CHEESE PARTY TRAY

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Common questions

Is CHEESE PARTY TRAY healthy?

CHEESE PARTY TRAY scores 65/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This cheese party tray is ultra-processed, which limits its potential score despite having a relatively simple ingredient list.

How processed is CHEESE PARTY TRAY?

CHEESE PARTY TRAY is NOVA Group 4: Ultra-Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive CHEESE PARTY TRAY's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Red, green jalapeno peppers counts in its favor, and En: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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CHEESE PARTY TRAY

Happy Farms
65 Fair

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

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

This cheese party tray is ultra-processed, which limits its potential score despite having a relatively simple ingredient list. The inclusion of jalapeno peppers is a positive aspect, adding natural flavor and minimal processing. However, the use of annatto as a coloring agent, even though natural, contributes to its processed nature and affects the overall rating.

Key ingredients 7

Red, green jalapeno peppers
Good

Jalapeno peppers add flavor and a slight heat to the cheese, enhancing its taste profile. They are natural ingredients that contain capsaicin, which may have metabolic benefits. The inclusion of whole peppers is a positive aspect, as they are minimally processed.

Risks

May cause digestive discomfort in sensitive individuals due to their spiciness.

Benefits

Rich in vitamins A and C, and capsaicin, which may support metabolism and provide antioxidant benefits.

Cultured pasteurized milk
Neutral

Cultured pasteurized milk is a common base for cheese, providing essential proteins and fats. Pasteurization ensures safety by eliminating harmful bacteria, but it may reduce some beneficial bacteria. It is a standard ingredient in cheese production with no significant quality indicators like organic or grass-fed status.

Benefits

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

See more about Cultured pasteurized milk →
Salt
Neutral

Salt is used in cheese for flavor and as a preservative. It is a refined ingredient without the trace minerals found in unrefined salts. While necessary for cheese production, it contributes to the overall sodium content of the product.

Risks

Excessive consumption may contribute to high blood pressure and cardiovascular issues.

Benefits

Enhances flavor and acts as a preservative in cheese.

See more about Salt →
Microbial enzymes
Neutral

Microbial enzymes are used to coagulate milk in cheese-making, replacing animal rennet. They are a standard ingredient in cheese production and suitable for vegetarians. These enzymes are generally considered safe and effective for cheese production.

Benefits

Facilitates the cheese-making process and is suitable for vegetarian diets.

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Annatto
Neutral

Annatto is a natural coloring derived from the seeds of the achiote tree, used to give cheese a yellow-orange hue. It is a traditional coloring agent with minimal processing. Annatto is generally considered safe and does not affect the nutritional profile of the cheese.

Risks

Rarely, annatto may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Provides natural color without artificial additives.

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Part-skim milk
Neutral

Part-skim milk is used to control the fat content in cheese, balancing texture and flavor. It is a standard ingredient in cheese production, offering a lower fat alternative to whole milk. The use of part-skim milk helps manage calorie content while maintaining protein levels.

Benefits

Contributes to protein content while reducing overall fat and calorie intake.

En:e160b
Bad

En:e160b refers to annatto extract, used as a coloring agent in foods. While natural, it is classified as an additive, which can be a concern for those avoiding processed ingredients. The use of additives, even natural ones, can be seen as a negative in ultra-processed foods.

Risks

May cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Provides natural color to foods without synthetic dyes.

See more about En:e160b →

Processing

Group 4 · Ultra-processed

Ultra-Processed Foods

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