leerdammer original

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Common questions

Is leerdammer original healthy?

leerdammer original scores 85/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — one of the stronger scores in Scout's catalog. Leerdammer Original is a processed cheese with a simple ingredient list consisting of milk, salt, cultures, and vegetarian rennet.

How processed is leerdammer original?

leerdammer original is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive leerdammer original's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Milk 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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leerdammer original

Leerdammer
85 Excellent

Analysis updated September 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 1
Harmful ingredients 0
Owned by Lactalis
Category Cheese
Summary

Leerdammer Original is a processed cheese with a simple ingredient list consisting of milk, salt, cultures, and vegetarian rennet. The use of milk as the primary ingredient provides essential nutrients like calcium and protein. Despite being processed, the absence of harmful additives or seed oils allows it to score relatively high within its category.

Key ingredients 4

Milk
Good

Milk is a primary source of calcium and protein, essential for bone health and muscle maintenance. It is minimally processed in cheese production, retaining most of its nutritional benefits. The quality of milk can vary based on the source, with grass-fed options offering higher omega-3 content.

Risks

Potential lactose intolerance or milk allergy in some individuals.

Benefits

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

See more about Milk →
Salt
Neutral

Salt is used in cheese making for flavor and preservation. It is a refined ingredient without additional health benefits. Excessive consumption can lead to health issues like hypertension.

Risks

High sodium intake can contribute to hypertension and cardiovascular issues.

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Starter culture
Neutral

Starter cultures are used to ferment milk, aiding in the development of flavor and texture in cheese. They are essential for the cheese-making process but do not provide direct nutritional benefits. The specific strains used can influence the final product's characteristics.

Benefits

Facilitates fermentation, contributing to flavor and texture development in cheese.

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Vegetarian rennet
Neutral

Vegetarian rennet is used to coagulate milk in cheese production, an essential step in forming cheese curds. It is derived from microbial or plant sources, making it suitable for vegetarian diets. The use of vegetarian rennet does not impact the nutritional profile of the cheese.

Benefits

Suitable for vegetarian diets and essential for cheese curd formation.

See more about Vegetarian rennet →

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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