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Sharp cheddar

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

Common questions

Is Sharp cheddar healthy?

Sharp cheddar scores 70/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This sharp cheddar cheese is made from cultured pasteurized milk, salt, microbial enzymes, and annatto for color.

How processed is Sharp cheddar?

Sharp cheddar is NOVA Group 4: Ultra-Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Sharp cheddar's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Annatto is flagged as an ingredient of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Sharp cheddar

Whole Foods Market
70 Good

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

$3.79 · 8 oz · $0.47 / ounce
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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 0
Harmful ingredients 1
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. While it contains beneficial ingredients like milk and enzymes, the presence of annatto as a colorant and its classification as ultra-processed limit its score. Despite being a cheese, the processing level prevents it from achieving a higher rating.

Key ingredients 4

Cultured pasteurized milk
Neutral

Cultured pasteurized milk is a primary ingredient in cheese, providing essential proteins and fats. The pasteurization process ensures safety by eliminating harmful bacteria. However, it lacks the probiotic benefits of raw milk.

Benefits

Provides a good source of protein and calcium, essential for bone health.

See more about Cultured pasteurized milk →
Salt
Neutral

Salt is used in cheese for flavor and preservation. It is a common ingredient in many foods and is necessary for various bodily functions. However, excessive consumption can lead to health issues such as hypertension.

Risks

High sodium intake can contribute to increased blood pressure and cardiovascular issues.

Benefits

Essential for maintaining fluid balance and nerve function in the body.

See more about Salt →
Microbial enzymes
Neutral

Microbial enzymes are used in cheese production to aid in coagulation. They are a vegetarian alternative to animal rennet. These enzymes are generally considered safe and effective for cheese making.

Benefits

Allows for the production of cheese without animal-derived rennet, suitable for vegetarians.

See more about Microbial enzymes →
Annatto
Bad

Annatto is a natural colorant derived from the seeds of the achiote tree. While it is natural, some individuals may experience allergic reactions. It is used to impart a yellow-orange color to cheese.

Risks

May cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Provides a natural alternative to synthetic colorants.

See more about Annatto →

Processing

Group 4 · Ultra-processed

Ultra-Processed Foods

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