Old Fort Cheddar

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

Common questions

Is Old Fort Cheddar healthy?

Old Fort Cheddar scores 75/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. Old Fort Cheddar is a processed cheese with a relatively clean ingredient list, including pasteurized milk, bacterial culture, and microbial enzyme.

How processed is Old Fort Cheddar?

Old Fort Cheddar is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

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Old Fort Cheddar

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

Old Fort Cheddar is a processed cheese with a relatively clean ingredient list, including pasteurized milk, bacterial culture, and microbial enzyme. It contains a small number of additives like calcium chloride and annatto, which are common in cheese production. Despite being processed, it lacks harmful ingredients such as artificial colors or preservatives, allowing it to score well within its category.

Key ingredients 7

Pasteurized milk
Neutral

Pasteurized milk is a primary ingredient in 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.

Benefits

Provides essential nutrients such as calcium and protein, important for bone health and muscle maintenance.

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Modified milk ingredients
Neutral

Modified milk ingredients are used to adjust the texture and consistency of cheese. They are processed derivatives of milk, which can include milk solids or fats. These ingredients are common in cheese production but lack the nutritional profile of whole milk.

Benefits

Helps achieve desired texture and consistency in cheese products.

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Salt
Neutral

Salt is used in cheese for flavor and as a preservative. It is a necessary component in cheese making, contributing to taste and shelf life. While essential, excessive consumption of salt can lead to health issues.

Risks

High sodium intake can contribute to hypertension and cardiovascular issues.

Benefits

Enhances flavor and acts as a preservative in cheese.

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Bacterial culture
Neutral

Bacterial cultures are essential for the fermentation process in cheese making. They help develop flavor and texture by fermenting lactose into lactic acid. These cultures are a natural part of cheese production.

Benefits

Contributes to the development of flavor and texture in cheese.

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Calcium chloride
Neutral

Calcium chloride is used in cheese making to improve curd formation. It helps maintain the structural integrity of the cheese. It is a common additive in cheese production.

Benefits

Improves curd formation and texture in cheese making.

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Microbial enzyme
Neutral

Microbial enzymes are used as a substitute for animal rennet in cheese making. They help coagulate milk, forming curds. These enzymes are suitable for vegetarian cheese production.

Benefits

Facilitates milk coagulation and is suitable for vegetarian cheese production.

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Annatto
Neutral

Annatto is a natural coloring agent used to give cheese its characteristic yellow-orange hue. It is derived from the seeds of the achiote tree. Annatto is widely used in the food industry for coloring purposes.

Benefits

Provides natural color to cheese without affecting flavor.

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Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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