Trader Joes

Awarded a 3/5 green leaf rating, the Trader Joe’s Raclette Sliced Cheese offers a middle-of-the-road option for those seeking cleaner food choices. This cheese is a non-organic product, which has led to a deduction in its overall score. Furthermore, the lack of non-GMO verification has also impacted its rating negatively.

Trader Joe’s Raclette Sliced Cheese is made with pasteurized cow’s milk, which is a common base for many cheeses. Salt and cheese cultures are standard ingredients in cheese production, contributing to the product’s characteristic flavor and texture. Calcium chloride is present, a typical firming agent used in cheese-making. The inclusion of microbial rennet ensures that the cheese is suitable for vegetarians, as it avoids the animal-derived rennet that is often a concern for those following a vegetarian diet. Lastly, natamycin has been added to maintain freshness, a common practice in preserving dairy products.

The product does not carry an organic label, indicating that the milk used may come from cows that have been exposed to pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, or GMO feed. This detail is critical for consumers prioritizing organic foods. Additionally, the absence of a non-GMO certification means that genetically modified organisms could be present in the feed of the cows whose milk was used to produce the cheese.

The Trader Joe’s Raclette Sliced Cheese holds a middle position in the quest for cleaner eating. While it avoids some of the more controversial additives found in other food products, it also does not meet the criteria of being organic or verified non-GMO, which are significant factors for many health-conscious consumers. This cheese stands as an option for those who are looking for a relatively simple ingredient list in their cheese but are not strictly limiting themselves to organic or non-GMO products. It serves as a compromise between cleaner ingredients and the convenience and availability that Trader Joe’s provides.