The Laughing Cow

This product receives a 3/5 green leaves rating. The Laughing Cow Creamy Spicy Pepper Jack is a cheese product that blends cheddar, semisoft, and Monterey Jack cheeses, offering a creamy texture with a hint of spice from dehydrated green and red jalapeño peppers. It is not an organic option and does not use non-GMO ingredients, which impacts its overall rating on our scale for cleaner food options.

The cheese is made from pasteurized milk and part-skim milk, combined with cultures, salt, and enzymes. The inclusion of whey and milk protein concentrate contributes to its creamy consistency. The product also contains water and skim milk, which are standard in such products.

However, the presence of sodium polyphosphate and tricalcium phosphate, used as emulsifiers and to maintain the product’s texture, may raise concerns for those seeking more natural ingredients. Additionally, citric acid is listed, which, despite being a common preservative, is considered an added sugar in this scoring system and affects the product’s rating.

The Laughing Cow Creamy Spicy Pepper Jack does not carry any organic certification, leading to a reduction in its green leaves rating. Similarly, the lack of verified non-GMO ingredients further reduces its standing among healthier food choices. These points are critical for consumers prioritizing organic and non-GMO foods in their diets.

The product’s score reflects a balance between its use of real cheese and the inclusion of certain additives and non-organic ingredients. While it does not reach the top of our scale, it maintains a moderate position due to the absence of more severe additives or controversial ingredients. For individuals seeking a middle ground in the search for cleaner food products, this cheese may fit their criteria, provided they are not strictly organic or non-GMO focused.