Real Cheese-Cutting Through The Additives
Vs Real Cheeses Made In America
Celeste Solum
June 22, 2026
In a world of highly processed foods, finding authentic cheese can feel like uncovering a hidden treasure.
“Real” cheese in the US generally means natural cheese made primarily from milk, starter cultures, rennet (ideally animal-derived), and salt—with no artificial colors, preservatives, emulsifiers, or other synthetic additives.
This contrasts sharply with processed cheese products, which often include emulsifying salts, stabilizers, artificial colors, and other additives designed for meltability and shelf life.
As believers, we are called to steward our bodies and honor God’s creation with wisdom. Scripture reminds us:
“For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.”
1 Timothy 4:4-5, NIV
Choosing foods as close to their natural state honors this principle of receiving God’s provision with gratitude and discernment.
Key Things to Watch For When Seeking Real Cheese
• Rennet: In days gone by, animal rennet from calf stomachs was natural and non-GMO. Do the Amish & Mennanite use Chymosin by Pfizer (GMO) in cheese?
90% of most US cheese except for European hard cheeses uses fermentation-produced chymosin (FPC), a genetically engineered version from Pfizer. The only way you would know if a US Cheese is real or non-GMO is if the label says Animal Rennet, not just Rennet.
• Enzymes US Cheese makers can use the word Enzymes on the cheese label which is a synthetic fermented Syn-Bio product, so PAY ATTENTION!
• Additives: Steer clear of artificial colors (such as Yellow 5 or 6), preservatives, anti-caking agents (common in shredded cheese), or vague “natural flavors” that may mask synthetics. Even some cheeses labeled “natural” contain sneaky additives.
• Certifications: Look for USDA Organic (which restricts many GMOs and synthetics), Non-GMO Project Verified, (logo blue butterfly )or labels explicitly stating “animal rennet.” Raw or grass-fed cheeses from small farms tend to use the fewest ingredients. That said, ask the farm if they use Animal Rennet
• FDA Standards: Natural cheeses must follow standards of identity, but always read the full ingredient list carefully.
“The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways,
but the folly of fools is deception.”
Proverbs 14:8 (NIV)
Reading labels and asking questions is a practical expression of that biblical prudence in our daily choices.
“Real” Cheeses Available in the US
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Thank You and God Bless,
Celeste
See You Behind The Scenes!