Food Quality Guide by KarbCoach
Great Value Cheese Crunch, Cheese: Food Integrity analysis
Quick answer
Lower integrity
Great Value cheese crunch, cheese received a Food Integrity Score of 38 out of 100 (lower integrity). This reflects highly processed and high additive load. This snack features a complex blend of colors, flavors, and oil choices, suggesting a highly processed product. With multiple additives and processing aids, it resembles a food-engineering project more than a simple homemade snack. The inclusion of various refined oils and artificial inputs makes it something to consume sparingly. Main considerations include additive load, ultra-processed ingredients, and synthetic additives. Simpler options: Choose snacks with plain cheese and spices; look for snacks with whole grains instead of refined.
Food Integrity Score 38/100
What stood out on the label?
- Highly processed
- High additive load
- Transparency: Low
What to watch?
- Additive load
- Ultra-processed ingredients
- Synthetic additives
Simpler options to consider
- Choose snacks with plain cheese and spices
- Look for snacks with whole grains instead of refined
You are viewing ingredients and processing. Switch to Longevity for nutrition and longer-term eating pattern fit.
Source data, GTIN, and Food Quality Guide analysis details
Product facts
- Product
- Great Value Cheese Crunch, Cheese
- Brand
- Great Value
- Category
- Snacks (source: Other Snacks)
- GTIN / UPC
00078742263083- Serving size
- 28 GRM (about 21 Curls)
- Source data — ingredients
- Ingredient list from product label data (see Sources)
- Food Quality Guide analysis
- Independent Longevity and Food Integrity scorecards. See methodology under Sources.
- Data last verified
Food Integrity results
Cheese Crunch, Cheese
Great Value
Lower integrity
Warning Signs
Contains maltodextrin and artificial flavors, which are highly processed ingredients typically used for taste enhancement.
Consider This
Ingredients like monosodium glutamate and artificial colors (Yellow 6, Yellow 5) are commonly associated with ultra-processed foods.
Good Substitutes
Opt for simple cheese snacks with whole ingredients like real cheddar cheese and salt.
Overall Assessment
Lower integrityThis snack features a complex blend of colors, flavors, and oil choices, suggesting a highly processed product. With multiple additives and processing aids, it resembles a food-engineering project more than a simple homemade snack. The inclusion of various refined oils and artificial inputs makes it something to consume sparingly.
Key Highlights
What stood out
- Additive load
- Ultra-processed ingredients
- Synthetic additives
Family Watchlist
Ingredients some users may personally want to know about.
- VEGETABLE OIL (CONTAINS ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING: CORN, SUNFLOWER, OR CANOLA OIL) — Refined seed oils
- MALTODEXTRIN — Refined sugars/additives
- MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE — Controversial additive
- NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FLAVORS — Vague additives
- YELLOW 6 — Artificial color
- YELLOW 5 — Artificial color
Highest concern ingredients
- MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE (8/10) — Flavor enhancer debates
- YELLOW 6 (8/10) — Linked to hyperactivity
- YELLOW 5 (8/10) — Linked to hyperactivity in children
Better choice tips
- Choose snacks with plain cheese and spices
- Look for snacks with whole grains instead of refined
Ingredients
Ingredient list
ENRICHED YELLOW CORN (YELLOW CORN, THIAMINE MONONITRATE, RIBOFLAVIN, NIACIN, FERROUS SULFATE, FOLIC ACID), VEGETABLE OIL (CONTAINS ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING: CORN, SUNFLOWER, OR CANOLA OIL), WHEY, SALT, COCONUT OIL, MALTODEXTRIN, MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE, CHEDDAR CHEESE (PASTEURIZED MILK, CREAM, SALT, CULTURES, NONFAT MILK, ENZYMES), DIPOTASSIUM PHOSPHATE, POTASSIUM CHLORIDE, NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FLAVORS, CITRIC ACID, LACTIC ACID, YELLOW 6, YELLOW 5.
Formulations can vary — check the package label for the final word.
Highest-concern ingredients first. Expand an item for notes.
MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATEConcern 8/10 — Higher concernFlavor enhancerWatchlist · Additive · Higher concern
What this is
Flavor enhancer
Processing category
Synthetic / man-made
Main concern area
Additive load
Why it matters
Widely debated synthetic additive
Family watchlist
Controversial additive
YELLOW 6Concern 8/10 — Higher concernColor additiveWatchlist · Additive · Higher concern
What this is
Color additive
Processing category
Synthetic / man-made
Main concern area
Additive load
Why it matters
Artificial color with health concerns
Additional note
Synthetic dye
Family watchlist
Artificial color
YELLOW 5Concern 8/10 — Higher concernColor additiveWatchlist · Additive · Higher concern
What this is
Color additive
Processing category
Synthetic / man-made
Main concern area
Additive load
Why it matters
Linked to hyperactivity in children
Additional note
Synthetic dye
Family watchlist
Artificial color
DIPOTASSIUM PHOSPHATEConcern 7/10 — Higher concernStabilizerWatchlist · Additive
What this is
Stabilizer
Processing category
Synthetic / man-made
Main concern area
Additive load
Why it matters
Artificial ingredient for stabilization
Family watchlist
Controversial additive
View all 15 ingredient assessments
MALTODEXTRINConcern 6/10 — Moderate concernThickenerWatchlist · Additive
What this is
Thickener
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Additive load
Why it matters
Highly processed thickener or sweetener
Additional note
Refined starch derivative
Family watchlist
Refined sugars/additives
NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FLAVORSConcern 6/10 — Moderate concernVague ingredientWatchlist · Additive · Vague label term
What this is
Vague ingredient
Processing category
Synthetic / man-made
Main concern area
Family Watchlist
Why it matters
Unspecified taste enhancers
Additional note
Broad flavor description
Family watchlist
Vague additives
VEGETABLE OIL (CONTAINS ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING: CORN, SUNFLOWER, OR CANOLA OIL)Concern 5/10 — Moderate concernRefined oilWatchlist · Vague label term
What this is
Refined oil
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Family Watchlist
Why it matters
Refined industrial oils commonly raise health debates
Additional note
Refined seed oil, variable source
Family watchlist
Refined seed oils
POTASSIUM CHLORIDEConcern 5/10 — Moderate concernSalt alternative
What this is
Salt alternative
Processing category
Synthetic / man-made
Main concern area
Ingredient concern
Why it matters
Salt substitute with potential side effects
Additional note
Salt substitute
ENRICHED YELLOW CORN (YELLOW CORN, THIAMINE MONONITRATE, RIBOFLAVIN, NIACIN, FERROUS SULFATE, FOLIC ACID)Concern 3/10 — Mild concernRefined grain
What this is
Refined grain
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Ingredient concern
Why it matters
Refined and fortified grain with synthetic vitamins
Additional note
Enriched grain product
WHEYConcern 2/10 — Very low concernMilk fraction
What this is
Milk fraction
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Ingredient concern
Why it matters
Separated from milk due to processing
Additional note
Milk fraction, common in processed foods
CHEDDAR CHEESE (PASTEURIZED MILK, CREAM, SALT, CULTURES, NONFAT MILK, ENZYMES)Concern 2/10 — Very low concernSimple food
What this is
Simple food
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Ingredient concern
Why it matters
Traditional cheese formulation
Additional note
Category-normal cheese
COCONUT OILConcern 1/10 — Very low concernRefined oil
What this is
Refined oil
Processing category
Natural refined
Why it matters
Natural refined oil component
Additional note
Natural oil
CITRIC ACIDConcern 1/10 — Very low concernPreservativeAdditive
What this is
Preservative
Processing category
Natural refined
Main concern area
Additive load
Why it matters
Mild acidity regulator
Additional note
Common food acid
LACTIC ACIDConcern 1/10 — Very low concernPreservativeAdditive
What this is
Preservative
Processing category
Natural refined
Main concern area
Additive load
Why it matters
Acidity regulator and preservative
Additional note
Fermentation acid
SALTConcern 0/10 — No meaningful concernSimple food
What this is
Simple food
Processing category
Natural refined
Why it matters
Essential seasoning ingredient
Additional note
Common seasoning
The provided score estimates food integrity based on ingredient analysis and is not a safety rating. Formulations can vary by region, size, and packaging. Check the package label for ingredients, allergens, and nutrition. Not medical advice — do not use this site or the KarbCoach mobile app for allergy or health decisions.
How this product may fit different goals
The same food can look different depending on what matters most to you. Here is a general preview of how this product may align with several common goals.
Low-Spike Stability
Watch-outsMetabolic Health
For someone prioritizing Low-Spike Stability, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Sweetener/sugar on watchlist (see Food Integrity)
Low Sugar Lifestyle
Watch-outsMetabolic Health
For someone prioritizing Low Sugar Lifestyle, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Sweetener/sugar on watchlist (see Food Integrity)
Vegan
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Vegan, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Animal-derived ingredients (Mentions "milk", "cream", "cheese". See ingredients for details.)
