# Belgioioso Salad Blend 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-salad-blend-cheese-freshly-shaved-5-oz - **Slug:** `belgioioso-salad-blend-cheese-freshly-shaved-5-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 3** - Processed foods Made from traditionally cultured and aged cheeses (processed food) but packaged with anti-caking cellulose and a preservative (natamycin) for convenience; these modest additives keep it in the processed (NOVA 3) category rather than fully ultra-processed. ## Review BelGioioso Salad Blend Cheese, Freshly Shaved is a small refrigerated specialty item you’d spot in the dairy/cheese aisle or the deli case alongside grated and shredded Italian cheeses, fresh mozzarella, and pre-sliced Parm. Packaged in a compact 5 oz container, it’s marketed as a convenient, artisanal finishing cheese for salads, pastas, pizzas and entertaining. The label leans into an Italian-American craft story — award-winning, handcrafted wheels aged on-site in Wisconsin, rBST-free milk, and a “freshly shaved” presentation that suggests chef-ready quality. At first glance the pack evokes a wholesome, artisanal halo (hand-crafted, aged, local milk) rather than bold kid-centric graphics or organic certification; there are no organic seals. Sensory-wise the product delivers paper-thin, feathery shavings with a dry, slightly granular melt and a layered flavor profile — sweet-milky Asiago, sharp savory Parmesan, and nutty Romano — that flakes easily over greens or melts into hot dishes. Rituals of use include quick salad finishing, a last-minute pizza sprinkle, or an elegant touch on a cheese board. In processing terms this is made from traditionally cultured and aged cheeses but then shaved and packaged with small technical additives (cellulose to prevent caking and natamycin to protect flavor) to maintain shelf convenience. The overall story fits shoppers seeking premium, convenient finishing touches: home cooks who want an authentic Italian flavor with minimal prep, but expect modern packaging and shelf-stable convenience in the refrigerated cheese section. ## 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:** 50mg (2% DV) - **Total carbs:** 0g (0% DV) - **Protein:** 1g ## Ingredients Cultured Milk, Enzymes, Salt, Cellulose to Prevent Caking, Natamycin to Protect Flavor. ## Flagged ingredients - **Natamycin** (preservative): Synthetic preservative ## Context tags - **Occasions:** weekend-brunch, meal-prep-sunday, game-day-prep - **Vibes:** indulgent, convenient, wholesome ## FAQ ### Is the Salad Blend Cheese healthy? Well, that depends on what you’re comparing it to! At just 20 calories per tablespoon, it’s a low-calorie option for adding flavor to salads or dishes. It does contain some sodium, so if you're watching your salt intake, keep that in mind. Overall, it's a fun way to add some cheesy goodness without overloading on calories. ### Is the Salad Blend Cheese vegan? Nope, this cheese isn't vegan. It's made from cultured milk, which means it’s dairy-based. So, if you’re following a plant-based lifestyle, you might want to explore some nut-based cheeses instead. ### Is the Salad Blend Cheese gluten-free? Yes, you’re in the clear here! The Salad Blend Cheese is gluten-free, making it a safe choice for anyone with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. So sprinkle away without worry! ### Does the Salad Blend Cheese contain seed oils? Nope, no seed oils in sight! This cheese keeps it simple with a focus on cultured milk and a few other ingredients, which is pretty refreshing. Seed oils can often be found in processed foods, but this blend sticks to the basics. ### Does it contain artificial sweeteners? Not at all! The Salad Blend Cheese skips the artificial sweeteners, which is great if you’re looking for a more natural flavor. It’s just the cheese and some preservatives to keep it fresh—simple and straightforward! ### Is the Salad Blend Cheese high in sugar? Not even a little! With no added sugars and a total of 0 grams of sugar per serving, this cheese is a savory option rather than a sweet one. So, if you’re keeping an eye on your sugar intake, you’re safe here! ### What are healthier alternatives to the Salad Blend Cheese? If you're looking for something even lighter, you might consider nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the calories. Or, if you're after dairy, a low-fat feta or cottage cheese could be good alternatives. It really depends on what you're craving and how you want to use it! ### Can kids eat the Salad Blend Cheese? Absolutely! It’s a kid-friendly option that can add a tasty twist to their meals. Just keep an eye on portion sizes, especially with the sodium content, but it’s a fun way to introduce them to different flavors. ### Is the Salad Blend Cheese good for weight loss? In moderation, it can be a part of a weight loss plan! At only 20 calories per tablespoon, it can add flavor without too many extra calories. Just remember to balance it with other nutrient-dense foods for a well-rounded diet. ### Is the Salad Blend Cheese ultra-processed? While it does contain some preservatives, it’s not what most would consider ultra-processed. The ingredient list is relatively short and straightforward, focusing on cultured milk and essential additives to maintain quality. It’s processed, sure, but it’s not in the same league as some heavily manufactured snacks! ## Related products - [Cracker Barrel Cheese, Cracker Cuts, Sharp White Cheddar](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/cracker-barrel-cheese-cracker-cuts-sharp-white-cheddar-7-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/cracker-barrel-cheese-cracker-cuts-sharp-white-cheddar-7-oz - [Oui French Style Yogurt, Triple Berry](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/oui-french-style-yogurt-triple-berry-5-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/oui-french-style-yogurt-triple-berry-5-oz - [Jell-O Orange Gelatin 4 Pack](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/jell-o-orange-gelatin-4-pack-1350-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/jell-o-orange-gelatin-4-pack-1350-oz - [Tropicana Juice, Tropical Punch](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/twister-tropicana-juice-tropical-punch-59-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/twister-tropicana-juice-tropical-punch-59-oz - [Tropicana Single Serve Grape Juice](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/tropicana-single-serve-grape-juice-11-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/tropicana-single-serve-grape-juice-11-oz - [Galbani Mozzarella Cheese, 33% more Protein Reduced Fat](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/galbani-mozzarella-cheese-33-more-protein-reduced-fat-16-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/galbani-mozzarella-cheese-33-more-protein-reduced-fat-16-oz - [Culina Yogurt Coconut Bourbon Vanilla](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/culina-yogurt-coconut-bourbon-vanilla-5-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/culina-yogurt-coconut-bourbon-vanilla-5-oz - [Full Circle Market Almond Milk, Original Unsweetened](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/full-circle-market-almond-milk-original-unsweetened-64-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/full-circle-market-almond-milk-original-unsweetened-64-oz ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. 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