At a glance
Summary
This cheddar cheese is made from pasteurized milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes, and annatto for color, which are typical ingredients for traditional cheese. However, it is classified as ultra-processed due to its processing level, which limits its score despite having a relatively clean ingredient list. The presence of annatto as a color additive is minimal and does not significantly impact the overall quality, but the processing level cap prevents a higher score.
Key ingredients 5
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, offering a neutral impact on health.
Benefits
Provides essential nutrients such as calcium and protein, which are important for bone health and muscle maintenance.
SaltNeutral
Salt is used in cheese for flavor and as a preservative. It is a necessary component in cheese-making but should be consumed in moderation due to potential health concerns related to high sodium intake. In this context, it serves a functional role without significant health benefits.
Risks
Excessive consumption of salt 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 production process but do not have direct health benefits or risks. Their role is primarily functional in the transformation of milk into cheese.
Benefits
Essential for the cheese-making process, aiding in the coagulation of milk.
AnnattoNeutral
Annatto is a natural colorant derived from the seeds of the achiote tree, used to give cheese its characteristic yellow-orange hue. It is generally considered safe and does not significantly impact health. Its use is primarily aesthetic, with no nutritional benefits.
Benefits
Provides natural coloring to cheese without artificial additives.
Processing
Ultra-Processed Foods
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