Sharp cheddar cheese

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

Common questions

Is Sharp cheddar cheese healthy?

Sharp 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 sharp cheddar cheese is made from pasteurized milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes, and annatto for coloring, which are all traditional ingredients for cheese production.

How processed is Sharp cheddar cheese?

Sharp cheddar cheese is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Sharp 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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Sharp cheddar cheese

Laura Lynn
85 Excellent

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 1
Harmful ingredients 0
Owned by Ingles Markets
Category Cheese
Summary

This sharp cheddar cheese is made from pasteurized milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes, and annatto for coloring, which are all traditional ingredients for cheese production. The product is processed but maintains a clean ingredient list without any harmful additives or seed oils, allowing it to score well within its category. The presence of beneficial cheese cultures contributes positively to its nutritional profile, supporting gut health.

Key ingredients 5

Cheese Culture
Good

Cheese culture is essential for the fermentation process, contributing to flavor and texture. It consists of beneficial bacteria that aid in the development of cheese. These cultures can improve gut health by promoting beneficial bacteria.

Benefits

Supports the fermentation process, enhancing flavor and potentially benefiting gut health.

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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.

Risks

Some individuals may be lactose intolerant or allergic to milk proteins.

Benefits

Provides a good source of calcium and protein, essential 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 moisture and bacterial growth during aging. While necessary for cheese production, excessive salt intake can be a health concern.

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 crucial for the cheese-making process, aiding in milk coagulation. They help develop the texture and flavor of the cheese. Typically derived from animal or microbial sources, they are essential for traditional cheese production.

Benefits

Facilitates the cheese-making process, contributing to texture and flavor development.

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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 color. As a natural colorant, it is generally considered safe and preferable to artificial dyes.

Risks

Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to annatto.

Benefits

Provides natural color without the use of synthetic dyes.

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Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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