Recently I shared a cheese tasting experience with a few of my friends as we met one evening as part of our church’s local moms group.  As moms I know that we all strive to purchase the best ingredients possible at the most affordable price.  But sacrificing taste for price doesn’t always have to be the way!

During my recent meeting, I served Sargento natural sharp cheddar cheese (pictured in shapes below) and presented some processed American cheese from a national brand alongside it  – just for comparison. 

A few of us enjoyed discussing the differences between natural cheeses and processed cheeses.  The consensus was, of course, that the taste was not only better but that the benefits of natural cheeses far outweigh those of processed cheeses.  None of us could imagine feeding our families that cheese with the “plastic-y sheen or feel” – you know what I’m talking about!  When a piece of cheese is too pliable, it just doesn’t feel right!

According to some of the information I received from Sargento, natural cheese contains only milk, cheese cultures, enzymes, and salt.  In sharp contrast, processed cheese often contains emulsifiers and preservatives, like Sorbic Acid.  Ewwww!  Not for my kids, thank you!

So how about for you?  What kinds of cheeses do you typically purchase for your kids and why do you choose the types and brands that you do?  Are you mostly concerned with cost?  Brand?  Nutrition?  I’d love to hear your thoughts.

{Disclosure:  I was provided a stipend and product from The Motherhood & Sargento in exchange for hosting a cheese-tasting opportunity, however the opinions expressed in this post are those of my own.}