Cracker Barrel Light Cheddar Cheese

Common questions

Is Cracker Barrel Light Cheddar Cheese healthy?

Cracker Barrel Light 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 light cheddar cheese is made from pasteurized part-skim milk, cheese culture, salt, microbial enzyme, and vitamin A palmitate, which are relatively clean ingredients for a processed cheese.

How processed is Cracker Barrel Light Cheddar Cheese?

Cracker Barrel Light Cheddar Cheese is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Cracker Barrel Light Cheddar Cheese's score?

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

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Cracker Barrel Light Cheddar Cheese

Cracker Barrel
85 Excellent

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

$3.50 · $0.47 / ounce
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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 1
Harmful ingredients 0
Owned by Lactalis
Category Cheese
Summary

This light cheddar cheese is made from pasteurized part-skim milk, cheese culture, salt, microbial enzyme, and vitamin A palmitate, which are relatively clean ingredients for a processed cheese. The product is processed, which limits its score, but it avoids harmful additives and seed oils, maintaining a focus on traditional cheese-making components. The presence of beneficial cheese cultures supports its nutritional profile, contributing positively to the overall rating.

Key ingredients 5

Cheese Culture
Good

Cheese culture is essential for the fermentation process, contributing to the flavor and texture of cheese. It consists of beneficial bacteria that aid in the development of cheese characteristics. These cultures can also support gut health by promoting beneficial bacteria.

Benefits

Supports the fermentation process and can contribute to gut health by promoting beneficial bacteria.

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Pasteurized Part-skim Milk
Neutral

Pasteurized part-skim milk is a common base for cheese, providing essential proteins and calcium. The pasteurization process ensures safety by eliminating harmful bacteria, but it may reduce some beneficial bacteria. Skimming reduces fat content, making it a lighter option compared to whole milk.

Benefits

Provides a good source of protein and calcium, essential for bone health and muscle function.

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Salt
Neutral

Salt is used in cheese making to enhance flavor and act as a preservative. It helps control the growth of unwanted bacteria during fermentation. While necessary in cheese production, excessive salt intake can contribute to high blood pressure.

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 production.

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Microbial Enzyme
Neutral

Microbial enzymes are used as a vegetarian alternative to animal rennet in cheese making. They help coagulate milk, forming curds and whey. This ingredient is suitable for vegetarians and does not carry significant health concerns.

Benefits

Provides a vegetarian-friendly option for cheese coagulation without compromising the cheese-making process.

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Vitamin A Palmitate
Neutral

Vitamin A Palmitate is added to fortify cheese with vitamin A, an essential nutrient for vision and immune function. It is a synthetic form of vitamin A, commonly used in food fortification. While beneficial, excessive intake of vitamin A can lead to toxicity.

Risks

Excessive intake of vitamin A can lead to toxicity, but this is unlikely from cheese consumption alone.

Benefits

Fortifies cheese with vitamin A, supporting vision and immune function.

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Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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