# Bel Gioioso Shredded Cheese, Asiago 5 oz > Health and ingredient intelligence for a real grocery product. Source: Supermarket Puzzle (Grocery Intelligence Index). Not a shop. ## Snapshot - **Brand:** BelGioioso - **Retailer listed:** Foodtown - **Category:** Dairy - **Size:** 5 oz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/belgioioso-bel-gioioso-shredded-cheese-asiago-5-oz-5-oz - **Slug:** `belgioioso-bel-gioioso-shredded-cheese-asiago-5-oz-5-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 3** - Processed foods This is a processed cheese product made from real cultured milk with added salt and enzymes, plus anti-caking (cellulose) and a preservative (natamycin) to aid storage and shredding, which fits NOVA group 3 (processed foods). ## Review BelGioioso Shredded Asiago (5 oz) arrives in the refrigerated cheese aisle, nested beside other shredded and grated Italian cheeses—parmesan, romano, mozzarella—and near butter and deli cheeses. The brand reads like a bridge between supermarket convenience and old-world craft: BelGioioso leans into Italian heritage with “aged over 5 months,” “award winning,” and rBST-free callouts that suggest authenticity without farm-direct claims. Shoppers reach for this pouch during quick weeknight pasta builds, weekend brunches, or while assembling sandwiches or salads; it also lives on game-day and casual entertaining grocery lists. Packaging is small and practical — a clear plastic bag or resealable pouch that shows the pale-golden shreds and invites impulse grabs. Sensory cues are immediate: fine, slightly firm shreds that fluff when forked and melt into a smooth, nutty, slightly sharp finish — a finishing cheese that both seasons and stretches. The ritual is familiar: sprinkle over hot pasta, melt onto grilled vegetables or meats, or fold into an omelet for immediate flavor lift. Label characteristics emphasize “natural” and artisanal positioning (aging, handcrafted language) and a family-friendly Italian image rather than kid-focused mascots; there’s no organic or non-GMO badge, but an rBST-free note serves as a mild health halo. Processing is straightforward in plain language: this is real cheese that has been shredded and treated with anti-caking and flavor-protection ingredients so it pours and stores easily. In American grocery culture it sits as a convenient, premium-seeming cheese for home cooks who want authentic flavor with supermarket ease. ## Diet flags - Vegetarian - Gluten-free ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 1 tbsp - **Servings per container:** 28 - **Calories:** 20 - **Total fat:** 1.5g (2% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 1g (5% DV) - **Cholesterol:** 5mg (2% DV) - **Sodium:** 60mg (3% DV) - **Total carbs:** 0g (0% DV) - **Protein:** 1g ## Ingredients Cultured Milk, Salt, Enzymes, Cellulose to Prevent Caking, Natamycin to Protect Flavor. ## Flagged ingredients - **Natamycin** (preservative): Synthetic preservative ## Context tags - **Occasions:** weekend-brunch, game-day-prep, meal-prep-sunday - **Vibes:** comforting, indulgent, practical ## FAQ ### Is the shredded Asiago cheese healthy? It really depends on your definition of healthy! This cheesy delight is low in sugar and has a decent amount of flavor, which can make it a tasty addition to your meals. Just remember, it's not a high-protein powerhouse, so if you're looking for something to bulk up your protein intake, you might want to pair it with other protein sources. ### Is the shredded Asiago cheese vegan? Nope, this cheese isn't vegan! It’s made from cultured milk, which means it’s very much a dairy product. If you're looking for plant-based cheese alternatives, there are plenty of options out there, but this one definitely comes from the moo crew. ### Is the shredded Asiago cheese gluten-free? Yes, you can indulge in this cheese without worrying about gluten! It’s free from any gluten-containing ingredients, making it a safe option for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Enjoy it on your salads or pizzas without a second thought! ### Does the shredded Asiago cheese contain seed oils? No seed oils here! This cheese sticks to a pretty straightforward ingredient list without those controversial oils. Instead, it uses cellulose to keep things from clumping together, which is pretty standard in shredded cheeses. ### Does the shredded Asiago cheese contain artificial sweeteners? Nope, no artificial sweeteners in this cheesy goodness! It’s all about that natural flavor, so you can sprinkle it on your dishes without worrying about any hidden sweeteners. Just pure, cheesy joy! ### Is the shredded Asiago cheese high in sugar? Not at all! This cheese is low in sugar, so you can enjoy it without the guilt of added sugars sneaking into your diet. It's a great way to add flavor to your meals without worrying about a sugar spike. ### What are healthier alternatives to the shredded Asiago cheese? If you're looking for alternatives, consider trying fresh mozzarella or ricotta for a lighter option, or even a nut-based cheese if you want to keep it dairy-free. Just keep in mind that each cheese has its own flavor profile and nutritional benefits, so choose one that fits your meal and taste preferences! ### Can kids eat the shredded Asiago cheese? Absolutely! Kids can enjoy this cheese as part of a balanced diet. It’s a fun way to add flavor to their meals, from pastas to pizzas, just be mindful of portion sizes, especially if they’re sensitive to salty foods. ### Is the shredded Asiago cheese good for weight loss? It can fit into a weight loss plan, especially if you’re looking for a flavorful way to enhance your meals without adding a ton of calories. Just remember, moderation is key! Pair it with plenty of veggies and lean proteins for a balanced approach. ### Is the shredded Asiago cheese ultra-processed? While it does contain some preservatives like natamycin to protect flavor, it’s not considered ultra-processed. The ingredient list is relatively simple, focusing on cultured milk and salt, which is a step up from many highly processed foods out there. So, while it’s not completely unprocessed, it’s definitely on the simpler side of the spectrum! ## Related products - [Coffee-Mate Creamer, Peppermint Mocha](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/coffee-mate-coffee-mate-creamer-peppermint-mocha-32-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/coffee-mate-coffee-mate-creamer-peppermint-mocha-32-oz - [4C Cheese, Grated, Parmesan-Romano](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/4c-cheese-grated-parmesan-romano-6-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/4c-cheese-grated-parmesan-romano-6-oz - [Tree Ripe Premium Orange Juice with Some Pulp](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/tree-ripe-premium-orange-juice-with-some-pulp-52-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/tree-ripe-premium-orange-juice-with-some-pulp-52-oz - [Organic Valley Vanilla Oat Creamer](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/organic-valley-valley-vanilla-oat-creamer-organic-32-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/organic-valley-valley-vanilla-oat-creamer-organic-32-oz - [International Delight Hershey Chocolate Caramel](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/international-delight-hershey-chocolate-caramel-32-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/international-delight-hershey-chocolate-caramel-32-oz - [Dannon Pro Drink Mix Mango 6 pack](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/oikos-dannon-pro-drink-mix-mango-6-pack-1860-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/oikos-dannon-pro-drink-mix-mango-6-pack-1860-oz - [Galbani Shredded Parmesan Cheese Shaker](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/galbani-shredded-parmesan-cheese-shaker-7-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/galbani-shredded-parmesan-cheese-shaker-7-oz - [Cabot Pepper Jack Shingled Slices](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/cabot-creamery-pepper-jack-shingled-slices-7-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/cabot-creamery-pepper-jack-shingled-slices-7-oz ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. 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