The present invention provides shelf-stable shredded cheeses and methods
of preparing such shelf-stable shredded cheeses using a combination of a
natural or process cheese, a cheese powder, glycerin, and a filler. The
shredded cheeses of this invention are shelf-stable at ambient
temperatures, have good organoleptic properties, and exhibit good melt
restriction and essentially no browning upon melting. The shredded
cheeses of this invention are especially adapted for incorporated into,
or use on or with, snack foods (e.g., chips) for retail sale which can be
stored at ambient temperatures.