Specialty chees tray

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

Common questions

Is Specialty chees tray healthy?

Specialty chees tray scores 60/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This cheese tray contains cultured pasteurized milk, salt, microbial enzymes, and annatto for color, which are typical ingredients for cheese.

How processed is Specialty chees tray?

Specialty chees tray is NOVA Group 4: Ultra-Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Specialty chees tray's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, 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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Specialty chees tray

Emporium Selection
60 Fair

Analysis updated August 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 tray contains cultured pasteurized milk, salt, microbial enzymes, and annatto for color, which are typical ingredients for cheese. However, it is classified as ultra-processed due to its processing level, which limits its score despite having a relatively clean ingredient list. The presence of annatto, a natural colorant, is generally safe but contributes to the product's processing level.

Key ingredients 5

Cultured pasteurized milk
Neutral

Cultured pasteurized milk is a standard ingredient in cheese production, providing the base for fermentation. Pasteurization ensures safety by eliminating harmful bacteria, but it may reduce some beneficial bacteria. It is a common component in cheese, offering a neutral impact on health.

Benefits

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

See more about Cultured pasteurized milk →
Salt
Neutral

Salt is used in cheese for flavor and as a preservative. It is a necessary component in cheese making, but excessive consumption can lead to health issues. In this context, it serves a functional role without significant health benefits.

Risks

Excessive salt intake can contribute to high blood pressure and cardiovascular issues.

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Microbial enzymes
Neutral

Microbial enzymes are used in cheese production to aid in coagulation. They are a vegetarian alternative to animal rennet and are widely accepted in cheese making. These enzymes are neutral in terms of health impact.

Benefits

Allows for the production of cheese suitable for vegetarians, expanding dietary options.

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Annatto
Neutral

Annatto is a natural colorant derived from the seeds of the achiote tree, used to impart a yellow or orange hue to cheese. It is minimally processed and generally considered safe. Its use is primarily aesthetic, with no significant health impact.

Risks

In rare cases, annatto may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Provides a natural alternative to synthetic colorants, enhancing the visual appeal of food products.

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En:e160b
Bad

En:e160b refers to annatto extract, a natural colorant used in food products. While generally safe, it can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. Its use in ultra-processed foods may contribute to unnecessary additive consumption.

Risks

Potential allergen for sensitive individuals and may contribute to additive load in processed foods.

See more about En:e160b →

Processing

Group 4 · Ultra-processed

Ultra-Processed Foods

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