Is Sharp Cheddar Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Kraft Singles
Sharp Cheddar is a dairy from Kraft Singles. It has a Zerotox safety score of 60/100, which means it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.
The main ingredients worth reviewing are Sorbic Acid, Apocarotenal.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes cheddar cheese made from cultured milk, salt, and enzymes, which are generally acceptable. However, the presence of sodium citrate, maltodextrin, and sorbic acid as a preservative raises concerns about the overall quality and processing level of this product.
Main concern
Sodium citrate is a processed ingredient that may raise concerns about additives.
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 cheddar cheese, which is a source of calcium and protein.
- Cheese culture contributes to flavor development and texture.
- Milk protein concentrate adds to the protein content.
- Calcium phosphate is a mineral that supports bone health.
Concerns
- Sodium citrate is a processed ingredient that may raise concerns about additives.
- Maltodextrin is a carbohydrate that can be highly processed and may affect blood sugar levels.
- Sorbic acid is a synthetic preservative that indicates a level of processing.
- Modified food starch is often derived from corn and can be heavily processed.
Who should avoid this product?
This dairy may not be the best fit for:
- people with sensitive skin or fragrance sensitivity
- people avoiding animal-derived ingredients
Ingredients breakdown
Each ingredient below is explained in the context of this dairy so the page answers more than a simple label list.
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Is Cheddar Cheese safe in this dairy?
Good
Cheddar Cheese is used here as base. Cheddar cheese is made from cultured milk, salt, and enzymes, providing a rich source of calcium and protein. Its natural fermentation process contributes beneficial bacteria, enhancing flavor and texture.
Role in formula: base
Original: CHEDDAR CHEESE (CULTURED MILK, SALT, ENZYMES)
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Is Whey safe in this dairy?
Good
Whey is used here as base. Whey is a byproduct of cheese production, rich in protein and beneficial for muscle recovery. It adds nutritional value without significant processing concerns.
Role in formula: base
Original: WHEY
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Is Milkfat safe in this dairy?
Good
Milkfat is used here as base. Milkfat contributes to the creamy texture and flavor of the cheese. It is a natural component of dairy products, providing essential fatty acids.
Role in formula: base
Original: MILKFAT
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Is Milk Protein Concentrate safe in this dairy?
Good
Milk Protein Concentrate is used here as base. Milk protein concentrate is a concentrated source of protein derived from milk. It enhances the nutritional profile of the product without significant processing concerns.
Role in formula: base
Original: MILK PROTEIN CONCENTRATE
Read the full ingredient profile for Milk Protein Concentrate
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Is Calcium Phosphate safe in this dairy?
Medium
Calcium Phosphate is used here as buffer. Calcium phosphate is used to enhance calcium content and improve texture. While it is a mineral, its processing raises some concerns about additives.
Role in formula: buffer
Original: CALCIUM PHOSPHATE
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Is Milk safe in this dairy?
Good
Milk is used here as base. Milk is a natural ingredient that provides essential nutrients, including calcium and protein. It is a fundamental component of dairy products.
Role in formula: base
Original: MILK
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Is Sodium Citrate safe in this dairy?
Medium
Sodium Citrate is used here as emulsifier. Sodium citrate is used to improve texture and prevent separation. While it serves a functional purpose, it is a processed ingredient that raises concerns about additives.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: SODIUM CITRATE
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Is Maltodextrin safe in this dairy?
Medium
Maltodextrin is used here as thickener. Maltodextrin is a carbohydrate derived from starch, often used as a thickener. Its high processing level may affect blood sugar levels, raising quality concerns.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: MALTODEXTRIN
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Is Salt safe in this dairy?
Good
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt is a natural flavor enhancer and preservative. It is essential for taste and helps in food preservation.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: SALT
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Is Modified Food Starch safe in this dairy?
Medium
Modified Food Starch is used here as thickener. Modified food starch is often derived from corn and used to improve texture. Its processing raises concerns about additives and potential allergens.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: MODIFIED FOOD STARCH
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Is Lactic Acid safe in this dairy?
Good
Lactic Acid is used here as acidulant. Lactic acid is a natural acid that contributes to flavor and acts as a preservative. It is produced during fermentation and is generally considered safe.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: LACTIC ACID
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Is Sorbic Acid safe in this dairy?
Bad
Sorbic Acid is used here as preservative. Sorbic acid is a synthetic preservative used to inhibit mold and yeast growth. Its presence indicates a level of processing that raises quality concerns.
Role in formula: preservative
Original: SORbic ACID AS A PRESERVATIVE
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Is Apocarotenal safe in this dairy?
Bad
Apocarotenal is used here as colorant. Apocarotenal is an artificial colorant used to enhance the appearance of the cheese. Synthetic colorants raise concerns about potential sensitivities and processing.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: APOCAROTENAL (COLOR)
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Is Cheese Culture safe in this dairy?
Good
Cheese Culture is used here as natural_extract. Cheese culture consists of beneficial bacteria that aid in fermentation, contributing to flavor and texture. It is a natural component of cheese production.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: CHEESE CULTURE
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: 2390211
More from this brand: Kraft Singles 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.