Shredding Cheese For Keto: Is It Worth The Effort?

The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that promotes weight loss. Cheese is a great option for keto dieters because it's high in fat, moderate in protein, and low in carbs. However, some pre-shredded cheeses contain additives like starches and anti-caking agents to prevent clumping, which can add unnecessary carbs. For this reason, it's generally recommended to shred your own cheese on keto. Not only does it help you avoid these additives and extra carbs, but shredding your own cheese can also be more cost-effective and result in better-tasting, smoother-melting cheese.

Save money by shredding your own cheese

Shredding your own cheese is a great way to save money, and it's also a healthier option. Here are some reasons why you should consider shredding your own cheese:

It's More Affordable

Block cheese is, on average, about 20% less expensive than pre-shredded cheese. This means you get more value for your money. Buying in bulk can further increase your savings. So, if you're looking to cut down on your grocery bill, shredding your own cheese is a simple and effective way to do so.

No Unnecessary Additives

Pre-shredded cheese often contains additives like anti-caking agents, starches, and mold inhibitors to prevent the cheese from clumping together. These additives include cellulose powder, potato starch, and calcium sulfate. While these additives may not be harmful, they are unnecessary and can be avoided by shredding your own cheese. This way, you know exactly what's in your food and can avoid consuming any unwanted ingredients.

Better Taste and Texture

Freshly grated cheese tastes better and has a creamier texture. Home-shredded cheese melts smoother and doesn't contain the starches and cellulose found in pre-shredded cheese. It also has a fresher taste as it doesn't contain preservatives, chemicals, and other additives. If you're a cheese lover, you'll definitely notice the difference in taste and texture.

Avoid Added Carbs

Some pre-shredded cheeses contain added carbohydrates in the form of cellulose, which is derived from wood pulp. While these fibres are claimed to be harmless, they add unnecessary carbs to your diet. Shredding your own cheese allows you to control the ingredients and avoid these added carbs, which is especially important if you're following a low-carb or keto diet.

Easy to Do

Shredding your own cheese is not as time-consuming as you might think. With a high-quality cheese grater or a food processor, you can quickly shred a large block of cheese. It's also a great way to get a little arm workout!

By shredding your own cheese, you'll not only save money but you'll also enjoy cheese that tastes better and is healthier. So, the next time you reach for that pre-shredded bag of cheese, remember that it's worth the extra effort to grate it yourself!

Avoid unnecessary additives

Pre-shredded cheese is certainly convenient, but it comes with some trade-offs. One of the main issues is the addition of unnecessary additives to prevent the cheese from clumping together. These additives can include anti-caking agents, mould inhibitors, and starches such as potato starch and calcium sulphate. While these additives may not be inherently harmful, they are not necessary and can be avoided by shredding your own cheese.

One of the most common ingredients used in pre-shredded cheese is cellulose powder, derived from cotton and wood pulp. This light powder coats the cheese, giving it a powdery texture and preventing it from sticking together. While cellulose is not harmful to the body and passes through the digestive system unabsorbed, it does add unnecessary carbohydrates to the cheese. For those following a keto diet, avoiding these added carbohydrates is important.

Another concern with pre-shredded cheese is the potential for higher sodium content. Some brands, such as Velveeta Shreds, have been found to contain up to 3 times more sodium than other brands. Additionally, pre-shredded cheese may contain other additives such as modified food starch, corn starch, and natamycyin, a mould inhibitor. While these additives may not be harmful in normal amounts, it is always preferable to consume whole, natural foods whenever possible.

By shredding your own cheese, you can avoid these unnecessary additives and have greater control over the ingredients in your food. It may take a little extra time and effort, but it is worth it to know exactly what you are putting into your body. Additionally, shredding your own cheese can save you money, as buying a block of cheese is generally less expensive than purchasing pre-shredded cheese.

So, if you're following a keto diet or simply want to avoid unnecessary additives, shredding your own cheese is the way to go. It may take a bit of extra effort, but the benefits outweigh the convenience of pre-shredded cheese.

Get a better taste

Shredding your own cheese at home can make your food taste better. Freshly grated cheese is free of preservatives, chemicals, and anti-caking agents, giving it a fresher, creamier, and more luscious taste than store-bought shredded cheese.

