CHEDDAR CHEESE

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Common questions

Is CHEDDAR CHEESE healthy?

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 cheddar cheese is made with a simple and traditional ingredient list, including pasteurized milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes, and annatto color.

How processed is CHEDDAR CHEESE?

CHEDDAR CHEESE is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive 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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CHEDDAR CHEESE

85 Excellent

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

$1.87 · 8 oz · $0.23 / ounce
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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 1
Harmful ingredients 0
Category Cheese
Summary

This cheddar cheese is made with a simple and traditional ingredient list, including pasteurized milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes, and annatto color. The product is processed but maintains a clean label without harmful additives or seed oils, which supports a higher score within its category. The presence of beneficial cheese cultures and the absence of artificial additives contribute positively to its rating.

Key ingredients 5

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 crucial for traditional cheese-making processes.

Benefits

Contains probiotics that may support digestive health and enhance the flavor 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 enhancement and preservation. It is a common ingredient in cheese-making, helping to control moisture and inhibit unwanted bacterial growth. While necessary for cheese production, excessive consumption of salt can lead to health issues.

Risks

High sodium intake can contribute to hypertension and cardiovascular issues.

Benefits

Acts as a preservative and enhances the flavor of the cheese.

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Enzymes
Neutral

Enzymes are used in cheese-making to coagulate milk, forming curds and whey. They are essential for the cheese-making process but do not contribute significant nutritional value. Typically derived from animal or microbial sources, they are standard in cheese production.

Benefits

Facilitates the cheese-making process by aiding in milk coagulation.

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Annato color
Neutral

Annato color is a natural coloring agent derived from the seeds of the achiote tree. It is used to give cheese a distinctive yellow-orange hue. As a natural colorant, it is generally considered safe and free from the concerns associated with artificial dyes.

Risks

May cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

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

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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