Queso Oaxaca

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Common questions

Is Queso Oaxaca healthy?

Queso Oaxaca scores 85/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — one of the stronger scores in Scout's catalog. Queso Oaxaca is a processed cheese with a simple ingredient list, including pasteurized milk, lactic acid, salt, and microbial enzymes.

How processed is Queso Oaxaca?

Queso Oaxaca is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Queso Oaxaca's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Enzymes (Microbial) 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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Queso Oaxaca

H-E-B
85 Excellent

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 1
Harmful ingredients 0
Owned by H-E-B
Category Cheese
Summary

Queso Oaxaca is a processed cheese with a simple ingredient list, including pasteurized milk, lactic acid, salt, and microbial enzymes. The use of microbial enzymes is beneficial as they are a vegetarian alternative to animal rennet and contribute to the cheese's texture and flavor. Despite being processed, the absence of harmful additives and the clean label allow it to score well within its category.

Key ingredients 4

Enzymes (Microbial)
Good

Microbial enzymes are used in cheese making to coagulate milk, forming curds. They are a vegetarian alternative to animal rennet and are widely accepted in cheese production. These enzymes are crucial for the cheese's texture and flavor development.

Benefits

Facilitates the cheese-making process and is suitable for vegetarian diets.

Pasteurized Milk
Neutral

Pasteurized milk is a common base for cheese, providing essential proteins and fats. The pasteurization process kills harmful bacteria but may reduce some beneficial enzymes. It is a standard ingredient in cheese production, offering a balanced nutritional profile.

Risks

Some individuals may be lactose intolerant or allergic to milk proteins.

Benefits

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

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Lactic Acid
Neutral

Lactic acid is used in cheese making to aid in fermentation and flavor development. It is naturally occurring and generally recognized as safe. It helps in the development of the cheese's texture and tangy flavor.

Benefits

Contributes to the tangy flavor and aids in the fermentation process of cheese.

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Salt
Neutral

Salt is used in cheese for flavor enhancement and as a preservative. It is a necessary component in cheese making, helping to control moisture and bacterial growth. While essential, excessive consumption can lead to health issues.

Risks

High sodium intake can contribute to hypertension and cardiovascular issues.

Benefits

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

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Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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