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 cheddar cheese is made from cultured pasteurized milk, salt, enzymes, and annatto for color, which are traditional ingredients in cheese-making.

How processed is Cheese?

Cheese is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Cheese's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Cultured pasteurized milk 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

Lucerne
75 Good

Analysis updated September 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

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

This cheddar cheese is made from cultured pasteurized milk, salt, enzymes, and annatto for color, which are traditional ingredients in cheese-making. The product is processed but maintains a clean label with no harmful additives or seed oils, allowing it to score well within its category. The use of natural ingredients and minimal processing contribute positively to its rating, although the processing level imposes a cap on the score.

Key ingredients 4

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 enhances flavor and digestibility.

Benefits

Rich in calcium and protein, supporting bone health and muscle maintenance. Culturing improves digestibility and adds beneficial probiotics.

See more about Cultured pasteurized milk →
Salt
Neutral

Salt is used in cheese for flavor and as a preservative. It is a common culinary ingredient with no significant processing concerns. However, excessive consumption can contribute to high blood pressure.

Risks

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

Benefits

Enhances flavor and acts as a preservative, extending the shelf life of cheese.

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Enzymes
Neutral

Standard formulation ingredient — neither beneficial nor harmful at typical use.

Benefits

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

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Annatto
Neutral

Annatto is a natural colorant derived from the seeds of the achiote tree. It is used to give cheese its characteristic yellow-orange hue. Annatto is minimally processed and generally considered safe.

Risks

Some individuals may experience allergic reactions, although this is rare.

Benefits

Provides natural coloring without synthetic additives, maintaining the visual appeal of cheese.

See more about Annatto →

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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