Abstract: Starter cultures for cheese production are prepared using culture media containing on a 100 parts dry basis 0.1 to 30 parts of a nitrogen source, 1-30 parts of a nitrogen source, 1-30 parts of a citrate source and a milk product being the remainder which is selected from the group consisting of undecalcified sweet whey or a major amount of undecalcified sweet whey and a minor amount of nonfat dry milk. The media results in a high and uniform bacteria count, and starter cultures produced therefrom produce cheese that cures fast and has enhanced flavor.