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The Laughing Cow
Flavor:
Creamy Aged White Cheddar
Ingredients:
Cheddar, Swiss and Semisoft Cheese (Pasteurized Milk and Part-Skim Milk, Cultures, Salt, Enzymes), Whey, Milk Protein Concentrate, Water Skim Milk, Sodium Polyphosphate, Tricalcium phosphate, Natural Flavor, Citric Acid, Salt.
Rating: Not Clean
- 2 out of 5
Ingredient Score:
Rated at 2/5 green leaves, ‘The Laughing Cow Creamy Aged White Cheddar’ falls short of the cleaner food options sought by health-conscious consumers. This processed cheese spread is not organic, and it lacks non-GMO verification, detracting significantly from its potential for a cleaner ingredient list.
The product includes a combination of cheddar, Swiss, and semi-soft cheeses, all made from pasteurized milk and part-skim milk, along with cultures, salt, and enzymes. These are standard cheese ingredients. However, the addition of whey and milk protein concentrate raises questions about unnecessary processing. The presence of water and skim milk indicates an attempt to adjust the product’s consistency.
Further scrutiny reveals the use of sodium polyphosphate and tricalcium phosphate, which are additives often employed to maintain texture and prevent caking. Although these are common in processed cheeses, their inclusion is a departure from the ‘clean label’ ethos. The product also contains citric acid, which, despite its natural occurrence in citrus fruits, is categorized here as an added sugar, contributing to the negative scoring.
The term ‘natural flavor’ is particularly concerning. This ambiguous label can encompass a variety of substances, not all of which are disclosed to the consumer. Such lack of transparency is problematic for those seeking to avoid synthetic or undisclosed additives.
The product is penalized for its non-organic status, the presence of GMO ingredients, and the inclusion of citric acid and natural flavor, which are viewed as detrimental to the product’s purity and healthfulness.
‘The Laughing Cow Creamy Aged White Cheddar’ provides an option for those seeking a convenient cheese spread, but it fails to meet the criteria for a clean, healthy food product. Its formula relies on additives and non-transparent flavoring, diverging from the ideals of simplicity and wholesomeness. There is ample room for reformulation to align with the higher standards of consumers prioritizing health and ingredient clarity.
Certifications:
None
Product formulations and certifications may change. For current nutrition facts and ingredient
line information, check product packaging.
Categories:
None
Alternatives
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