Plant-Based
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Plant-Based, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Animal-derived ingredients (Mentions "milk", "cream", "cheese". See ingredients for details.)
Low-Carb Lifestyle
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Low-Carb Lifestyle, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Carb-dense ingredients (Mentions "maltodextrin". See ingredients for details.)
Keto-Style Eating
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Keto-Style Eating, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Carb-dense ingredients (Mentions "maltodextrin". See ingredients for details.)
Minimally Processed Eating
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Minimally Processed Eating, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Higher processing level (Highly processed)
This product has 3 additional signals for this goal.
Whole-Food Focused Eating
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Whole-Food Focused Eating, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Higher processing level (Highly processed)
This product has 3 additional signals for this goal.
Reduce Ultra-Processed Foods
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Reduce Ultra-Processed Foods, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Higher processing level (Highly processed)
This product has 3 additional signals for this goal.
Paleo-Style Eating
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Paleo-Style Eating, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Grain/legume ingredients (Mentions "corn". See ingredients for details.)
This product has 2 additional signals for this goal.
Heart-Healthy Eating
NeutralMetabolic Health
For someone prioritizing Heart-Healthy Eating, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
GLP-1 Eating Support
NeutralMetabolic Health
For someone prioritizing GLP-1 Eating Support, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
Appetite & Portion Awareness
NeutralMetabolic Health
For someone prioritizing Appetite & Portion Awareness, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
Athletic Fueling
NeutralAthletic Performance
For someone prioritizing Athletic Fueling, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
Workout Recovery
NeutralAthletic Performance
For someone prioritizing Workout Recovery, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
Strength & Protein Focus
NeutralAthletic Performance
For someone prioritizing Strength & Protein Focus, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
Vegetarian
NeutralDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Vegetarian, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
Pescatarian
NeutralDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Pescatarian, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
Low Gluten Eating
NeutralDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Low Gluten Eating, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
Mediterranean-Style Eating
NeutralDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Mediterranean-Style Eating, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
Healthy Fat Focus
NeutralDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Healthy Fat Focus, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
See how this product fits your goals
Choose what matters most to you and explore a more detailed interpretation of this product's nutrition, ingredients, and tradeoffs.
Understanding the Food Integrity analysis
What the Food Integrity analysis evaluates
The Food Integrity analysis focuses on how a packaged food is formulated and made. It examines processing level, ingredient quality, additives, oils, sweeteners, purity cues, and how clearly a label communicates what is in the product. The Food Integrity Score summarizes that formulation and transparency picture on a 0–100 scale. It is not a full nutrient report and it is not a personalized meal plan.
Why processing, ingredients, and transparency matter
Processing level and ingredient quality shape what you are actually eating beyond calories on the label. Additives, industrial oils, and intense sweeteners can change how clean or heavily engineered a product feels, even when the front of pack looks wholesome. Purity and transparency matter because incomplete or marketing-heavy labeling can hide tradeoffs that only show up when the full ingredient list is reviewed carefully.
Who may prioritize Food Integrity
Some people care mainly about Food Integrity because their dietary goals center on formulation rather than macros alone. Examples include checking vegetarian or vegan suitability, preferring simpler ingredient sources, avoiding certain additives or sweeteners, watching oil choices, or preferring less processed options. For those priorities, the Food Integrity Score can be the more practical first read.
How Food Integrity differs from Longevity
Food Integrity is the focused analysis of processing, ingredients, additives, purity, and transparency. Longevity is the broader analysis of nutritional composition, metabolic and dietary characteristics, processing, and ingredient quality together. Favorable nutrition values do not necessarily mean strong Food Integrity: a product can look balanced on macros yet still rely on heavy processing or additives that the Food Integrity analysis flags in more detail.
Why the two analyses overlap—and why to review Longevity too
The analyses overlap intentionally. Food Integrity–related characteristics contribute to Longevity, and Longevity still benefits from the same ingredient-quality lens. They are not competing verdicts; they answer different questions at different depths. Reviewing the Longevity analysis can add information about nutritional composition, metabolic characteristics, and dietary balance that Food Integrity alone does not emphasize. Looking at both usually gives the most complete understanding of tradeoffs.
Common questions about this product
Is Great Value Cheese Crunch, Cheese highly processed?
Food Integrity lists processing level as Highly processed. That reflects formulation and processing signals from the ingredient analysis — not a medical or regulatory classification.
Why are the Longevity and Food Integrity scores different?
Longevity emphasizes nutrition per serving and longer-term dietary alignment. