Why It's Nearly Impossible To Melt Pre-Shredded Cheese

Pre-shredded cheese is a convenient ingredient in all ways but one: it doesn't melt the way standard cheese does. This is due to the many additives it contains.

These additives include cellulose or anti-caking blends that contain one or more starches. Any store-bought pre-grated cheese will contain some mixture of these agents.

Cellulose is used to keep pre-shredded cheese shredded. This carbohydrate is a common component of many food products, where it keeps the components properly mixed.

Cornstarch and potato starch are also readily found in pre-shredded cheese. These starches draw in excess moisture to prevent stickiness, which also keeps the cheese from melting.