Guide to Kraft Fat Free Shredded Cheese - Nutrition, Cooking Tips, Recipes

Enjoying Kraft Fat Free Shredded Cheese Guilt Free

Cheese is a delicious and nutritious food enjoyed around the world. But some varieties can be high in calories, fat, and sodium. Kraft fat free shredded cheese offers a great solution for cheese lovers watching their weight and health.

Kraft fat free shredded cheese provides the taste and texture of real cheese with a fraction of the fat and calories. Made with skim milk, part-skim milk, and milk proteins, it melts, stretches, and tastes like traditional cheese. Let's explore the benefits of kraft fat free shredded cheese and tips for enjoying it.

Benefits of Kraft Fat Free Shredded Cheese

Choosing kraft fat free shredded cheese over regular cheese offers several advantages:

• Very low in fat and calories - Fat free shredded cheese typically provides less than 5 calories per serving versus 50-110 calories for regular cheese.
• High in calcium - Excellent source of calcium and other nutrients found in dairy.
• Lower in sodium - 30-50% less sodium than regular shredded cheese.
• Budget friendly - Typically costs a bit less than regular shredded cheese.
• Easy to use - Pre-shredded cheese is convenient to measure and sprinkle onto foods.
• Melts well - Fat free cheese melts smoothly due to emulsifiers and stabilizers.
• Kids approve - Mild flavor appeals to kids and picky eaters.

Nutrition Profile

The nutrition facts for a 1 ounce (28g) serving of kraft fat free shredded mozzarella cheese are:

• Calories: 20
• Total Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 135mg
• Total Carbs: 2g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 7g
• Calcium: 15% DV
• Vitamin A: 6% DV

As you can see, fat free cheese is very low in fat, calories, and carbs. It provides protein, calcium, and a little vitamin A.

Tips for Cooking with Fat Free Shredded Cheese

Kraft fat free shredded cheese can be used in recipes and meals just like regular cheese. Here are some tips:

• Use it generously - Take advantage of the low calories to pile it on!
• Add it at the end - Add just before serving so it doesn't overcook.
• Combine with regular cheese - Mixing in a little regular cheese improves flavor.
• Boost creaminess - Blend it into risottos, pasta, soups.
• Sprinkle on vegetables - Broccoli, cauliflower, potatoes.
• Stuff it - Use it to stuff mushrooms, peppers, chicken breasts.
• Bake it - Top casseroles and bakes for melting cheesy deliciousness.

Types of Kraft Fat Free Shredded Cheese

Kraft makes a variety of fat free shredded cheese options:

Mozzarella

The mild, slightly salty flavor of mozzarella works well in Italian dishes, on pizzas, in casseroles, etc.

Cheddar

The ubiquituous cheddar cheese is a cheeseboard staple. Cheddar works well in grilled cheese, on burgers, with apples, and more.

Mexican Blend

This blend of mozzarella and cheddar with spices is perfect for tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas, and Mexican recipes.

Italian Blend

Italian blend mixes mozzarella, parmesan, Asiago, and Romano flavors. It's great for pasta, chicken parm, and Italian cooking.

Cheese Alternatives

In addition to traditional fat free cheeses, Kraft also offers some cheese alternatives:

Fat Free Vegan Shreds

These vegan shreds mimic cheese using potato starch, bamboo fiber, and soybean oil. The Dairy Free Cheddar Style is quite convincing.

Fat Free Cream Cheese

Kraft fat free cream cheese provides the sweet, creamy flavor of cream cheese with just 35 calories per serving. Enjoy it on bagels, with fruit, or in dips and desserts.

Common Concerns About Fat Free Cheese

Taste and Texture

Some people complain that fat free cheese has an inferior taste and texture compared to regular cheese. This used to be true decades ago, but modern fat free cheeses have improved tremendously. Choose high quality brands for best flavor and texture.

Highly Processed

To remove the fat while maintaining a cheese-like texture, fat free cheese does go through more mechanical and chemical processing. Some prefer to avoid highly processed foods when possible. But enjoying fat free cheese in moderation is fine for most people.

Contains Additives

Fat free cheese relies on ingredients like milk proteins, starches, gums, and emulsifiers to achieve the desired texture and melting properties. People concerned about food additives may wish to moderate intake or choose organic brands when available.

Less Nutritious

Regular cheese contains healthy fats and higher levels of some vitamins. Fat free cheese removes the fat and reduces vitamin content slightly. However, it still provides protein, calcium, and other nutrients.

Gastrointestinal Issues

Some people report bloating or diarrhea after eating fat free cheese, especially in large amounts. This is likely due to additives like starch and fiber. Start with small amounts if you experience issues.

Healthy Recipes with Fat Free Cheese

Baked Potato with Fat Free Cheese

Top a baked russet potato with fat free cheddar cheese, broccoli, and bacon bits for a comforting meal.

Veggie Fat Free Pizza

Load up a whole wheat crust with tomato sauce, mushrooms, peppers, onion, and fat free mozzarella for a healthy homemade pizza.

Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta

Combine pasta, chicken, steamed broccoli and fat free cheddar or Italian blend cheese sauce for a fast weeknight dinner.

Cheesy Cauliflower Rice

Mix riced cauliflower with fat free Mexican blend cheese, salsa, beans, for a grain free, veggie loaded meal.

Cheesy Tuna Melts

Use fat free cheddar on tuna melts for a hot, protein packed sandwich.

Cheesy Zucchini Boats

Scoop out zucchini halves and fill with fat free ricotta, parmesan, tomato sauce then bake until hot and cheesy.

Tips for Buying Kraft Fat Free Cheese

Here are some tips for shopping for Kraft fat free shredded cheese:

• Check unit pricing - Buying larger bags is typically cheaper per ounce.
• Look for sales and coupons - Stock up when fat free cheeses go on sale.
• Purchase private label - Store brands are usually a little cheaper.
• Shop at warehouse stores - Big box stores often have lower prices.
• Store properly - Keep cheese tightly sealed and use within expiration date.
• Freeze for longer storage - Thaw in refrigerator before using.

With some shopping

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.