At a glance
Summary
This Gouda cheese is made from pasteurized milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes, and annatto for coloring. While it contains a minimal number of additives and has a relatively clean ingredient list, it is classified as ultra-processed due to its processing level. This classification limits its score despite the absence of harmful ingredients typically found in more processed cheese products.
Key ingredients 5
Cheese cultureGood
Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.
Benefits
Contributes to the development of cheese flavor and texture through fermentation.
Pasteurized milkNeutral
Pasteurized milk is a common base for 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 with no significant health concerns.
Benefits
Provides essential nutrients such as calcium and protein, important for bone health and muscle maintenance.
SaltNeutral
Salt is used in cheese for flavor enhancement and as a preservative. It helps control the growth of unwanted bacteria during cheese aging. While necessary in cheese production, high sodium intake can be a health concern.
Risks
Excessive consumption of salt can lead to high blood pressure and cardiovascular issues.
Benefits
Enhances flavor and acts as a preservative in cheese.
EnzymesNeutral
Enzymes are used in cheese making to coagulate milk, forming curds. They are essential for the cheese production process and are typically derived from animal or microbial sources. Enzymes are a standard component in cheese making with no significant health concerns.
Benefits
Facilitates the cheese-making process by aiding in milk coagulation.
AnnattoNeutral
Annatto is a natural vegetable color used to give cheese its distinctive yellow-orange hue. It is derived from the seeds of the achiote tree and is considered safe for consumption. Annatto is a common natural coloring agent with minimal health concerns.
Risks
In rare cases, annatto may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Provides natural coloring without the use of artificial dyes.
Processing
Ultra-Processed Foods
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