Gouda

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

Common questions

Is Gouda healthy?

Gouda scores 75/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This Gouda cheese is made from pasteurized cow's milk, salt, cheese cultures, and microbial rennet, which are traditional ingredients for cheese-making.

How processed is Gouda?

Gouda is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

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Gouda

Milbona
75 Good

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 0
Harmful ingredients 0
Owned by Schwarz Group
Category Cheese
Summary

This Gouda cheese is made from pasteurized cow's milk, salt, cheese cultures, and microbial rennet, which are traditional ingredients for cheese-making. Despite being processed, it maintains a clean ingredient list without any artificial additives or seed oils, allowing it to score well within its category. The processing level limits its score, but the absence of harmful substances and the use of traditional cheese-making methods contribute positively to its rating.

Key ingredients 4

Pasteurized cow's milk
Neutral

Pasteurized cow's milk is a primary ingredient in cheese, providing essential proteins and fats. The pasteurization process ensures safety by eliminating 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 cow's milk proteins.

Benefits

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

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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.

Risks

High sodium intake is associated with increased risk of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.

Benefits

Enhances flavor and acts as a preservative in cheese.

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Cheese cultures
Neutral

Cheese cultures are essential for the fermentation process, contributing to the development of flavor and texture in cheese. They consist of beneficial bacteria that aid in the cheese maturation process. These cultures are standard in cheese production and do not pose significant health risks.

Benefits

Aid in the fermentation process, enhancing flavor and texture of the cheese.

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Microbial rennet
Neutral

Microbial rennet is used as a coagulant in cheese making, derived from microbial sources. It is an alternative to animal rennet and is suitable for vegetarians. This ingredient is widely used in cheese production and does not have significant health concerns.

Benefits

Suitable for vegetarians and effectively aids in the cheese coagulation process.

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Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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