Does Crumbled Feta Cheese contain dairy or gluten?

Yes, it contains dairy (milk). It does not contain gluten ingredients, but always check for cross-contamination if you have Celiac disease.

Is Crumbled Feta Cheese good for weight loss?

It is moderate in calories (around 80-100 per serving) but high in fat. It can fit into a calorie-controlled diet in moderation, but portion control is key.

Where can I buy Crumbled Feta Cheese?

Crumbled Feta Cheese is widely available at major grocery chains, dairy aisles, and online retailers like Amazon.

Is Crumbled Feta Cheese safe for kids?

Yes, it is safe for children as it contains no caffeine or added sugar. However, due to the high sodium content, it should be served in moderation.

Is Crumbled Feta Cheese Vegan?

No, Crumbled Feta Cheese is not vegan. While the anti-caking agents are plant-derived, the core product is made entirely from animal milk. To understand exactly why this cheese is off-limits for a vegan diet, we need to look closely at the specific ingredients used in the manufacturing process.

The Ingredient Breakdown

When analyzing whether a product fits a vegan lifestyle, we look beyond the obvious. For Crumbled Feta Cheese, the verdict is clear due to the primary ingredients listed on the packaging. The base of this product is pasteurized milk. Since milk is a secretion from animals (specifically cows in the case of feta), it is strictly prohibited on a vegan diet.

Equally important is the cheese cultures and enzymes used to coagulate the milk. In traditional feta production, these enzymes are often animal-derived, specifically rennet sourced from the stomach lining of calves. While some cheeses use microbial or vegetable rennet, standard commercial feta almost exclusively relies on animal rennet to achieve its specific texture and tang.

Finally, we have the additives powdered cellulose and natamycin. Powdered cellulose is a plant-derived fiber (often from wood pulp or cotton) used to keep the crumbles separate. Natamycin is a natural antifungal agent produced by bacteria. While these specific additives are technically vegan-friendly, they do not outweigh the animal-derived nature of the milk and enzymes. Therefore, the product is not suitable for vegans.

🚫 Culprit Ingredients:

milk

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, Crumbled Feta Cheese is a source of calcium and protein, but it is also high in saturated fat and sodium. A standard serving typically contains between 70 to 100 calories, with a significant portion coming from fat. It contains zero sugar, which is a positive attribute, but the sodium content can be quite high, often exceeding 300mg per serving.

For those following a vegan diet, it is important to note that while this cheese provides calcium, vegans can easily meet these needs through fortified plant milks, leafy greens, and nuts. The high saturated fat content in dairy feta is something to monitor if you are watching heart health, regardless of whether you are vegan or not.