Cheese

Also listed as Cheddar Cheese, Natural Cheese, and Cheese Product.

Dairy & Eggs

This is what the ingredient is.

Cheese is a dairy food made from milk. Labels may name a style such as cheddar, mozzarella, or simply cheese.

Here is why it shows up on the label.

It is eaten alone, melted on foods, and used as an ingredient in packaged meals and snacks.

Here is what food agencies say.

Many cheeses have US standards of identity. Pasteurization and aging rules apply depending on the type.

Here is what research has found.

Listeria and allergen mislabeling are common reasons cheese products appear in recall notices.

Here are a few things worth knowing.

Contains milk. Soft cheeses can pose higher risk for some groups if made from unpasteurized milk.

Sources

  • FDA Food Labeling
  • USDA FSIS
  • FDA Recalls

How to read this page

We publish plain facts about this ingredient so a label is easier to read. This is not medical advice, and it is not a recommendation to buy, avoid, or use anything. For a personal health question, talk with a clinician who knows your history.

v1.0Updated 9/15/2026