Irish cheddar

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

Common questions

Is Irish cheddar healthy?

Irish cheddar scores 85/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — one of the stronger scores in Scout's catalog. This Irish cheddar is made from pasteurized cow's milk, salt, starter culture, and rennet, which are traditional ingredients for cheese.

How processed is Irish cheddar?

Irish cheddar is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Irish cheddar's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Pasteurized cow's milk, Rennet 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

See more

Irish cheddar

Boar's Head
85 Excellent

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

$39.99 · 8 oz · $5.00 / count
View on Amazon
Verified Amazon match

At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 2
Harmful ingredients 0
Category Cheese
Summary

This Irish cheddar is made from pasteurized cow's milk, salt, starter culture, and rennet, which are traditional ingredients for cheese. The product is processed, but it maintains a clean label with no harmful additives or seed oils, allowing it to score well within its category. The simplicity and quality of its ingredients contribute positively to its rating, despite the processing level cap.

Key ingredients 4

Pasteurized cow's milk
Good

Pasteurized cow's 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 with a rich amino acid profile.

Risks

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

Benefits

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

See more about Pasteurized cow's milk →
Rennet
Good

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

Benefits

Crucial for cheese coagulation, contributing to the development of texture and flavor.

See more about Rennet →
Salt
Neutral

Salt is used in cheese for flavor and preservation. It is a common ingredient in processed foods and provides sodium, an essential mineral. However, excessive sodium intake can be a health concern.

Risks

High sodium intake may contribute to hypertension and cardiovascular issues.

Benefits

Provides essential sodium for maintaining fluid balance and nerve function.

See more about Salt →
Starter culture
Neutral

Starter cultures are used in cheese production to initiate fermentation, contributing to flavor and texture development. They consist of beneficial bacteria that aid in the cheese-making process. The specific strains used can vary, impacting the final product's characteristics.

Benefits

Facilitates fermentation, enhancing flavor and texture while potentially providing probiotic benefits.

See more about Starter culture →

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

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
Amazon pricing & content

Amazon price as of . Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED “AS IS” AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.

More in Cheese