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 from cultured pasteurized milk, salt, enzymes, and annatto for color, which are typical ingredients for traditional cheese.

How processed is GOUDA CHEESE?

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

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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 0
Harmful ingredients 0
Category Cheese
Summary

This Gouda cheese is made from cultured pasteurized milk, salt, enzymes, and annatto for color, which are typical ingredients for traditional 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 as a colorant is minimal and does not significantly impact the overall quality, but the processing level imposes a cap on the score.

Key ingredients 4

Cultured pasteurized milk
Neutral

Cultured pasteurized milk is a primary ingredient in 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 good source of protein and calcium, essential for bone health.

See more about Cultured pasteurized milk →
Salt
Neutral

Salt is used in cheese making for flavor and preservation. It is a common ingredient in many foods and helps in the fermentation process. However, excessive consumption can lead to health issues like hypertension.

Risks

High sodium intake can contribute to hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.

Benefits

Enhances flavor and acts as a preservative in cheese.

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Enzymes
Neutral

Enzymes are crucial in 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.

Benefits

Essential for the cheese-making process, contributing to texture and flavor development.

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Annatto
Neutral

Annatto is a natural colorant derived from the seeds of the achiote tree. It is used to give cheese its characteristic yellow-orange hue. Being a natural additive, it is generally considered safe.

Risks

Some individuals may experience allergic reactions or sensitivities to annatto.

Benefits

Provides natural coloring without synthetic additives.

See more about Annatto →

Processing

Group 4 · Ultra-processed

Ultra-Processed Foods

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