Comparison
Nisin vs Natamycin
The short answer
They do different jobs, so cheese often uses both. Nisin stops bacteria, natamycin stops mold. Nisin is the less controversial of the two, because natamycin is also used as a medicine.| Side by side | Nisin | Natamycin |
|---|---|---|
| Safety score | 86/100 Generally safe | 74/100 Use in moderation |
| Stops | Bacteria and their spores | Mold and yeast |
| Made by | Lactococcus lactis (cheese bacteria) | Streptomyces natalensis (soil bacteria) |
| Used in medicine | No ✓ Better | Yes, for fungal eye infections |
| Where it's used | Mixed into processed cheese and puddings | On cheese rinds and sausage casings |
| Vegan | Depends on the growth medium | Yes ✓ Better |
| Safety score | 86 ✓ Better | 74 |
Swapping one for the other
Buy block cheese and grate it yourself, store it wrapped in cheese paper, and cut off any rind. You'll avoid most of both.
Common questions
Are nisin and natamycin antibiotics?
Both are made by bacteria and fight microbes. Only natamycin is also used as a medicine.