Mild Cheddar Cheese

Common questions

Is Mild Cheddar Cheese healthy?

Mild 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 mild cheddar cheese is made from pasteurized milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes, and annatto for color.

How processed is Mild Cheddar Cheese?

Mild Cheddar Cheese is NOVA Group 4: Ultra-Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Mild Cheddar Cheese's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Cheese culture counts in its favor; E160b 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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Mild Cheddar Cheese

70 Good

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

$3.50 · 16 oz · $0.22 / ounce
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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 1
Harmful ingredients 1
Category Cheese
Summary

This mild cheddar cheese is made from pasteurized milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes, and annatto for color. While it contains beneficial ingredients like cheese culture, the presence of annatto, which can cause allergic reactions in some individuals, and its classification as ultra-processed limit its score. Despite being a traditional cheese, the processing level restricts its maximum rating.

Key ingredients 6

Cheese culture
Good

Cheese culture is used to ferment milk, aiding in the development of flavor and texture in cheese. It consists of beneficial bacteria that can improve gut health. This ingredient is essential for traditional cheese-making processes.

Benefits

Contains probiotics that may support digestive health and enhance the nutritional profile of the cheese.

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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, offering a balanced nutritional profile.

Benefits

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

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Salt
Neutral

Salt is used in cheese for flavor and as a preservative. It helps control the fermentation process and enhances the taste. While necessary in cheese production, excessive consumption can lead to health issues.

Risks

High sodium intake can contribute to hypertension and cardiovascular issues.

Benefits

Enhances flavor and acts as a natural preservative in cheese.

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Enzymes
Neutral

Enzymes are used in cheese-making to coagulate milk, forming curds. They are crucial for the texture and maturation of cheese. Typically derived from animal or microbial sources, they are standard in cheese production.

Benefits

Essential for the cheese-making process, contributing to the development of texture and flavor.

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Annatto
Neutral

Annatto is a natural coloring agent derived from the seeds of the achiote tree. It is used to give cheese its characteristic yellow-orange hue. As a natural colorant, it is generally considered safe.

Risks

Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to annatto.

Benefits

Provides a natural source of color without the use of synthetic dyes.

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E160b
Bad

E160b, also known as annatto, is a natural colorant used in food products. While generally safe, it can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Its use in processed foods is sometimes criticized due to potential allergenic effects.

Risks

May cause allergic reactions in some individuals, particularly those with sensitivities to natural colorants.

Benefits

Provides a natural color to food products, avoiding synthetic dyes.

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Processing

Group 4 · Ultra-processed

Ultra-Processed Foods

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