Is String Cheese Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Kosher?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining the kosher status of a cheese product, the primary focus is on the source of the milk and the presence of any non-kosher additives. For this specific String Cheese Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella, the ingredients list is surprisingly clean and straightforward. The core components are cultured pasteurized part-skim milk and salt.

The most critical element here is the milk. In kosher law, milk from a kosher animal (like a cow) is inherently kosher, provided it hasn't been mixed with non-kosher milk. The label explicitly states it is made from cows. Furthermore, the mention of microbal enzymes (likely a typo for microbial enzymes) is a positive sign. In modern cheese production, microbial enzymes are often used as a vegetarian alternative to animal rennet (which comes from the stomachs of calves). Since the label does not mention animal rennet, we can assume the enzymes used are kosher-friendly.

Finally, the label addresses the use of rBST (a growth hormone). While the text is garbled, the intent is clear: the milk is sourced from untreated cows or that rBST makes no significant difference. Regardless of the hormonal status, the kosher status of the milk remains unchanged. There are no flags for blood spots or other common dairy contaminants that would require specific checking.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, String Cheese Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella is a powerhouse of protein relative to its calorie count. Because it is made with part-skim milk, it has a lower fat content than traditional whole-milk mozzarella. This makes it an excellent snack for those monitoring their saturated fat intake while trying to maintain muscle mass.

The product is essentially pure protein and fat with very little sugar (lactose). It fits well into low-carb diets like Keto or Atkins. However, because it is a processed cheese product, it does contain a moderate amount of sodium. If you are on a strict low-sodium diet, you should consume it in moderation, but for the average person, it is a highly nutritious, satiating option.