GOUDA CHEESE

Common questions

Is GOUDA CHEESE healthy?

GOUDA CHEESE scores 70/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This Gouda cheese is made with a simple ingredient list including pasteurized milk, salt, culture, and microbial rennet, which are typical for traditional cheese making.

How processed is GOUDA CHEESE?

GOUDA CHEESE is NOVA Group 4: Ultra-Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive GOUDA CHEESE's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Culture counts in its favor. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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GOUDA CHEESE

70 Good

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

$5.49 · 7 oz · $0.78 / ounce
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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 1
Harmful ingredients 0
Category Cheese
Summary

This Gouda cheese is made with a simple ingredient list including pasteurized milk, salt, culture, and microbial rennet, which are typical for traditional cheese making. However, it is classified as ultra-processed due to its processing level, which limits its maximum score. Despite the processing classification, the absence of harmful additives and the presence of beneficial cultures contribute positively to its rating.

Key ingredients 5

Culture
Good

Cultures are beneficial bacteria used in cheese making to develop flavor and texture. They play a crucial role in the fermentation process, enhancing the nutritional profile of the cheese. These cultures can also contribute to gut health by promoting beneficial bacteria.

Benefits

Contributes to the development of flavor and texture in cheese and may support gut health by promoting beneficial bacteria.

Pasteurized part-skim milk
Neutral

Pasteurized part-skim milk is a primary ingredient in cheese, providing essential proteins and calcium. 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.

Benefits

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

See more about Pasteurized part-skim milk →
Salt
Neutral

Salt is used in cheese for flavor and as a preservative. It helps control the fermentation process and enhances the overall taste. While necessary in cheese production, excessive consumption of salt can lead to health issues.

Risks

High sodium intake can contribute to hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.

Benefits

Enhances flavor and acts as a preservative, contributing to the cheese's shelf life.

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Microbial rennet
Neutral

Microbial rennet is an enzyme used to coagulate milk, essential in cheese production. It is a vegetarian alternative to animal rennet, making it suitable for vegetarians. This ingredient is crucial for the cheese-making process but does not significantly impact nutritional value.

Benefits

Provides a vegetarian-friendly option for cheese coagulation, essential for cheese production.

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Annatto
Neutral

Annatto is a natural coloring agent derived from the seeds of the achiote tree, used to give cheese its characteristic yellow-orange hue. It is considered safe and does not affect the flavor or nutritional value of the cheese. Annatto is a traditional coloring agent in cheese production.

Risks

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

Benefits

Provides natural coloring without altering the flavor or nutritional profile of the cheese.

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Processing

Group 4 · Ultra-processed

Ultra-Processed Foods

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