Cheese can be natural or blended. Natural cheese such as Cheddar is produced directly from milk. Pasteurized blended cheese, process cheese, cheese foods, cheese spreads, and cold-pack cheeses are made by blending one or more different kinds of natural cheese into a homogenous mass. Optional ingredients may be added.

The United Dairy Industry Association administers a program for identification of real dairy foods. The "REAL" seal on a carton or package identifies milk, cheese, and other qualified dairy foods made from U.S.-produced milk that meet federal and/or state standards. This seal assures consumers that the food is not an imitation or substitute.