Hard Cheese
Hard cheese provides high-quality protein, calcium, and bioavailable B12. It is high in saturated fat and sodium.
What it is
Hard cheese is a category of low-moisture, aged cheese (e.g., Parmesan, pecorino, aged cheddar, Grana Padano) typically grated or sliced.
Flavor and protein/calcium source; widely used grated over pasta, in sauces, and as a snack.
Why it's flagged
- high saturated fat
- high sodium
- milk allergen
What regulators actually say
"Hard grating cheese is the food prepared from milk and other ingredients ... by the procedure set forth ... it contains not more than 34 percent of moisture."
"Cheese, parmesan, grated: 10 g fat (6.4 g saturated), 1,529 mg sodium per 100 g; rich source of calcium and protein."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Standards of identity for various hard cheeses at 21 CFR 133
European Union — EFSA
Standard dairy product; milk listed as allergen
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