🧀 [Exposed] Are store-bought cheeses full of additives!? 3 recommended safe cheeses
Hello!
I'm Jun, a food additive researcher.
Living an additive-free life every day, I introduce the "dangers of additives" and "recommended additive-free products"!
I am also active as a creator with 19,000 YouTube subscribers.
→https://youtu.be/LvddK0ZlIaA?si=BpqoAWl_6Browo1P
This time, I will introduce "cheese"↓↓
🧀 That slice of cheese, are you choosing it without much thought?
Morning toast, snacks, wine appetizers.
Which cheese do you put in your basket?
"It's cheap and easy to use because it's individually wrapped."
"The usual 6-piece cheese."
Actually, many people choose it that way.
I myself was like that until 13 years ago.
I just looked at the price and convenience, and tossed it in the basket. I never once cared about the ingredients on the back.
But one day, I suddenly realized.
"Are cheeses really that different depending on the type?"
When I looked into it, I found that the contents change significantly depending on how you choose your cheese.
If you are opening this article, you must have a desire to choose something that is at least a little better for your body.
That is why I have summarized all the points you should know.
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⚠️ First, you should know. There are "two types" of cheese
There are broadly two types of cheese.
Just knowing this difference will completely change how you choose.
Natural Cheese
Made by fermenting raw milk with the power of lactic acid bacteria and yeast. Basically, no additives are used. Camembert, mozzarella, cheddar, cream cheese, etc., fall into this category.
Processed Cheese
Natural cheese that has been melted, reprocessed, and solidified. It is highly shelf-stable and easy to handle, which is its appeal. Sliced cheese and 6-piece cheese are typical examples. However, additives are often used for processing.
I don't want to stir up anxiety.
But because it is something you eat daily, it is information worth knowing.
Moreover, processed cheese is thoroughly heat-treated during the processing stage.
Although the nutritional value itself does not change much, microorganisms such as lactic acid bacteria are lost due to heat sterilization. The benefit of it being a "living fermented food" is diminished.
If you are thinking about your health, you should prioritize natural cheese first.
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🧪 The "other content" that is hard to see
Actually, it's not just the difference in types.
There is another level to processed cheese.
That is the additives used for processing.
It is a presence you can hardly notice unless you properly look at the ingredient label.
Especially, you should know these three.
Emulsifiers (such as phosphates)
They play the role of smoothly combining oil and water that tend to separate. They are widely used in all processed foods. However, there are concerns that excessive intake may affect calcium absorption.
Carrageenan
An additive derived from seaweed used to increase thickness and viscosity. It is used to improve texture.
pH Adjusters
Used to balance acidity and alkalinity to increase shelf life. While convenient, there are voices concerned about their impact on the intestinal environment.
The troublesome part is that these are included in exchange for "ease of use and longevity."
Because it is easy to eat and convenient, you tend to reach for it. But you can't really tell the difference in content just by looking at it or tasting it.
That is why knowing "how to choose" is the best self-defense.
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✅ Here is the trick. Look at the "simplicity" of the ingredients
Here, I will introduce a very convenient way to distinguish them.
That is the "simplicity of the ingredient label."
You don't need to memorize difficult ingredient lists.
Just flip it over and judge it like this.
・Raw milk, salt, lactic acid bacteria, etc.
→ If there are only a few things written, it is a straightforward natural cheese.
・Emulsifiers, pH adjusters, carrageenan
→ If these kinds of katakana words are lined up, it is highly likely to be processed cheese.
In other words, the fewer and simpler the ingredients, the better.
Ingredients are listed in descending order of the amount used, so you can judge that products with "raw milk" at the beginning and fewer katakana words at the end have a higher degree of safety.
However, one point of caution.
Even if "cheese" is written in large letters on the front of the package, that does not guarantee the type.
So, please make it a habit to always look at the ingredients on the back.
"First the type, then the ingredients"
If you look in this order, you won't get lost in front of the shelf!
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🇯🇵 The safest is "natural cheese"
Processed cheese comes with concerns about additives.
In contrast, natural cheese is reassuring!!
It is made with the power of fermentation, and the ingredients are simply simple. Since lactic acid bacteria and the like are alive, you can enjoy the original flavor and nutrition of cheese as it is.
Moreover, because the taste of the ingredients stands out, it is easy to realize that "it is delicious even without additives."
Rather, once you get used to it, you might find the taste of processed cheese unsatisfying. Being able to continue eating it deliciously is also proof of peace of mind, isn't it?
I will introduce 3 recommended natural cheeses!
① Yotsuba Hokkaido Tokachi Smooth Cream Cheese 100g
A smooth cream cheese made from raw milk from Hokkaido Tokachi.
It has little quirk and is easy to pair with bread and sweets, making it a perfect item for beginners to natural cheese. You can't go wrong starting here!!
② Kraft 100% Parmesan Cheese 80g
A powdered cheese that tightens the taste of dishes just by sprinkling it on pasta, salads, and gratins.
It is easy to use and has a long shelf life, so it is reliable to have on hand for your daily dining table. It is a savior when you want "one more flavor"!
③ Organic JAS Organic Grass-Fed Cheddar Cheese 250g
Organic JAS certified cheddar made from the milk of cows raised on grass.
A product for those who are particular, with a solid richness and deep umami. Perfect for wine accompaniments or a little reward!!
▶ For people like this: Those who want to prioritize safety and those who want to properly enjoy the taste of cheese
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🌱 Extra edition: For those who are concerned about dairy products themselves
"I tend to get an upset stomach from cheese or milk."
"I'm somewhat concerned about hay fever or allergies."
There are things I want such people to know.
First, about lactose.
It is said that many Japanese people have little of the enzyme (lactase) that breaks down lactose. People who get loose stools when drinking milk might be this type. It is a good idea to adjust the amount without forcing it or choose fermented types with less lactose. Calcium can also be properly taken from fish, soybeans, spinach, etc.
Next, about casein.
It is a type of protein contained in dairy products, and there are suggestions that taking too much may affect the intestinal environment or allergies. For those concerned about hay fever, etc., there is also the idea of refraining from dairy products for a while to see changes in physical condition.
※ However, research on these health effects is divided, and there are some for which clear scientific conclusions have not been reached. There is no need to be overly afraid.
And for those who want to refrain from dairy products themselves, there is also the option of plant-based cheese.
There are products derived from soybeans that are casein-free, gluten-free, and use no animal ingredients. Many do not melt easily, so they are suitable for dishes like gratins or pizzas that are heated for a long time. It is convenient to remember as a slice for days when you want to reduce dairy products.
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📝 Summary: If you are lost, these 3
Finally, one more time, the points for choosing safe cheese.
① Choose natural cheese before processed cheese
② Look at the back to see if emulsifiers, pH adjusters, or carrageenan are included
③ The ingredients should be simple and particular about the materials
What is easy to satisfy this is natural cheese with simple ingredients.
If you are lost, look at the label on the back and choose a "product with few ingredients," and you will be safe.
You don't need to make everything perfect.
First, try changing one of your usual cheeses to a natural one. Just by doing that, your daily dining table will be a little more organized.
Please choose one "good cheese" at your next shopping trip!!
That small choice will build your body every day!!
Why don't you change from that cheese for today's slice?
End
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You can also see other additive-free information on YouTube!!
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