Mild Cheddar

Common questions

Is Mild Cheddar healthy?

Mild Cheddar scores 75/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This mild cheddar cheese is a processed product with a relatively clean ingredient list, primarily composed of cheddar cheese, which provides high-quality protein and calcium.

How processed is Mild Cheddar?

Mild Cheddar is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Mild Cheddar's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Cheddar cheese 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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Mild Cheddar

Kraft Cheese
Bioengineered
75 Good

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 1
Harmful ingredients 0
Owned by Kraft Heinz
Category Cheese
Summary

This mild cheddar cheese is a processed product with a relatively clean ingredient list, primarily composed of cheddar cheese, which provides high-quality protein and calcium. However, the inclusion of modified cornstarch and natamycin as additives slightly detracts from its overall healthiness. The processing level limits its score, despite the absence of harmful ingredients like artificial dyes or seed oils.

Key ingredients 4

Cheddar cheese
Good

Cheddar cheese is a source of high-quality protein and calcium, essential for bone health. It is made from pasteurized milk and contains beneficial bacteria from cheese cultures. The presence of natural enzymes aids in digestion and nutrient absorption.

Risks

Contains lactose, which may cause digestive issues for lactose-intolerant individuals.

Benefits

Provides essential nutrients like calcium and protein, supporting bone health and muscle function.

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Modified cornstarch
Neutral

Modified cornstarch is used as an anti-caking agent to prevent clumping. It is a processed carbohydrate derived from corn. While it serves a functional purpose, it does not provide significant nutritional benefits.

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Natamycin
Neutral

Natamycin is a natural mold inhibitor used to extend the shelf life of cheese. It is derived from fermentation processes and is considered safe for consumption. Its use is regulated to ensure minimal impact on health.

Benefits

Helps prevent mold growth, extending the product's shelf life without altering its flavor.

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Annatto
Neutral

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

Risks

May cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Provides natural coloring without the use of artificial dyes.

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Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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