The Good Stuff Simple Swap: Why I Quit Buying Pre-Shredded Cheese

🌿 The Good Stuff Simple Swaps

Every week, I share a one-small-change tip to help you clean up your pantry without losing the flavors your family loves. You can find the full library of my “Better Than” swaps here.

If you’ve ever made a sourdough dill pickle grilled cheese or instant pot mac and cheese and wondered why the cheese stayed in those distinct, rubbery little “sticks” instead of melting into a gooey puddle, I have the answer for you.

And no, it’s not your oven.

In the world of Simple Swaps, the cheese aisle is a sneaky one. We often choose the pre-shredded bags for convenience (I get it!), but that convenience comes with a hidden cost that goes beyond just the price tag.

The “Wood Pulp” Secret

Flip over a bag of pre-shredded cheese and look for an ingredient called Cellulose (or Potato Starch).

Cellulose is a plant-based fiber-often derived from wood pulp-that manufacturers use as an “anti-caking agent.” Its entire job is to coat every single shred of cheese so they don’t stick together in the bag.

The problem? If the cheese won’t stick together in the bag, it won’t melt together in your oven. This is why bagged cheese often feels “grainy” or “waxy” when heated.

The “Good Stuff” Swap: The Block & The Shredder

My favorite “Good Stuff” go-to is buying the block. Not only is it usually cheaper per pound, but it’s just cheese. No wood pulp, no potato starch, and no mold inhibitors like natamycin.

The result? A perfect, professional-level melt every single time.

Pro-Tip: If the idea of a box grater makes your knuckles ache, I highly recommend a Rotary Cheese Shredder. I can shred an entire 16oz block of sharp cheddar in under 60 seconds, and it’s actually fun to use! (Check out my favorite one here: [Link])

FAQ: Cheese Shredding 101

Is it really cheaper to shred your own?

Almost always! When you buy a bag, you’re paying for the “labor” of shredding. Buying the block gives you more actual cheese for your dollar.

Can I shred cheese ahead of time?

Yes! I often shred a few blocks on Sunday and keep them in a glass container. It might clump a tiny bit because there’s no wood pulp, but a quick shake fixes it. You can also bag it up after shredding and freeze!