Key findings
- 1Block cheese (cheddar, swiss, parmesan) is a traditional fermented food made from a short list of ingredients
- 2Pre-shredded cheese adds anti-caking agents, making it somewhat more processed than block cheese
- 3Processed cheese slices (American cheese) are the most processed, with emulsifiers and additives
- 4In our analysis, the cheese category averages a Processing Score of 4.2, which is Level 2
Why is Cheese Level 2 on average?
Traditional cheesemaking involves coagulating milk with rennet or acid, draining whey, pressing, salting, and aging. This is fermentation-based processing, similar to yogurt or wine. Ultra-processing enters when manufacturers create "pasteurized process cheese" (American cheese) by melting cheese with emulsifying salts (sodium citrate, sodium phosphate) and adding colors and preservatives. Pre-shredded cheese adds cellulose or potato starch as anti-caking agents.
How 19,043 cheese products break down
Share of products at each processing level, in our analysis.
Cheese brand comparison
From least to most processed in our database.
How to read a cheese label
- 1
Real cheese lists just milk, cultures, salt, and enzymes (rennet)
- 2
Watch for "cheese product" or "pasteurized process cheese food" labels
- 3
Pre-shredded cheese contains cellulose or starch anti-caking agents
- 4
American cheese singles are emulsified processed cheese, not real cheese
Which ingredients should you watch for?
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Frequently asked questions
Is cheddar cheese ultra-processed?
No. Real cheddar cheese is made with just milk, cultures, salt, and enzymes. It is a traditional fermented food aged for weeks to years.
Is American cheese ultra-processed?
American cheese (pasteurized process cheese) is far more processed than block cheese. It is made by melting cheese with emulsifying salts, adding colors, and sometimes including whey protein concentrate and other additives. Search American cheese to see its own average.
Why does shredded cheese have more ingredients than block cheese?
Pre-shredded cheese adds anti-caking agents (cellulose, potato starch, or calcium sulfate) to prevent clumping. Block cheese from the same brand typically has fewer ingredients.
Guide · Dairy & Alternatives
The Complete Dairy & Alternatives Guide
Processing analysis, least-processed picks, and what to watch for.
Read guide