Cheese

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Common questions

Is Cheese healthy?

Cheese scores 75/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This cheese is made with a simple and traditional ingredient list, including pasteurized milk, cheese culture, salt, and enzymes, which are typical for cheese production.

How processed is Cheese?

Cheese is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Cheese's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Cheese culture counts in its favor. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Cheese

Kroger
75 Good

Analysis updated September 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 1
Harmful ingredients 0
Owned by Kroger
Category Cheese
Summary

This cheese is made with a simple and traditional ingredient list, including pasteurized milk, cheese culture, salt, and enzymes, which are typical for cheese production. The use of annatto for color is a natural choice and does not detract from the product's quality. Despite being processed, the absence of harmful additives and the presence of beneficial cheese cultures contribute positively to its rating.

Key ingredients 5

Cheese culture
Good

Cheese culture is used to ferment milk, aiding in the development of flavor and texture in cheese. It consists of beneficial bacteria that can improve gut health. This ingredient is essential for traditional cheese-making processes.

Benefits

Contains beneficial bacteria that can support gut health and enhance the flavor and texture of cheese.

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Pasteurized milk
Neutral

Pasteurized milk is a primary ingredient in cheese, providing essential nutrients like calcium and protein. The pasteurization process kills harmful bacteria but may also reduce some beneficial enzymes. It is a standard ingredient in cheese production, offering a balanced nutritional profile.

Benefits

Provides essential nutrients such as calcium and protein, which are important for bone health and muscle maintenance.

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Salt
Neutral

Salt is used in cheese for flavor enhancement and as a preservative. It helps control the growth of unwanted bacteria during cheese aging. While necessary in cheese production, excessive salt intake can be a health concern.

Risks

High sodium intake can lead to increased blood pressure and cardiovascular issues if consumed in excess.

Benefits

Acts as a preservative and flavor enhancer in cheese, contributing to its overall taste and shelf life.

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Enzymes
Neutral

Enzymes are used in cheese-making to coagulate milk, forming curds and whey. They are crucial for the cheese-making process but do not contribute significant nutritional value. Typically derived from animal or microbial sources, they are standard in cheese production.

Benefits

Essential for the cheese-making process, helping to form the curds necessary for cheese production.

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Annatto
Neutral

Annatto is a natural coloring agent derived from the seeds of the achiote tree. It is used to give cheese a distinctive yellow or orange hue. As a natural colorant, it is generally considered safe and free from the risks associated with artificial dyes.

Benefits

Provides natural color to cheese without the use of artificial dyes, enhancing visual appeal.

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Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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