Things I No Longer Buy At The Store: Grated Cheese

Things I No Longer Buy at the Store: Grated Cheese

There was a time when I always tossed a bag of pre-grated cheese into my grocery cart without a second thought. It was convenient, quick, and seemed like an easy way to top off meals. But once I started paying more attention to the ingredients in my food and looking for ways to simplify and clean up my diet, I realized that store-bought grated cheese was something I could easily replace with a better alternative: grating it myself.

Why I Stopped Buying Pre-Grated Cheese

If you've ever looked at the ingredient list on a bag of shredded cheese, you might have noticed a few extra things beyond just cheese. Anti-caking agents like cellulose (which is essentially wood pulp) and potato starch are added to prevent clumping, and some brands even include preservatives to extend shelf life. While these additives aren’t necessarily harmful, they aren’t something I need or want in my food. I also noticed that it didn’t melt well, which struck me as odd!

The Benefits of Grating Your Own Cheese

Switching to grating my own cheese has brought several benefits that I never expected:

1. Better Taste and Texture
   Freshly grated cheese tastes richer, creamier, and melts much better than the pre-packaged kind. Without the added starches and fillers, the flavor shines through in recipes.

2. No Unnecessary Additives
   When you grate your own cheese, you know exactly what's in it: just pure cheese. No cellulose, no starches, no preservatives—just the good stuff.

3. Cost Savings
   Buying cheese in blocks is often more cost-effective than purchasing pre-grated versions. Plus, you can buy larger quantities and grate only what you need, reducing waste.

4. Versatility
   Grating your own cheese allows you to choose different varieties that might not be available in pre-shredded form. Whether it’s a sharp cheddar, creamy gouda, or nutty parmesan, you have full control over what goes into your meals.

5. Storage and Freshness
   Blocks of cheese tend to stay fresh longer than shredded cheese. You can store them in the fridge and grate as needed, keeping the texture and taste intact.

Tips for Making the Switch

If you’re ready to ditch the pre-grated cheese and go DIY, here are a few tips to make the process easier:

• Invest in a Good Grater: A box grater or a rotary cheese grater can make the task quick and efficient. Here are some we like and one I have my eye on!

• Use a Food Processor: If you’re grating large amounts at once, a food processor with a shredding attachment is a game-changer.

• Freeze for Later: Grate extra cheese and store it in the freezer to have it ready for busy days.

• Experiment with Different Cheeses: Try mixing different types for unique flavors in your recipes.

Switching to grating my own cheese has been a small but impactful change in my kitchen routine. Not only do I feel better about what I’m eating, but I also enjoy the little extra step in meal prep, knowing I’m doing something good for myself and my family.

Are you ready to say goodbye to store-bought shredded cheese and give it a try? Let me know how it goes! I think this is an easy one that everyone can do!

XO

Sarah