Trader Joes

Rated at 2/5 green leaves, Trader Joe’s Limoncello Gouda Cheese falls short of our clean food standards. This product is not organic, and it does not use non-GMO ingredients, which are both significant factors in our evaluation process. Additionally, it includes added sugars and potentially harmful additives that further lower its standing.

The cheese starts with a base of pasteurized milk and is seasoned with salt and cheese culture, which are typical ingredients for cheese. However, the inclusion of Limoncello raises concerns due to its composition of water, alcohol, sugar, natural flavor, and citric acid. The presence of sugar here contributes to the added sugars tally, and citric acid, while commonly used as an acidifier, also counts towards this category.

Natural flavors are another point of contention. While they are ubiquitous in processed foods, the term ‘natural flavor’ lacks transparency and may encompass a variety of substances that consumers might prefer to avoid. Due to the potential for these flavors to originate from questionable sources, they detract from the product’s overall score.

Furthermore, the use of turmeric oleoresin for coloring is noted. While turmeric itself is a spice with recognized health benefits, the oleoresin form is an extract that serves a purely aesthetic purpose, and its health impacts may differ from the whole spice.

Trader Joe’s Limoncello Gouda Cheese is not aligned with our criteria for cleaner food options. The non-organic status, presence of GMOs, added sugars, and questionable additives are all factors that contribute to its low rating. For those seeking cleaner, healthier cheese alternatives, this product does not meet the mark. Cleaner alternatives would ideally avoid such additives, be made with organic milk, and steer clear of genetically modified ingredients.