Coastal rugged, mature English cheddar
Near you
Kirkland Signature is carried at Costco stores. Find one within 25 miles.
Summary
This mature English cheddar is made from pasteurized cow's milk, salt, vegetarian rennet, and dairy cultures, which are all high-quality ingredients with minimal additives. The cheese provides essential nutrients like calcium and protein, making it a nutritious option. However, as a processed food, its score is capped due to the level of processing involved, despite the clean ingredient list.
At a glance
Key ingredients 4
Pasteurized cow's milkGood
Pasteurized cow's milk is a primary ingredient in cheese, providing essential nutrients like calcium and protein. The pasteurization process ensures safety by eliminating harmful bacteria while retaining nutritional value. It is a high-quality source of animal-based protein, which is beneficial for muscle maintenance.
Risks
Some individuals may be lactose intolerant or allergic to cow's milk proteins.
Benefits
Rich in calcium and protein, supporting bone health and muscle maintenance.
SaltNeutral
Salt is used in cheese making to enhance flavor and act as a preservative. It is a common ingredient in many processed foods and is necessary for certain bodily functions. However, excessive consumption can lead to health issues such as hypertension.
Risks
High sodium intake can contribute to hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
Benefits
Essential for maintaining fluid balance and nerve function in the body.
Vegetarian rennetGood
Vegetarian rennet is used to coagulate milk in cheese production, making it suitable for vegetarians. It is derived from microbial or plant sources, offering an alternative to traditional animal rennet. This ingredient allows for the production of cheese without animal-derived enzymes.
Benefits
Allows cheese production suitable for vegetarians, maintaining traditional cheese texture and flavor.
Dairy culturesNeutral
Dairy cultures are essential for the fermentation process in cheese making, contributing to flavor and texture development. They consist of beneficial bacteria that help in the fermentation of lactose into lactic acid. While they are crucial for cheese production, they do not provide significant direct health benefits.
Benefits
Contribute to the development of cheese flavor and texture through fermentation.
Processing
Processed Foods
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