Queso

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Common questions

Is Queso healthy?

Queso scores 65/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This queso product contains a mix of natural ingredients like yellow onion, jalapeño, and garlic, which provide vitamins and antioxidants.

How processed is Queso?

Queso is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Queso's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Yellow onion, Jalapeño, Garlic count in its favor; Neutral oil 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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Queso

65 Fair

Analysis updated July 2026 · How Scout scores

$16.48 · 6 lb · $0.16 / ounce
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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 13
Harmful ingredients 1
Category Condiments
Summary

This queso product contains a mix of natural ingredients like yellow onion, jalapeño, and garlic, which provide vitamins and antioxidants. However, the presence of neutral oil, likely a seed oil, is a concern due to its potential inflammatory effects. The product is processed, which limits its score, but the use of real cheeses and spices helps maintain a reasonable rating.

Key ingredients 18

Yellow onion
Good

Yellow onions are a natural source of vitamins and antioxidants. They contain quercetin, a flavonoid that may reduce inflammation and support heart health. Onions are minimally processed and add flavor without additives.

Benefits

Rich in antioxidants and may support heart health and reduce inflammation.

See more about Yellow onion →
Jalapeño
Good

Jalapeños are a source of vitamins A and C and contain capsaicin, which may boost metabolism and reduce pain. They are minimally processed and add natural spice to dishes.

Risks

May cause digestive discomfort in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Contains capsaicin, which may have metabolic and pain-relief benefits.

Garlic
Good

Garlic is known for its potential cardiovascular benefits and immune-boosting properties. It contains allicin, which has antimicrobial and antioxidant effects. Garlic is a natural ingredient with minimal processing.

Risks

May cause digestive discomfort or allergic reactions in some individuals.

Benefits

Supports cardiovascular health and has antimicrobial properties.

See more about Garlic →
Diced tomatoes
Good

Diced tomatoes are a source of vitamins C and K and contain lycopene, an antioxidant linked to reduced cancer risk. They are typically canned with minimal additives, preserving their nutritional value.

Benefits

Rich in lycopene and vitamins, supporting overall health.

See more about Diced tomatoes →
Chili powder
Good

Chili powder is a blend of spices that adds flavor and contains capsaicin, which may have anti-inflammatory effects. It is a natural ingredient with minimal processing.

Risks

May cause digestive discomfort in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Contains capsaicin, which may provide anti-inflammatory benefits.

See more about Chili powder →
Paprika
Good

Paprika is a spice made from ground peppers, rich in antioxidants and vitamins A and E. It adds flavor and color to dishes without artificial additives.

Benefits

Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, supporting overall health.

See more about Paprika →
Cayenne
Good

Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, which may boost metabolism and reduce pain. It is a natural spice with minimal processing.

Risks

May cause digestive discomfort in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Contains capsaicin, which may have metabolic and pain-relief benefits.

See more about Cayenne →
Green chilis
Good

Green chilis are a source of vitamins A and C and contain capsaicin, which may have anti-inflammatory effects. They are minimally processed and add natural spice to dishes.

Risks

May cause digestive discomfort in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Rich in vitamins and capsaicin, supporting overall health.

Cheddar cheese
Good

Cheddar cheese is a source of protein and calcium, supporting bone health. It is a fermented dairy product with beneficial bacteria that may aid digestion.

Risks

High in saturated fat and sodium, which may impact heart health if consumed in excess.

Benefits

Provides protein and calcium, supporting bone and muscle health.

See more about Cheddar cheese →
Colby Jack cheese
Good

Colby Jack cheese is a source of protein and calcium, essential for bone health. It is a natural cheese with minimal additives, providing beneficial nutrients.

Risks

High in saturated fat and sodium, which may impact heart health if consumed in excess.

Benefits

Rich in protein and calcium, supporting bone and muscle health.

Cumin
Good

Cumin is a spice that may aid digestion and has antioxidant properties. It is a natural ingredient with minimal processing, adding flavor and potential health benefits.

Benefits

May aid digestion and provide antioxidant benefits.

See more about Cumin →
Milk
Good

Milk is a source of protein, calcium, and vitamin D, supporting bone health. It is a natural dairy product with essential nutrients.

Risks

May cause lactose intolerance symptoms in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Rich in calcium and protein, supporting bone and muscle health.

See more about Milk →
Garlic powder
Good

Concentrated whole-food seasoning.

Benefits

Adds flavor with some antioxidant properties.

See more about Garlic powder →
Kosher salt
Neutral

Kosher salt is a refined salt used for seasoning and preserving food. It lacks the trace minerals found in unrefined salts. It is a common culinary ingredient with no significant health benefits.

Risks

Excessive sodium intake can lead to high blood pressure and cardiovascular issues.

See more about Kosher salt →
Half-and-half
Neutral

Half-and-half is a dairy product made from equal parts milk and cream. It provides a creamy texture but is high in saturated fat. It is a common culinary ingredient with no significant health benefits.

Risks

High in saturated fat, which may impact heart health if consumed in excess.

Butter
Neutral

Butter is a dairy product high in saturated fat, used for flavor and texture. It is minimally processed but should be consumed in moderation due to its fat content.

Risks

High in saturated fat, which may impact heart health if consumed in excess.

Benefits

Provides flavor and texture to dishes.

See more about Butter →
Onion powder
Neutral

Onion powder is a dehydrated form of onion, used for flavoring. It provides some of the flavor benefits of fresh onion but lacks the full nutritional profile.

Benefits

Adds flavor to dishes.

See more about Onion powder →
Neutral oil
Very Bad

Neutral oils often include seed oils like canola or soybean oil, which are high in omega-6 fatty acids. These oils are typically extracted using high heat and chemicals, which can degrade their nutritional quality. High consumption of omega-6 fatty acids may contribute to inflammation.

Risks

High omega-6 content may promote inflammation when consumed in excess.

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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