Processing Score
6.0Highly Processed
02.55.08.010+
Nutrition Score
3.5/10Fair
The processing score reflects 18 ingredients, including emulsifiers or gums. The nutrition score reflects high saturated fat.
Nutrition Highlights
Good Protein Source
Nutrient Alerts
High Saturated Fat
Data Updated
Oct 18, 2026
UPC
072830901017
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Nutrition Facts
Serving size64 g
Amount per serving
Calories
120
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 9g
12%
Saturated Fat 6g
30%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 30mg
10%
Sodium 330mg
14%
Total Carbohydrate 2g
1%
Dietary Fiber 0g
0%
Total Sugars 0g
Protein 6g
Vitamin D 0mcg
0%
Calcium 170mg
13%
Iron 0mg
0%
Potassium 30mg
1%
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Ingredients
11 listed · 4 flagged for reviewCHEDDAR CHEESE (CULTURED MILK, SALT, ENZYMES, ANNATTO [COLOR]), PARMESAN CHEESE (CULTURED PASTEURIZED MILK, SALT, ENZYMES), POTATO STARCH (ADDED TO PREVENT CAKING), TAPIOCA STARCH, SODIUM CITRATE, LACTIC ACID, XANTHAN GUM, LOCUST BEAN GUM, SPICES, GUAR GUM, NATAMYCIN (NATURAL MOLD INHIBITOR).
Listed in source order (heaviest first). Select any ingredient to see its category bucket and other products that contain it.
Why Does This Score Highly Processed?
In our analysis, Sauce Starter, Aged Cheddar scores Highly Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:
- Chemical Preservatives (Natamycin (Natural Mold Inhibitor)): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.
- Stabilizers & Gums (Xanthan Gum, Locust Bean Gum, Guar Gum): Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.
Within Cheese, this product is more processed than about 78% of the 19,171 products we've analyzed.
Processing classification reflects ingredient and additive analysis, not a judgment of any product's safety, quality, or healthfulness.
What These Ingredients Tell Us
We group Sauce Starter, Aged Cheddar's ingredients into ingredient categories and note how each relates to food processing. The notes below describe the category, not this specific product's formulation.
- MineralsProcessing indicator
In this product: Sodium Citrate.
Added minerals often compensate for processing.
- Food AcidsProcessing indicator
In this product: Lactic Acid.
Common in both traditional and industrial foods.
This product is part of our wider analysis. It features in our Colby Jack vs Cheddar Cheese, American Cheese vs Cheddar, and Velveeta vs Real Cheese comparisons.
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Less Processed Alternatives
Same category, with lower Processing Scores.
Alpenrose Dairy, Dry Curd Cottage Cheese
1.08.0
Less processed (Minimally Processed), higher nutrition score
Assorted Cheese Tray, Pepper Jack, Colby Jack, Swiss & Cheddar Cheeses
1.04.0
Less processed (Minimally Processed), higher nutrition score
Baby Swiss Milk
1.04.5
Less processed (Minimally Processed), higher nutrition score
Blue Cheese Crumbles, Blue
Good & Gather
1.03.0
Less processed (Minimally Processed)
Similar Products
Same category, at a similar Processing level.
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About our scores and this content
Processing and Nutrition Scores reflect the ingredient lists and nutrient data we observe; they are our analysis, not absolute measures of health. Read the full methodology. This information is provided for general nutrition education and is not medical, health, or dietary advice. Product formulations change often, so check the actual label before purchasing, and consult a registered dietitian or your physician for personal guidance.
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