Is Cheesebuddy Cheese buddy healthy? A closer look at the label
Cheese buddy scores very low because the label leans on oils, shortening, flavoring, and added sugars more than on real cheese. It does include cheddar.
Blume score
Very low score - cheese
This report uses Blume product data, ingredient notes, and FDA label-reading rules. It is general shopping context, not medical advice.
Short answer
This is a very low score processed cheese product with oils, shortening, flavoring, and added sugars, even though it includes some cheddar cheese and calcium.
Why the score is low
- Canola oil and vegetable shortening are major signs of a highly processed fat blend rather than a simple cheese product.
- Cheddar natural flavour adds cheese taste, but it also shows the label relies on flavor formulation.
- Added sugars appear in a product that would normally not need them in a basic cheese.
- The ingredient list suggests a food designed for texture and shelf stability, more than dairy content.
Ingredient risk map
Ingredient notes
Canola Oil
Canola oil is a refined plant oil used here as part of the fat system. It lowers saturated fat compared with some animal fats, but it also points to heavy formulation.
Vegetable Shortening
Shortening helps texture and stability, but it is a more processed fat ingredient and can be a concern depending on how it is made.
Cheddar Natural Flavour
This is used to make the product taste more like cheddar. It does not tell you much about the actual cheese content.
Added Sugars
Added sugars are not expected in a basic cheese and are a clear sign of a more processed formulation.
Cheddar Cheese
This provides some dairy nutrients, including protein and calcium, but it is only one part of the ingredient mix.
What to compare in store
- Compare this with plain cheddar if you want a simpler cheese ingredient list.
- If fat quality matters to you, compare it with products that do not rely on shortening or a mixed oil base.
- If you are watching sugar intake, compare labels for products with no added sugars.
- If you want a snack with more straightforward ingredients, compare it with cheese made from milk, cultures, salt, and enzymes only.
Better label signals
- A short cheese ingredient list with milk, cultures, salt, and enzymes.
- No added sugars.
- No shortening or mixed oil base.
- Clearer use of real cheese ingredients rather than flavor-forward formulation.
Scan the label before you buy.
Blume reads food labels, flags ingredients, and gives each product a plain-English score so you can compare options in the aisle.
Download BlumeFAQ
Is Cheese buddy the same as regular cheddar?
No. It contains cheddar cheese, but the product also includes oils, shortening, flavouring, and added sugars, so it is more processed than regular cheddar.
Why is added sugar a concern in cheese?
Basic cheese usually does not need sugar. Its presence suggests the product is being formulated for taste and texture rather than just dairy quality.
Does the calcium make it a healthier choice?
It does add some calcium, but the overall score stays very low because the formulation is still highly processed.
Sources and method
Product and ingredient signals come from the Blume product database. The label-reading context below is included on every product report so the article stays tied to public food-label rules.
- FDA Daily Value guide: The FDA says 20% DV or more is high and 5% DV or less is low for a nutrient on the Nutrition Facts label.
- FDA ingredient list guide: The FDA explains that ingredients are listed in descending order by weight on food labels.
- FDA major allergen update: Sesame became the ninth major food allergen in the United States on January 1, 2023.
- FAO NOVA classification overview: The NOVA system classifies foods by the extent and purpose of processing.