Reserve Cheddar (Costco)

Common questions

Is Reserve Cheddar (Costco) healthy?

Reserve Cheddar (Costco) scores 85/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — one of the stronger scores in Scout's catalog. This cheddar cheese is made with a simple and traditional ingredient list, including pasteurized milk, salt, and cheese cultures and enzymes, which are essential for flavor and texture development.

How processed is Reserve Cheddar (Costco)?

Reserve Cheddar (Costco) is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Reserve Cheddar (Costco)'s score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Cheese cultures & enzymes 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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Reserve Cheddar (Costco)

Kerrygold
85 Excellent

Analysis updated September 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 1
Harmful ingredients 0
Owned by Ornua
Category Cheese
Summary

This cheddar cheese is made with a simple and traditional ingredient list, including pasteurized milk, salt, and cheese cultures and enzymes, which are essential for flavor and texture development. Despite being classified as processed, it avoids harmful additives and maintains a clean label, allowing it to score well within its category. The processing level cap limits its maximum score, but the absence of artificial ingredients and the use of traditional cheesemaking methods contribute positively to its rating.

Key ingredients 3

Cheese cultures & enzymes
Good

Cheese cultures and enzymes are essential for the fermentation and flavor development in cheese. They help in breaking down milk proteins and fats, contributing to the texture and taste. These natural ingredients are crucial for traditional cheese making.

Benefits

Promotes fermentation and flavor development, contributing to the unique taste and texture of the cheese.

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Pasteurized milk
Neutral

Pasteurized milk is a primary ingredient in cheese, providing essential nutrients like calcium and protein. The pasteurization process kills harmful bacteria but may also reduce some beneficial enzymes. It is a standard ingredient in cheese production, offering a balanced nutritional profile.

Benefits

Provides essential nutrients such as calcium and protein, which are important for bone health and muscle function.

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Salt
Neutral

Salt is used in cheese making to enhance flavor and act as a preservative. It is a common ingredient in processed foods and contributes to the overall sodium content. While necessary for flavor, excessive consumption can lead to health issues such as hypertension.

Risks

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

Benefits

Enhances flavor and acts as a preservative, extending the shelf life of the cheese.

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Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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