What Is Cheese? Ingredients In Cheese - U.S. Dairy

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What is in Cheese?

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• 2 min read September 15, 2025

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There’s just something irresistible about cheese. From the creamy, tangy richness in macaroni and cheese to the satisfying stretch of a pizza slice, cheese adds flavor and texture to many of our favorite dishes. Bursh up on your cheese knowledge below and discover what makes it so delicious.

What Is Cheese Made Of?

Natural cheese is made from four basic ingredients, including milk, salt, a starter culture (which contains bacteria), and rennet, an enzyme. From there, cheesemakers can modify the basic recipe by adding other ingredients to make all of the cheeses we know and love.

Different Types of Cheese and Their Ingredients

Cheese comes in a wide range of flavors, textures, and appearances, depending on the ingredients used. Here’s a breakdown of some popular cheese types:

Soft Cheeses

• Examples: Brie, Camembert.

• Ingredients: Cow’s milk, Penicillium camemberti mold.

• Texture & Flavor: Creamy, smooth, and buttery with a mild, earthy taste.

Hard Cheeses

• Examples: Cheddar, Parmesan.

• Ingredients: Cow’s milk, sometimes with annatto for coloring (in Cheddar).

• Texture & Flavor: Firm, crumbly, and sharp.

Blue Cheeses

• Examples: Roquefort, Gorgonzola.

• Ingredients: Cow’s or sheep’s milk, Penicillium roqueforti mold.

• Texture & Flavor: Creamy with tangy, pungent blue veins.

Fresh Cheeses

• Examples: Ricotta, Mozzarella, Feta.

• Ingredients: Cow’s, goat’s, or sheep’s milk, often curdled with acid (lemon juice or vinegar) or rennet.

• Texture & Flavor: Soft, moist, and mild in taste.

Where Does Cheese Come From?

It all starts with the milk that often comes from your local dairy farm. From there, cheese companies (and some farmers) make the cheese. Learn more about how cheese is made by watching this video:

Is Cheese Healthy?

Not only is cheese delicious—it can also be a nutritious addition to your diet. Since cheese is made from milk, it contains several essential nutrients, including:

• High-quality protein – Supports muscle growth and repair.

• Calcium – Makes up much of the structure of bones and teeth.

• Phosphorus – A mineral that is essential for bone health.

• Vitamins B12 and A – Can help support your vision and energy levels.

Many cheeses offer a nutrient-dense option, making them a flavorful part of a balanced diet.

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