Is Gouda Cheese Slices Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Xtra
Xtra's Gouda Cheese Slices is reviewed here as a dairy. Zerotox gives it 60/100 based on the current ingredient profile, so it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.
The ingredient review below focuses especially on Sodium Nitrate.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes pasteurized milk and Gouda cheese, but also contains E251 (sodium nitrate) as a preservative, raising safety concerns about synthetic additives.
Main concern
E251 (sodium nitrate) is a synthetic preservative that raises quality concerns.
Why it matters: This ingredient is flagged in our analysis based on regulatory and scientific sources. Check the Ingredients section for details and see Data sources for methodology.
Regulation status: Ingredient safety is assessed from EU/EPA/CIR and similar databases; formulations may vary. Always read the product label.
Pros
- Contains Gouda cheese, providing a rich flavor and texture.
- Pasteurized milk is a common base for cheese, ensuring safety.
- Melkesyrekultur (lactic acid culture) contributes to flavor development.
Concerns
- E251 (sodium nitrate) is a synthetic preservative that raises quality concerns.
- E509 (calcium chloride) is used for acidity regulation but is a processed ingredient.
- Contains salt, which may be a concern for those monitoring sodium intake.
Who should avoid this product?
This formula may not suit:
- people with sensitive skin or fragrance sensitivity
- people avoiding animal-derived ingredients
Ingredients breakdown
Below, each ingredient is described in the context of this dairy, not just listed as a raw label.
-
Is Gouda Cheese safe in this dairy?
Medium
Gouda Cheese is used here as base. Gouda cheese is a semi-hard cheese that provides flavor and texture in this product. Its quality can vary based on production methods.
Role in formula: base
Original: Gulost
-
Is Pasteurized Milk safe in this dairy?
Good
Pasteurized Milk is used here as base. Pasteurized milk is a safe ingredient commonly used in cheese production, ensuring the elimination of harmful bacteria.
Role in formula: base
Original: pasteurisert melk
-
Is Salt safe in this dairy?
Medium
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt enhances flavor but can raise health concerns for those monitoring sodium intake. Its presence is typical in cheese.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: salt
-
Is Sodium Nitrate safe in this dairy?
Bad
Sodium Nitrate is used here as preservative. Sodium nitrate (E251) is a synthetic preservative used to extend shelf life but raises concerns about potential health risks associated with synthetic additives.
Role in formula: preservative
Original: konserveringsmiddel (E251)
-
Is Calcium Chloride safe in this dairy?
Medium
Calcium Chloride is used here as acidulant. Calcium chloride (E509) is used to regulate acidity in cheese production, but it is a processed ingredient that may raise quality concerns.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: surhetsregulerende middel (E509)
-
Is Lactic Acid Culture safe in this dairy?
Good
Lactic Acid Culture is used here as natural_extract. Lactic acid culture is beneficial for flavor development and contributes to the fermentation process in cheese making.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: melkesyrekultur
How we score
Our safety scores and ingredient breakdowns are based on regulatory and scientific sources. See Data sources & methodology and How Zerotox works for full details.
Product info
Product ID: 4043777
More from this brand: Xtra products in Zerotox
Similar products: dairy in Zerotox database
Allergens detected: milk
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.