Extra old cheddar cheese

Common questions

Is Extra old cheddar cheese healthy?

Extra old cheddar cheese scores 85/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — one of the stronger scores in Scout's catalog. This extra old cheddar cheese is made from pasteurized milk, salt, and bacterial cultures, which are typical ingredients for traditional cheese.

How processed is Extra old cheddar cheese?

Extra old cheddar cheese is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Extra old cheddar cheese's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Pasteurized milk counts in its favor. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

You might also like

See more

Extra old cheddar cheese

Faith Farms
85 Excellent

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

View on Amazon

At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 1
Harmful ingredients 0
Category Cheese
Summary

This extra old cheddar cheese is made from pasteurized milk, salt, and bacterial cultures, which are typical ingredients for traditional cheese. The inclusion of annatto for coloring is a minor additive, but the product remains relatively clean with no harmful ingredients. Despite being processed, the cheese maintains a high quality due to its simple ingredient list and lack of industrial additives.

Key ingredients 7

Pasteurized milk
Good

Pasteurized milk is a primary ingredient in cheese, providing essential nutrients like calcium and protein. The pasteurization process ensures safety by eliminating harmful bacteria. It is a high-quality source of animal-based protein.

Risks

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

Benefits

Rich in calcium and protein, supporting bone health and muscle maintenance.

See more about Pasteurized milk →
Modified milk ingredients
Neutral

Modified milk ingredients are used to enhance texture and consistency in cheese. They are derived from milk but undergo processing to alter their properties. While they serve a functional purpose, they do not offer additional nutritional benefits over whole milk.

See more about Modified milk ingredients →
Salt
Neutral

Salt is used in cheese for flavor and as a preservative. It is a common ingredient in cheese-making, contributing to taste and shelf-life. However, excessive sodium intake can be a health concern.

Risks

High sodium intake may contribute to hypertension and cardiovascular issues.

Benefits

Enhances flavor and acts as a preservative in cheese.

See more about Salt →
Bacterial culture
Neutral

Bacterial cultures are essential for the fermentation process in cheese-making. They help develop flavor and texture by converting lactose into lactic acid. While they are crucial for cheese production, they do not provide direct nutritional benefits.

Benefits

Essential for developing the flavor and texture of cheese through fermentation.

See more about Bacterial culture →
Calcium chloride
Neutral

Calcium chloride is used in cheese-making to improve curd formation. It helps maintain the firmness and texture of the cheese. It is a safe additive with no significant nutritional impact.

Benefits

Improves curd formation and texture in cheese-making.

See more about Calcium chloride →
Microbial enzyme
Neutral

Microbial enzymes are used as a rennet substitute in cheese-making. They help coagulate milk, forming curds. This ingredient is suitable for vegetarians and does not impact the nutritional profile of the cheese.

Benefits

Facilitates milk coagulation in cheese-making, suitable for vegetarian diets.

See more about Microbial enzyme →
Annatto
Neutral

Annatto is a natural coloring agent used to give cheese its yellow-orange hue. It is derived from the seeds of the achiote tree and is considered safe for consumption. It does not affect the nutritional value of the cheese.

Benefits

Provides natural color to cheese without affecting its nutritional value.

See more about Annatto →

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

Get the full breakdown in the Scout appTake Scout shopping

Scan any product to see lab results, healthy alternatives, and your personalized analysis.

Download on theApp Store GET IT ONGoogle Play

More in Cheese