Sargento Mild Cheddar Cheese
Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores
At a glance
Summary
This cheese product is made from pasteurized milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes, and annatto for coloring. It is a traditional cheese with a simple ingredient list, which is generally positive. However, the use of annatto as a coloring agent and its classification as ultra-processed slightly impacts its overall healthiness score.
Key ingredients 6
Cheese cultureGood
Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.
Benefits
Contributes to the development of flavor and texture in cheese through fermentation.
Pasteurized milkNeutral
Pasteurized milk is a common base for cheese, providing essential nutrients like calcium and protein. The pasteurization process kills harmful bacteria but may also reduce some beneficial enzymes. It is a standard ingredient in cheese production with no significant quality indicators.
Benefits
Provides essential nutrients such as calcium and protein, which are important for bone health and muscle function.
SaltNeutral
Salt is used in cheese for flavor and as a preservative. It is a common ingredient in cheese production but does not provide additional nutritional benefits. Excessive consumption of salt can lead to health issues such as high blood pressure.
Risks
Excessive consumption can lead to high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues.
Benefits
Enhances flavor and acts as a preservative in cheese.
EnzymesNeutral
Enzymes are used in cheese-making to coagulate milk, forming curds and whey. They are essential for the cheese-making process but do not have direct health benefits. The type of enzyme used can vary, but they are generally safe for consumption.
Benefits
Essential for the cheese-making process, aiding in the coagulation of milk.
AnnattoNeutral
Annatto is a natural coloring agent derived from the seeds of the achiote tree, used to give cheese its yellow-orange hue. It is considered safe and is a natural alternative to synthetic dyes. Annatto does not contribute to the nutritional value of the cheese.
Risks
In rare cases, it may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Provides natural color to cheese without the use of synthetic dyes.
E160bBad
E160b, also known as annatto, is a natural food coloring used to impart color to cheese. While it is natural, some individuals may experience allergic reactions. It does not provide nutritional benefits and is used solely for aesthetic purposes.
Risks
May cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Processing
Ultra-Processed Foods
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