H-E-B Mild Cheddar

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Common questions

Is H-E-B Mild Cheddar healthy?

H-E-B Mild Cheddar scores 75/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This mild cheddar cheese contains beneficial nutrients like high-quality protein and calcium from cultured pasteurized milk.

How processed is H-E-B Mild Cheddar?

H-E-B Mild Cheddar is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive H-E-B Mild Cheddar's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Mild Cheddar Cheese counts in its favor; Anticaking Blend, Natamycin, Mold Inhibitor are flagged as ingredients of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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H-E-B Mild Cheddar

H-E-B
75 Good

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

$3.50 · 16 oz · $0.22 / ounce
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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 1
Harmful ingredients 3
Owned by H-E-B
Category Cheese
Summary

This mild cheddar cheese contains beneficial nutrients like high-quality protein and calcium from cultured pasteurized milk. However, it includes several synthetic additives such as anticaking agents, natamycin, and mold inhibitors, which contribute to its processing level. These additives, while extending shelf life, are not essential for all cheese types and detract from the product's overall healthiness.

Key ingredients 12

Mild Cheddar Cheese
Good

Mild Cheddar Cheese is a source of high-quality protein and calcium. It is made from cultured pasteurized milk, providing essential nutrients. The cheese is minimally processed, retaining its nutritional benefits.

Risks

Contains lactose, which may cause digestive issues for lactose-intolerant individuals.

Benefits

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

Cultured Pasteurized Milk
Neutral

Cultured pasteurized milk is used to make cheese, providing a base for fermentation. Pasteurization ensures safety by eliminating harmful bacteria. It is a standard ingredient in cheese production.

Benefits

Provides a source of calcium and protein, essential for bone and muscle health.

See more about Cultured Pasteurized Milk →
Salt
Neutral

Salt is used for flavor and as a preservative in cheese. It is a common ingredient in cheese production. Excessive consumption can lead to high blood pressure.

Risks

High sodium intake may contribute to hypertension and cardiovascular issues.

Benefits

Enhances flavor and acts as a preservative in cheese.

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Enzymes
Neutral

Enzymes are used in cheese making to aid in the coagulation of milk. They are essential for the cheese production process. Typically derived from microbial or animal sources.

Benefits

Facilitates the cheese-making process by aiding milk coagulation.

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Microbial
Neutral

Microbial enzymes are used as a vegetarian alternative to animal rennet in cheese production. They help in the coagulation of milk. This ingredient is essential for cheese texture and flavor development.

Benefits

Provides a vegetarian-friendly option for cheese production.

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 color. It is considered safe and natural.

Risks

May cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Provides natural coloring without synthetic additives.

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Color
Neutral

Color is added to enhance the visual appeal of cheese. It is typically derived from natural sources like annatto. The use of color does not affect the nutritional value of the cheese.

Benefits

Improves the visual appeal of the product.

Potato Starch
Neutral

Potato starch is used as an anticaking agent in shredded cheese. It is a natural ingredient that helps prevent clumping. It does not significantly alter 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 used as an anticaking agent in cheese. It is derived from the cassava root and is considered a natural additive. It helps maintain the texture of shredded cheese.

Benefits

Prevents clumping and maintains the texture of shredded cheese.

See more about Tapioca Starch →
Anticaking Blend
Bad

Anticaking agents are added to prevent clumping in shredded cheese. They are often synthetic and can include various additives. These agents do not contribute to nutritional value and may be seen as unnecessary processing.

Risks

May contain synthetic additives that some consumers prefer to avoid.

Benefits

Prevents clumping, ensuring the cheese remains easy to use.

Natamycin
Bad

Natamycin is a mold inhibitor used to extend the shelf life of cheese. It is a synthetic additive that prevents mold growth. While effective, it is an additional processing step that some consumers may wish to avoid.

Risks

May cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

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

See more about Natamycin →
Mold Inhibitor
Bad

Mold inhibitors are added to prevent spoilage in cheese. They are often synthetic and can include various chemical compounds. These additives are not necessary for all cheese types and may be seen as excessive processing.

Risks

May contain synthetic chemicals that some consumers prefer to avoid.

Benefits

Helps extend the shelf life by preventing mold growth.

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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