small amounts used, it’s still a bit unsettling to think about. Can you imagine getting a splinter from your cheese? Probably not, but it’s hard to shake the mental image
Interestingly, cellulose is also found in other processed foods like ice cream and bread, where it acts as a thickener or stabilizer. It’s FDA-approved and considered safe, but it’s worth noting that it’s often used to bulk up products cheaply. For those who prefer to avoid it, grating your own cheese at home is a simple solution. Plus, freshly grated cheese melts better and tastes fresher. So next time you’re at the store, will you reach for the pre-shredded bag or opt for a block of cheese instead?
