At a glance
Summary
This Gouda cheese is made from pasteurized milk, salt, cheese cultures, and microbial rennet, with natural colorants like beta carotene and annatto. It is a processed food but maintains a relatively clean ingredient list without harmful additives or seed oils. The use of traditional cheese-making ingredients supports a high score within the processed food category, though it is capped due to its processing level.
Key ingredients 8
Beta CaroteneGood
Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.
Benefits
Provides a natural source of color and is a precursor to vitamin A.
RennetGood
Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.
Benefits
Essential for coagulating milk and forming cheese curds.
Pasteurized MilkNeutral
Pasteurized milk is a primary ingredient in cheese, providing essential nutrients like calcium and protein. The pasteurization process kills harmful bacteria but may also reduce some beneficial enzymes. It is a standard ingredient in cheese production with no significant quality concerns.
Benefits
Provides calcium and protein, essential for bone health and muscle maintenance.
SaltNeutral
Salt is used in cheese for flavor and as a preservative. It is a common ingredient in cheese production, contributing to the overall taste profile. While necessary in moderation, excessive salt intake can lead to health issues.
Risks
High sodium intake can contribute to hypertension and cardiovascular issues.
Benefits
Enhances flavor and acts as a preservative in cheese.
Cheese CulturesNeutral
Cheese cultures are essential for the fermentation process in cheese making. They help develop flavor and texture by converting lactose into lactic acid. These cultures are standard in cheese production and generally considered safe.
Benefits
Contributes to the development of flavor and texture in cheese.
Microbial RennetNeutral
Microbial rennet is used to coagulate milk in cheese production. It is a vegetarian alternative to animal rennet and is widely used in cheese making. This ingredient is generally considered safe and effective.
Benefits
Allows for the coagulation of milk, essential in cheese production.
Annato ColorNeutral
Annato color is a natural dye used to color cheese. It is derived from the seeds of the achiote tree and is commonly used in food products. This ingredient is generally considered safe and is used for visual appeal.
Benefits
Provides natural coloring to enhance the visual appeal of cheese.
Annato ExtractNeutral
Annato extract is used as a natural colorant in cheese. It is derived from the seeds of the achiote tree and is widely used in the food industry. This ingredient is considered safe and is used for aesthetic purposes.
Benefits
Adds natural color to cheese, enhancing its visual appeal.
Processing
Processed Foods
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