Understanding the White Stuff on Cheddar Cheese: Is It Safe?

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• The white stuff on cheddar cheese is calcium lactate, a safe, natural byproduct of the aging process, often enhancing the cheese’s flavor
• Calcium lactate is not mold, and its presence is a sign of well-aged cheese, sometimes adding a slight crunch
• To differentiate between calcium lactate and mold, note that calcium lactate appears as white specs or crystals, whereas mold resembles green fur
• Proper storage in plastic wrap can help prevent mold on cheddar cheese by maintaining its moisture content
• The presence of calcium lactate, or “cheese crystals,” is generally appreciated by cheese connoisseurs for indicating a flavorful, well-aged cheese

Can You Eat Cheese With White Stuff On It?

The white specks you might encounter on cheddar cheese, both on the surface of a block or in pre-shredded varieties, are actually calcium lactate crystals. Consider these a mark of quality!

These calcium deposits are a natural byproduct of aging in cheddar (and many other cheeses), and can even be present in smaller amounts even if they’re not immediately visible.

There can be no keener pleasure than the sight of a cheese counter overflowing with its riches —…