Shop Map Research Get the app
Gouda Cheese Slices

Image: Open Food Facts (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Common questions

Is Gouda Cheese Slices healthy?

Gouda Cheese Slices scores 60/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. Gouda Cheese Slices are made from pasteurized milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes, and annatto extract for color, which are typical ingredients for cheese.

How processed is Gouda Cheese Slices?

Gouda Cheese Slices is NOVA Group 4: Ultra-Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Gouda Cheese Slices' score?

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

You might also like

95
Yorkshire Cottage Cheese Fat Free Natural
Longley Farm
95
Baby Bella Parmesan Garlic Cheese Stuffed Caps
Giorgio
92
M&C Dairy Pressed Cottage Cheese / Fromage Cottage Pressé
M&C Dairy
90
Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese
Trader Joe's

See more

Gouda Cheese Slices

Food Lion
60 Fair

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

View on Amazon

At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 2
Harmful ingredients 0
Owned by Ahold Delhaize
Category Cheese
Summary

Gouda Cheese Slices are made from pasteurized milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes, and annatto extract for color, which are typical ingredients for cheese. However, the product is classified as ultra-processed due to its form and packaging, which limits its score despite having a relatively clean ingredient list. The processing level impacts the rating, capping it below the highest scores achievable by less processed cheeses.

Key ingredients 5

Pasteurized milk
Good

Pasteurized milk is a primary ingredient in cheese, providing essential nutrients like calcium and protein. The pasteurization process ensures safety by eliminating harmful bacteria. It is a high-quality source of animal-based protein, which is superior in amino acid profile compared to plant-based proteins.

Benefits

Rich in calcium and protein, supporting bone health and muscle maintenance. Provides essential vitamins such as B12 and riboflavin.

See more about Pasteurized milk →
Cheese culture
Good

Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.

Benefits

Facilitates the fermentation process, enhancing flavor and texture in cheese.

See more about Cheese culture →
Salt
Neutral

Salt is used in cheese for flavor and as a preservative. It is a common ingredient in cheese production, contributing to taste and shelf life. While necessary in small amounts, excessive consumption can lead to health issues such as hypertension.

Risks

High sodium intake can contribute to elevated blood pressure and cardiovascular issues.

Benefits

Enhances flavor and acts as a preservative in cheese.

See more about Salt →
Enzymes
Neutral

Enzymes are used in cheese production to coagulate milk, forming curds. They are essential for the cheesemaking process but do not provide direct nutritional benefits. The type of enzyme used can vary, including animal or microbial sources.

Benefits

Crucial for the coagulation process in cheese production, aiding in texture development.

See more about Enzymes →
Annatto extract
Neutral

Annatto extract is a natural colorant derived from the seeds of the achiote tree, used to give cheese its characteristic yellow hue. It is considered safe and is a natural alternative to synthetic dyes. While it enhances visual appeal, it does not contribute to nutritional value.

Benefits

Provides natural coloring to cheese without synthetic additives.

See more about Annatto extract →

Processing

Group 4 · Ultra-processed

Ultra-Processed Foods

Get the full breakdown in the Scout appTake Scout shopping

Scan any product to see lab results, healthy alternatives, and your personalized analysis.

Download on theApp Store GET IT ONGoogle Play

More in Cheese