Queso

Image: Open Food Facts (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Common questions

Is Queso healthy?

Queso scores 75/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This cheese product is made from cultured pasteurized milk, salt, and enzymes, with added color.

How processed is Queso?

Queso is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

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Queso

Crystal Farms
75 Good

Analysis updated September 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 0
Harmful ingredients 0
Owned by Post Holdings
Category Cheese
Summary

This cheese product is made from cultured pasteurized milk, salt, and enzymes, with added color. It is a processed food, but the ingredient list is relatively clean, lacking harmful additives or seed oils. The processing level limits its score, but the simplicity and quality of the ingredients allow it to score well within its category.

Key ingredients 4

Cultured pasteurized milk
Neutral

Cultured pasteurized milk is a primary ingredient in cheese, providing protein and calcium. Pasteurization ensures safety by eliminating harmful bacteria. However, it lacks the probiotic benefits of raw milk.

Benefits

Provides essential nutrients like calcium and protein, important for bone health and muscle maintenance.

See more about Cultured pasteurized milk →
Salt
Neutral

Salt is used for flavor and preservation in cheese. It is a common culinary ingredient but does not provide additional health benefits. Excessive consumption can lead to health issues like hypertension.

Risks

High sodium intake can contribute to hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.

Benefits

Enhances flavor and acts as a preservative in cheese.

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Enzymes
Neutral

Enzymes are essential for the cheese-making process, aiding in milk coagulation. They are typically derived from animal or microbial sources. Their role is functional, with no direct nutritional impact.

Benefits

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

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Color added
Neutral

Color added is used to enhance the visual appeal of cheese. It can be derived from natural or synthetic sources. The impact on health depends on the specific colorant used.

Risks

Potential risks depend on the source of the colorant; synthetic dyes may have health concerns.

Benefits

Improves the visual appeal of the product without affecting taste or nutrition.

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Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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