French brie

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

Common questions

Is French brie healthy?

French brie scores 75/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This French brie is made with a simple and traditional ingredient list, including pasteurized milk, salt, cheese cultures, and microbial enzyme, which aligns with traditional cheesemaking practices.

How processed is French brie?

French brie is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

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French brie

Boar's Head
75 Good

Analysis updated September 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 0
Harmful ingredients 0
Category Cheese
Summary

This French brie is made with a simple and traditional ingredient list, including pasteurized milk, salt, cheese cultures, and microbial enzyme, which aligns with traditional cheesemaking practices. Despite being classified as processed, it lacks harmful additives or seed oils, making it a clean option within its category. The processing level limits its maximum score, but the quality of ingredients supports a high rating within that cap.

Key ingredients 4

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, ensuring safety and consistency.

Risks

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

Benefits

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

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Salt
Neutral

Salt is used in cheese making for flavor and as a preservative. It helps control the growth of bacteria and enhances the taste of the cheese. While necessary in cheese production, excessive consumption of salt can lead to health issues.

Risks

High sodium intake can contribute to hypertension and cardiovascular disease.

Benefits

Enhances flavor and acts as a natural preservative in cheese.

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Cheese cultures
Neutral

Cheese cultures are essential for the fermentation process, contributing to the flavor and texture of the cheese. They consist of beneficial bacteria that help in the development of the cheese's unique characteristics. These cultures are standard in cheese production and are generally considered safe.

Benefits

Aid in the fermentation process, contributing to the development of flavor and texture in cheese.

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Microbial enzyme
Neutral

Microbial enzymes are used as a coagulant in cheese making, an alternative to animal rennet. They help in curdling the milk, which is a crucial step in cheese production. These enzymes are widely used in vegetarian cheese products and are considered safe.

Benefits

Facilitates the cheese-making process by aiding in milk coagulation, suitable for vegetarian products.

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Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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