Pre-shredded cheese often contains additives like anti-caking agents and mould inhibitors to prevent it from turning into a clump. One such ingredient is cellulose powder, which is made from cotton and wood pulp. While not harmful to your health, it does give the cheese a powdery texture and is completely unnecessary to consume.

Shredding your own cheese at home also gives you the freedom to experiment with different types of cheese and create your own blends. For instance, you could try a mixture of sharp cheddar, gouda, and provolone.

Home-shredded cheese also melts better than pre-shredded cheese. Since it doesn't contain starches and cellulose, it melts into a smoother and creamier consistency.

Save time by buying in bulk

Buying in bulk can be a great way to save time and money when following a keto diet. Here are some tips to maximize your bulk cheese purchases:

First, consider the type of cheese you will be buying. Different varieties will have different prices, and some may be more suitable for shredding than others. For example, a block of cheese is, on average, about 20% less expensive than pre-shredded cheese. The savings increase even more when you buy in bulk. Additionally, block cheese is free of additives and has superior quality. Look for sales or discounts on your favorite cheese varieties and stock up when prices are low.

Second, plan for storage. Shredded cheese can be stored in the freezer for up to six months. You can use it directly from the freezer, as it thaws very quickly. Invest in some freezer-rated containers or zipper storage bags to keep your shredded cheese fresh. If you're freezing a large quantity, it's helpful to line a baking sheet with the freshly shredded cheese and freeze it for about an hour before transferring it to a freezer bag or container. This will help keep the shreds separated.

Third, dedicate a day to shredding. Grating a large block of cheese can be time-consuming, so plan a session where you can grate all your cheese at once. This way, you save time by not having to grate cheese every time you need it. Place the block of cheese in the freezer for 15-30 minutes before shredding to make it easier to grate. Then, use a high-quality cheese grater or a food processor with a shredding attachment.

Finally, get creative with your shredded cheese. You can experiment with different blends of cheeses to find your favorite combinations. For example, you could try mixing sharp cheddar, gouda, and provolone. Having a variety of shredded cheese on hand will also allow you to easily add it to your favorite keto recipes, such as pizza, chili, or cheese dips.

By buying in bulk, you can save both time and money. With these tips, you can make the most of your bulk cheese purchases and enjoy delicious, freshly shredded cheese on your keto journey.

Get a free workout

Shredding your own cheese on the keto diet is a great way to get a free workout while also reaping some other fantastic benefits. Here are some reasons why you should consider shredding your own cheese:

Avoid Added Carbs and Unnecessary Additives:

Store-bought shredded cheese often contains added ingredients like cellulose, a plant fiber derived from wood pulp, to prevent clumping. While these additives are generally considered harmless, they add unnecessary carbohydrates to your cheese. By shredding your own cheese, you can avoid these extra carbs and stick to a pure, keto-friendly product.

Save Money:

Purchasing block cheese and shredding it yourself is more cost-effective than buying pre-shredded cheese. You'll get more value for your money, and you can even save more by buying cheese in bulk and shredding it all at once. This way, you can have freshly shredded cheese readily available without breaking the bank.

Better Taste and Melting:

Freshly grated cheese tastes better and melts more smoothly due to the absence of additives and starches found in pre-shredded cheese. Home-shredded cheese has a fresher, creamier, and more luscious flavor. It also melts like a champ, thanks to the absence of starches and cellulose, giving you a smoother and creamier consistency.

Arm Workout:

Shredding your own cheese can be a great way to get a spontaneous arm workout. While some may see this as a negative, incorporating small bits of activity and exercise into your daily routine can positively impact your overall health. So, get ready to flex those arm muscles and enjoy the added health benefits!

Storage Tips:

If you're planning to store your freshly shredded cheese, there are a few things to keep in mind. Freshly shredded cheese can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months. Use a zipper storage bag or a freezer-rated container. If you're freezing a large quantity, it's helpful to line a baking sheet with the shredded cheese and freeze it for about an hour before transferring it to a freezer bag or container. This will keep the shreds separated.

When storing in the fridge, keep in mind that your cheese may turn into a big clump since it doesn't have added anti-caking agents. However, you can easily separate it with your fingers or use glass containers, as suggested by a commenter on Hip2Keto.

So, there you have it! Not only will you get a free workout by shredding your own cheese, but you'll also enjoy better-tasting, smoother-melting cheese while saving money and avoiding unnecessary additives and carbs. It's a win-win situation for your health, taste buds, and wallet!

Frequently asked questions