Trader Joe's Lite Cheddar Cheese

Common questions

Is Trader Joe's Lite Cheddar Cheese healthy?

Trader Joe's Lite Cheddar Cheese scores 85/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — one of the stronger scores in Scout's catalog. This lite cheddar cheese is made from pasteurized part skim milk, cheese culture, salt, and microbial enzyme, which are typical ingredients for cheese, ensuring a relatively clean label.

How processed is Trader Joe's Lite Cheddar Cheese?

Trader Joe's Lite Cheddar Cheese is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

How does Trader Joe's Lite Cheddar Cheese compare to other cheese?

Trader Joe's Lite Cheddar Cheese ranks #23 of 59 cheese in Scout's independent rankings. The current top score in the category is Organic Valley Grassmilk Raw Cheddar at 93/100.

Which ingredients drive Trader Joe's Lite Cheddar Cheese's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Pasteurized part skim milk, Cheese culture count in its favor. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

You might also like

More from Trader Joe's

See more

Trader Joe's Lite Cheddar Cheese

Trader Joe's
85 Excellent
$28.92 · 4 pack · $1.81 / ounce
View on Amazon
Verified Amazon match

Near you

Trader Joe's is carried at Trader Joe stores. Find one within 25 miles.

At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 2
Harmful ingredients 0
Owned by Aldi Nord
Category Cheese
Summary

This lite cheddar cheese is made from pasteurized part skim milk, cheese culture, salt, and microbial enzyme, which are typical ingredients for cheese, ensuring a relatively clean label. The product is processed, which limits its score, but it avoids harmful additives and maintains a focus on traditional cheese ingredients, contributing to its favorable rating within the processed cheese category.

Key ingredients 5

Pasteurized part skim milk
Good

Pasteurized part skim milk is a primary ingredient in cheese, providing essential nutrients like calcium and protein. The pasteurization process ensures safety by eliminating harmful bacteria. Skim milk reduces fat content while maintaining nutritional benefits.

Benefits

Rich in calcium and protein, supporting bone health and muscle maintenance. Lower in fat compared to whole milk, making it a lighter option.

See more about Pasteurized part skim milk →
Cheese culture
Good

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

Benefits

Contributes to the development of cheese flavor and texture. May provide probiotic benefits, supporting gut health.

See more about Cheese culture →
Salt
Neutral

Salt is used in cheese for flavor enhancement and as a preservative. It helps control the growth of bacteria during cheese aging. While necessary in cheese production, 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 production.

See more about Salt →
Microbial enzyme
Neutral

Microbial enzymes are used in cheese making to coagulate milk, replacing animal rennet. They are derived from microbial sources and are suitable for vegetarians. These enzymes are effective in cheese production without significant health concerns.

Benefits

Suitable for vegetarians and effective in cheese coagulation, aiding in the cheese-making process.

See more about Microbial enzyme →
Vitamin A palmitate
Neutral

Vitamin A palmitate is added to fortify cheese with vitamin A, an essential nutrient for vision and immune function. It is a synthetic form of vitamin A commonly used in food fortification. While beneficial, excessive intake can lead to toxicity.

Risks

Excessive intake of vitamin A can lead to toxicity, but this is unlikely from cheese consumption alone.

Benefits

Provides vitamin A, supporting vision and immune health.

See more about Vitamin A palmitate →

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

Get the full breakdown in the Scout appTake Scout shopping

Scan any product to see lab results, healthy alternatives, and your personalized analysis.

Download on theApp Store GET IT ONGoogle Play
Amazon pricing & content

Amazon price as of . Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED “AS IS” AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.