6 Best Shredded Cheeses Made Without Cellulose or Anti-Caking Agents

There are lots of shredded cheese options at your local grocery store, but some might be better for you than others. Many shredded cheeses are made with cellulose or anti-caking agents. What is cellulose? “Cellulose is a naturally occurring plant fiber found in fruits, vegetables, and other plant foods. In shredded cheese, it’s typically derived from wood pulp or plant fibers and used in very small amounts to prevent shreds from clumping. It’s considered safe by the FDA and passes through the body as insoluble fiber, meaning it isn’t digested,” explains Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian and co-author of the Flat Belly Cookbook for Dummies. Anti-caking agents are ingredients added to prevent foods (like shredded cheese) from sticking together. Common examples include cellulose, potato starch, or calcium sulfate. “They help maintain texture and convenience but don’t add nutritional value,” she says.  “Ingredients like cellulose or starch in shredded c...