Oaxaca Natural Shredded Cheese

Common questions

Is Oaxaca Natural Shredded Cheese healthy?

Oaxaca Natural Shredded Cheese scores 75/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This shredded cheese product is made from Oaxaca cheese, which is a traditional cheese providing calcium and protein.

How processed is Oaxaca Natural Shredded Cheese?

Oaxaca Natural Shredded Cheese is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Oaxaca Natural Shredded Cheese's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Oaxaca cheese counts in its favor; Natamycin 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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Oaxaca Natural Shredded Cheese

Hill Country Fair
75 Good

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 1
Harmful ingredients 1
Owned by H-E-B
Category Cheese
Summary

This shredded cheese product is made from Oaxaca cheese, which is a traditional cheese providing calcium and protein. However, it includes an anticaking blend with natamycin, a mold inhibitor, which adds to its processing level. While natamycin is a natural antifungal, its presence as an additive prevents the product from being considered minimally processed.

Key ingredients 5

Oaxaca cheese
Good

Oaxaca cheese is a traditional cheese made from cultured pasteurized milk, providing a good source of calcium and protein. The use of microbial enzymes is a standard practice in cheese production, ensuring the cheese is suitable for vegetarians. The cheese is minimally processed, retaining its nutritional benefits.

Risks

Potential risks include lactose intolerance for sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Rich in calcium and protein, supporting bone health and muscle maintenance.

Salt
Neutral

Salt is used in cheese for flavor and preservation. It is a common ingredient in cheese production, providing essential sodium. However, excessive consumption of sodium can lead to health issues.

Risks

High sodium intake can contribute to hypertension and cardiovascular issues.

Benefits

Provides essential sodium necessary for various bodily functions.

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Potato starch
Neutral

Potato starch is used as an anticaking agent to prevent clumping in shredded cheese. It is a natural carbohydrate derived from potatoes. It does not significantly impact the nutritional profile of the cheese.

Benefits

Helps maintain the texture and usability of shredded cheese.

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Tapioca starch
Neutral

Tapioca starch is another anticaking agent used to keep shredded cheese from clumping. It is derived from the cassava root and is a natural carbohydrate. It is generally considered safe and does not alter the nutritional content of the cheese.

Benefits

Ensures the cheese remains free-flowing and easy to use.

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Natamycin
Bad

Natamycin is a mold inhibitor used to extend the shelf life of cheese. It is a natural antifungal agent but is considered an additive. While it is effective in preventing spoilage, its use as a preservative is not necessary in traditional cheese-making.

Risks

May cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals and contributes to the processed nature of the product.

Benefits

Prevents mold growth, extending the shelf life of the cheese.

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Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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