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Great Value is carried at Walmart stores. Find one within 25 miles.
At a glance
Summary
This product is a traditional cheese stick with a simple ingredient list, including pasteurized milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes, and annatto for color. While it is minimally processed compared to other ultra-processed foods, the use of annatto as a colorant and its classification as ultra-processed limit its score. The cheese retains good nutritional value with high protein and fat content, but the processing level imposes a cap on its rating.
Key ingredients 5
Cheese cultureGood
Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.
Benefits
Contributes to the development of flavor and texture in cheese through fermentation.
Pasteurized milkNeutral
Pasteurized milk is a common base for cheese production, providing essential nutrients like calcium and protein. The pasteurization process eliminates harmful bacteria but may reduce some beneficial enzymes. It is a standard ingredient in cheese making, offering a neutral impact on health.
Benefits
Provides essential nutrients such as calcium and protein, which are important for bone health and muscle function.
SaltNeutral
Salt is used in cheese making for flavor enhancement and as a preservative. It helps control the growth of unwanted bacteria during fermentation. While necessary for cheese production, excessive consumption of salt can lead to health issues.
Risks
High sodium intake can contribute to hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.
Benefits
Enhances flavor and acts as a preservative in cheese production.
EnzymesNeutral
Enzymes are crucial in cheese making, aiding in the coagulation of milk and development of cheese texture. They are typically derived from animal or microbial sources. Enzymes are essential for cheese production but do not have direct health benefits or risks.
Benefits
Essential for the coagulation process in cheese making, contributing to texture and flavor.
AnnattoBad
Annatto is a natural colorant used to give cheese its yellow-orange hue. While it is derived from seeds, it can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Its use is primarily cosmetic, with no nutritional benefits.
Risks
May cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Processing
Ultra-Processed Foods
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