If you are a cheese lover, you must have come across the name “Parmesan cheese” at least once. The rich, nutty flavor of Parmesan cheese makes it a popular choice for many recipes. But when it comes to buying Parmesan cheese, many people wonder if the Parmesan cheese sold at Trader Joe’s is real or not.
There are several reasons why people question whether the Parmesan cheese sold at Trader Joe’s is real or not. Some believe that because the price of Parmesan cheese is quite high, it’s possible that Trader Joe’s might be selling an imitation of the real thing to keep prices low. Others argue that because Parmesan cheese has protected status in Italy, it’s unlikely that a grocery store like Trader Joe’s could sell genuine Parmesan outside of Italy.
So, does Trader Joe’s sell real Parmesan cheese? The answer is yes and no. Let me explain.
Firstly, let’s discuss what genuine Parmesan cheese is. Authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano (Parmesan) is made from raw cow’s milk and aged for at least 12 months in specific regions of Italy, such as Parma and Reggio Emilia. It has a hard texture and a distinct salty flavor due to its high sodium content.
Now coming back to Trader Joe’s. The company sells two types of grated parmesan – one in a can and another in a resealable bag.
Both types are labeled as “100% Grated Parmesan Cheese.” However, upon closer inspection of the ingredient list on the cans or bags, one will find cellulose powder listed as an ingredient.
Cellulose powder is commonly used as an anti-caking agent in grated cheeses to prevent clumping. While this ingredient doesn’t harmfully affect taste or texture, it can make up for 3-8% of the product by volume and thus reduce the percent composition of the actual cheese.
Therefore, the grated Parmesan cheese sold at Trader Joe’s is not pure Parmesan cheese but a blend of cellulose powder and real Parmesan cheese. The company does sell genuine Parmesan cheese in block form, which is cut fresh at the store and sold by the pound.
It is important to note that just because a product has cellulose powder listed as an anti-caking agent does not mean it’s fake or of low quality. Many mainstream brands use cellulose powder in their grated Parmesan cheese products as well.
In conclusion, while Trader Joe’s does sell real Parmesan cheese in block form, their grated Parmesan cheese products contain cellulose powder as an anti-caking agent. So if you’re looking for pure Parmesan cheese, it’s best to purchase a block of it rather than the already grated version.
Additional Information:
- Be wary of grated parmesan labeled simply as “Parmesan.” This may indicate an imitation product.
- Authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano (Parmesan) will have a stamp on the rind indicating its origin and authenticity.
- Parmigiano-Reggiano has strict production regulations and inspections by the Consorzio del Formaggio every year to ensure authenticity and quality.
Conclusion:
While Trader Joe’s does sell real parmesan cheese in block form, their pre-grated parmesan contains cellulose powder as an anti-caking agent. Thus, if you are looking for authentic parmesan without any additives or fillers, it is advisable to purchase a block of parmesan cheese from Trader Joe’s or from any other retailer that sells it. By doing so, you can be sure that you are getting genuine parmesan that will add its signature nutty flavor to your dishes.