Southwest Shredded Cheese

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Common questions

Is Southwest Shredded Cheese healthy?

Southwest Shredded Cheese scores 65/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This shredded cheese product contains cultured pasteurized milk, which is a beneficial ingredient providing essential nutrients like calcium and protein.

How processed is Southwest Shredded Cheese?

Southwest Shredded Cheese is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Southwest Shredded Cheese's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Cultured pasteurized milk counts in its favor; Powdered cellulose is flagged as an ingredient of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Southwest Shredded Cheese

Roundy's
65 Fair

Analysis updated July 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

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

This shredded cheese product contains cultured pasteurized milk, which is a beneficial ingredient providing essential nutrients like calcium and protein. However, the presence of powdered cellulose as an anti-caking agent indicates a level of processing that detracts from its overall quality. The inclusion of natural peppers adds flavor, but the processing level and use of additives like cellulose prevent it from achieving a higher score.

Key ingredients 9

Cultured pasteurized milk
Good

Cultured pasteurized milk is a primary ingredient in cheese, providing essential nutrients like calcium and protein. The pasteurization process ensures safety by eliminating harmful bacteria. Culturing adds beneficial probiotics that can aid digestion.

Benefits

Rich in calcium and protein, supporting bone health and muscle maintenance. Contains probiotics that may benefit gut health.

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Jalapeno peppers
Neutral

Jalapeno peppers add flavor and a spicy kick to the cheese. They are a natural ingredient with minimal processing. While they provide some vitamins and capsaicin, their contribution in cheese is primarily for taste.

Risks

May cause digestive discomfort in sensitive individuals due to spiciness.

Benefits

Contains capsaicin, which may have metabolism-boosting properties.

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Chipotle peppers
Neutral

Chipotle peppers are smoked jalapenos that add a smoky flavor to the cheese. They are a natural ingredient with minimal processing. Their primary role in the product is to enhance flavor.

Risks

May cause digestive discomfort in sensitive individuals due to spiciness.

Benefits

Provides a unique smoky flavor and contains capsaicin, which may have health benefits.

Habanero peppers
Neutral

Habanero peppers are used to add intense heat and flavor to the cheese. They are a natural ingredient with minimal processing. Their primary contribution is to the product's spiciness.

Risks

Can cause significant digestive discomfort in sensitive individuals due to high spiciness.

Benefits

Contains capsaicin, which may have metabolism-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties.

Salt
Neutral

Salt is used to enhance flavor and preserve the cheese. It is a common ingredient in cheese production. While necessary for flavor, excessive consumption can lead to health issues.

Risks

High sodium intake can contribute to hypertension and cardiovascular issues.

Benefits

Essential for flavor enhancement and preservation in cheese.

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Potato starch
Neutral

Potato starch is used as an anti-caking agent to prevent clumping in shredded cheese. It is a natural ingredient derived from potatoes. Its role is primarily functional, with no significant nutritional impact.

Benefits

Helps maintain the texture and quality of shredded cheese by preventing clumping.

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Enzymes
Neutral

Enzymes are used in cheese production to aid in the coagulation of milk. They are essential for cheese making and are typically derived from natural sources. Their role is functional, contributing to the cheese's texture and flavor.

Benefits

Essential for cheese production, contributing to texture and flavor development.

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Color added
Neutral

Color added is used to enhance the visual appeal of the cheese. The specific type of colorant is not specified, but it is typically used in minimal amounts. Its primary role is aesthetic, with no nutritional impact.

Risks

Potential risks depend on the type of colorant used, but generally minimal in cheese.

Benefits

Enhances visual appeal without affecting taste or nutrition.

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Powdered cellulose
Bad

Powdered cellulose is used as an anti-caking agent in shredded cheese. It is derived from plant fibers and is considered a processed additive. While it prevents clumping, it offers no nutritional benefits and is a sign of processing.

Risks

Excessive consumption of cellulose can lead to digestive issues in some individuals.

Benefits

Helps maintain the texture and quality of shredded cheese by preventing clumping.

See more about Powdered cellulose →

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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