NORTHWOODS CHEDDAR CHEESE

Common questions

Is NORTHWOODS CHEDDAR CHEESE healthy?

NORTHWOODS CHEDDAR CHEESE scores 70/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This cheese is made from pasteurized milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes, and annatto, which are typical ingredients for traditional cheese.

How processed is NORTHWOODS CHEDDAR CHEESE?

NORTHWOODS CHEDDAR CHEESE is NOVA Group 4: Ultra-Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive NORTHWOODS CHEDDAR CHEESE's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Cheese cultures counts in its favor; Annatto is flagged as an ingredient of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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NORTHWOODS CHEDDAR CHEESE

Wood River Creamery
70 Good

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 1
Harmful ingredients 1
Owned by Burnett Dairy Cooperative
Category Cheese
Summary

This cheese is made from pasteurized milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes, and annatto, which are typical ingredients for traditional cheese. However, it is classified as ultra-processed due to its processing level, which limits its score despite the relatively clean ingredient list. The presence of annatto, a natural coloring agent, is noted but does not significantly impact the overall healthiness of the product.

Key ingredients 5

Cheese cultures
Good

Cheese cultures are beneficial bacteria used in the fermentation process of cheese. They enhance flavor and texture while also contributing to gut health. These cultures are a natural part of traditional cheesemaking.

Benefits

Contribute to the development of flavor and texture in cheese and may support gut health through probiotic effects.

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Pasteurized milk
Neutral

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 function.

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Salt
Neutral

Salt is used in cheese for flavor and as a preservative. It is a necessary component in cheese production but should be consumed in moderation due to potential health impacts. The salt content in cheese contributes to its overall taste profile.

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, contributing to its shelf life.

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Enzymes
Neutral

Enzymes are used in cheese production to aid in the coagulation of milk. They are essential for transforming milk into cheese and are typically derived from animal or microbial sources. Enzymes are a standard component in cheese making with no significant health impact.

Benefits

Essential for the cheese-making process, helping to coagulate milk and develop cheese texture.

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Annatto
Bad

Annatto is a natural coloring agent used to give cheese a yellow-orange hue. While it is derived from seeds, it can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Its use is primarily aesthetic, with no nutritional benefits.

Risks

May cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

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Processing

Group 4 · Ultra-processed

Ultra-Processed Foods

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