Gouda cheese slices

Image: Open Food Facts (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Common questions

Is Gouda cheese slices healthy?

Gouda cheese slices scores 85/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — one of the stronger scores in Scout's catalog. This Gouda cheese is made from pasteurized cow's milk, salt, starter culture, rennet, and beta-carotene for color, which are typical ingredients for traditional cheese.

How processed is Gouda cheese slices?

Gouda cheese slices is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Gouda cheese slices' score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Pasteurized cow's milk, Rennet, Beta-carotene count 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 slices

Royal Hollandia
85 Excellent

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 3
Harmful ingredients 0
Owned by FrieslandCampina
Category Cheese
Summary

This Gouda cheese is made from pasteurized cow's milk, salt, starter culture, rennet, and beta-carotene for color, which are typical ingredients for traditional cheese. The product is processed but maintains a clean ingredient list without harmful additives or seed oils. Its processing level limits the score, but the high-quality ingredients and absence of artificial additives support a strong rating within its category.

Key ingredients 5

Pasteurized cow's milk
Good

Pasteurized cow's milk is a primary ingredient in cheese, providing essential nutrients like calcium and protein. The pasteurization process ensures safety by eliminating harmful bacteria. It is a high-quality source of animal protein with a complete amino acid profile.

Risks

Some individuals may be lactose intolerant or allergic to cow's milk proteins.

Benefits

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

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Rennet
Good

Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.

Benefits

Essential for curd formation in cheese-making, contributing to the texture of the cheese.

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Beta-carotene
Good

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, which is important for vision and immune function.

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Salt
Neutral

Salt is used in cheese for flavor and preservation. It is a common ingredient in many foods and provides sodium, an essential electrolyte. However, excessive consumption of salt can lead to health issues such as hypertension.

Risks

High sodium intake can contribute to elevated blood pressure and cardiovascular issues.

Benefits

Provides essential sodium for maintaining fluid balance and nerve function.

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Starter culture
Neutral

Starter cultures are used in cheese production to initiate fermentation, contributing to flavor and texture development. They consist of beneficial bacteria that aid in the cheese-making process. While they are essential for cheese production, they do not provide direct nutritional benefits.

Benefits

Facilitates the fermentation process, enhancing flavor and texture in cheese.

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Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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