Spicy Smoked Gouda Cheese

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Common questions

Is Spicy Smoked Gouda Cheese healthy?

Spicy Smoked Gouda Cheese scores 60/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This cheese is made from cultured pasteurized milk and includes natural ingredients like jalapeno and habanero peppers, which contribute to its flavor profile.

How processed is Spicy Smoked Gouda Cheese?

Spicy Smoked Gouda Cheese is NOVA Group 4: Ultra-Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Spicy Smoked Gouda Cheese's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, E160b 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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Spicy Smoked Gouda Cheese

Emporium Selection
60 Fair

Analysis updated September 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

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

This cheese is made from cultured pasteurized milk and includes natural ingredients like jalapeno and habanero peppers, which contribute to its flavor profile. However, it is classified as ultra-processed due to the inclusion of annatto for coloring and its processing level, which limits its score despite the absence of harmful additives like seed oils or artificial sweeteners.

Key ingredients 8

Cultured Pasteurized Milk
Neutral

Cultured pasteurized milk is a standard base for 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 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 cheese production but does not provide additional nutritional benefits. Excessive consumption can contribute to high blood pressure.

Risks

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

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Enzymes
Neutral

Enzymes are essential for cheese production, aiding in the coagulation of milk. They are typically derived from animal or microbial sources. Their role is functional, with no direct health impact.

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Jalapeno
Neutral

Jalapeno peppers add spice and flavor to the cheese. They are a natural ingredient with minimal processing. While they provide some vitamins, their quantity in cheese is usually too low to offer significant nutritional benefits.

Risks

May cause digestive discomfort in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Contains capsaicin, which may have metabolism-boosting properties.

Habanero
Neutral

Habanero peppers contribute to the spicy flavor profile of the cheese. They are used in small amounts and are minimally processed. The nutritional impact is limited due to the small quantity used.

Risks

Can cause irritation or discomfort in the digestive tract for some people.

Benefits

Contains capsaicin, which may support metabolism and provide anti-inflammatory effects.

Potle Peppers
Neutral

Potle peppers are used for their smoky flavor and are a natural ingredient. They are typically smoked and dried, which enhances their flavor. The nutritional contribution is minimal due to the small amount used.

Risks

May cause digestive discomfort in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Provides a unique smoky flavor and contains capsaicin, which may have health benefits.

Annatto
Neutral

Annatto is a natural coloring agent derived from seeds, used to give cheese its characteristic color. It is minimally processed and generally considered safe. It does not contribute to the nutritional profile of the cheese.

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E160b
Bad

E160b, also known as annatto, is used as a coloring agent in foods. While it is natural, some individuals may experience allergic reactions. It is added for aesthetic purposes and does not enhance nutritional value.

Risks

May cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

See more about E160b →

Processing

Group 4 · Ultra-processed

Ultra-Processed Foods

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