# Belgioioso Parmesan Cheese, Freshly Shaved > 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-parmesan-cheese-freshly-shaved-5-oz - **Slug:** `belgioioso-parmesan-cheese-freshly-shaved-5-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods Although based on traditional cheese, the product contains industrial additives (cellulose anti-caking agent and natamycin preservative) and is factory-processed into a ready-to-use shaved format, which aligns with NOVA category 4 (ultra-processed). ## Review BelGioioso Parmesan Cheese, Freshly Shaved (5 oz) arrives in the refrigerated specialty cheese aisle, usually displayed near other Italian cheeses, grated and shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano alternatives, deli items and gourmet pasta sauces. It reads as an artisanal, chef-friendly product on a grocery run—good for last-minute pasta dinners, sprinkling over salads, elevating a charcuterie board, or finishing brunch dishes. The label leans into traditional Italian heritage and craft: aged over 10 months, hand-turned wheels, sweet nutty flavor and rBST-free milk claims, positioning the brand toward shoppers who want authentic taste with a hint of premium care. Packaging is convenient — a small sealed tub or clamshell of freshly shaved ribbons—so the ritual is fast: open, sprinkle, and dispose or reseal for another use. Sensory notes highlight a dry yet slightly pliable texture with delicate nutty-sweet and savory aroma; the shavings melt quickly on hot dishes and provide a satisfying, salty finish. On the label you’ll see natural/heritage cues rather than kid-focused graphics: aging claims, “classic Italian,” and an absence of organic certification, yet there are mild health halos like “rBST free.” Ingredients include cultured milk, salt and enzymes alongside cellulose (anti-caking) and natamycin (a mold inhibitor), reflecting added processing steps to preserve texture and shelf life. In plain terms, it is a mostly traditional cheese presented in a processed, ready-to-use form for convenience—bridging home-cook authenticity with modern retail packaging and preservation. ## Diet flags - Vegetarian - Gluten-free ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 1 tbsp - **Servings per container:** 28 - **Calories:** 20 - **Total fat:** 1g (1% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 1g (5% DV) - **Cholesterol:** 5mg (2% DV) - **Sodium:** 45mg (2% DV) - **Total carbs:** 0g (0% DV) - **Protein:** 2g ## 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, holiday-baking - **Vibes:** indulgent, convenient, wholesome ## FAQ ### Is Belgioioso Parmesan Cheese healthy? Well, that depends on what 'healthy' means to you! This Parmesan has a modest calorie count and provides a bit of protein, which makes it a decent choice for flavoring your dishes. Just remember, it's a cheese, so moderation is key if you're watching your fat or sodium intake. ### Is it vegan? Nope, Belgioioso Parmesan Cheese is not vegan. It’s made from cultured milk, which means it’s definitely a dairy product. If you’re looking for a plant-based alternative, there are some great nut-based cheeses out there! ### Is it gluten-free? Yes, you can happily sprinkle this Parmesan on your gluten-free pasta or salads! It contains no gluten ingredients, so it's safe for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Cheers to that! ### Does it contain seed oils? Nope, Belgioioso Parmesan doesn't contain any seed oils. Instead, it sticks to the basics with cultured milk and salt, which is great if you're trying to avoid those oils often found in processed foods. Simplicity can be a good thing! ### Does it contain artificial sweeteners? No artificial sweeteners here! Belgioioso Parmesan is all about that savory cheese flavor without any added sugars or sweeteners. It’s a straightforward option for cheese lovers looking to keep things real. ### Is it high in sugar? Not at all! This Parmesan is low in sugar, with zero added sugars to worry about. So, if you're trying to keep your sugar intake in check, this cheese won’t throw you off track. ### What are healthier alternatives? If you're looking for alternatives, consider nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy, or try a low-fat cheese option if you're watching calories. Just keep in mind that those alternatives may not have the same rich flavor profile as Belgioioso Parmesan! ### Can kids eat it? Absolutely! Kids can enjoy Belgioioso Parmesan in moderation. It’s a tasty way to add flavor to their meals, just be sure to keep an eye on portion sizes, especially if they’re sensitive to sodium. ### Is it good for weight loss? While it’s not a 'weight loss food' per se, Belgioioso Parmesan can be part of a balanced diet. Its rich flavor means you can use less to get that cheesy taste, which might help you enjoy your meals without overdoing it on calories! ### Is it ultra-processed? Not quite! While it does contain some preservatives to keep it fresh, Belgioioso Parmesan is more on the minimally processed side compared to many other cheese products. 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