SHARP CHEDDAR CHEESE

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 cultured pasteurized milk, salt, microbial enzymes, and annatto for color, which are typical ingredients for traditional cheese.

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, Cultured pasteurized milk 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

Whole Foods Market, Inc.
85 Excellent

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

$2.76 · 8 oz · $0.35 / ounce
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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 1
Harmful ingredients 0
Owned by Whole Foods Market
Category Cheese
Summary

This sharp cheddar cheese is made from cultured pasteurized milk, salt, microbial enzymes, and annatto for color, which are typical ingredients for traditional cheese. The product is processed but maintains a clean ingredient list without harmful additives or seed oils. Its nutritional profile is strong, with a good balance of protein and fats, making it a solid choice within its category.

Key ingredients 4

Cultured pasteurized milk
Good

Cultured pasteurized milk is a primary ingredient in cheese, providing essential nutrients like calcium and protein. The pasteurization process ensures safety by eliminating harmful bacteria while maintaining nutritional quality. It is a high-quality source of animal-based protein, which is superior in amino acid profile compared to plant-based alternatives.

Benefits

Rich in calcium and protein, supporting bone health and muscle maintenance. Provides essential nutrients and beneficial bacteria from the culturing process.

See more about Cultured pasteurized milk →
Salt
Neutral

Salt is used in cheese for flavor enhancement and preservation. It is a common ingredient in cheese-making, contributing to the texture and taste. While it is necessary for the process, excessive consumption of salt can lead to health issues.

Risks

High sodium intake can contribute to hypertension and cardiovascular issues if consumed in excess.

Benefits

Enhances flavor and acts as a preservative in cheese, contributing to its shelf life.

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Microbial enzymes
Neutral

Microbial enzymes are used in cheese-making to coagulate milk, replacing traditional animal rennet. They are essential for the cheese-making process and are suitable for vegetarian diets. These enzymes are a sustainable alternative to animal-derived rennet.

Benefits

Facilitates the cheese-making process and is suitable for vegetarians, offering a sustainable alternative to animal rennet.

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Annatto
Neutral

Annatto is a natural coloring agent derived from the seeds of the achiote tree, used to impart a yellow-orange hue to cheese. It is a traditional and natural alternative to synthetic dyes. Annatto does not significantly alter the nutritional profile of the cheese.

Risks

Some individuals may experience allergic reactions or sensitivities to annatto.

Benefits

Provides natural color without the use of artificial dyes, maintaining the traditional appearance of cheddar cheese.

See more about Annatto →

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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Amazon pricing & content

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