Trader Joes

The Trader Joe’s Unexpected Cheddar Cheese earns a rating of 3 out of 5 green leaves on our website, positioning it as a mid-range choice for those seeking cleaner food options. This cheese is a straightforward dairy product, comprised of four basic ingredients: pasteurized milk, cheese cultures, salt, and microbial enzymes.

The cheese is not organic, which results in a deduction in its overall rating. Organic foods are often preferred by health-conscious consumers due to their minimal exposure to pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, which can be a concern for those seeking the cleanest foods available. The absence of an organic label means that the milk used in this cheddar may come from cows that have been exposed to conventional farming practices.

Additionally, the product does not explicitly use non-GMO ingredients. While the actual impact of genetically modified organisms on health is a topic of debate, many people looking for cleaner food options prefer to avoid GMOs. This preference stems from concerns about potential long-term health effects and environmental impacts.

The simplicity of the ingredient list is, however, a positive aspect. With only four ingredients, all recognizable and common in cheese-making, the product avoids the inclusion of artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors. This aligns with the aim of providing cleaner food options, as many consumers are wary of long and complex ingredient lists that may contain hidden additives.

Trader Joe’s Unexpected Cheddar Cheese, with its straightforward ingredients and lack of organic and non-GMO certifications, presents itself as an average option within the market. While it does not stand out as a leader in the clean food category, it also avoids falling into the trap of including potentially harmful additives. Therefore, it holds a middle ground as a cheese option that is neither exemplary nor poor in terms of its alignment with the values of cleaner eating.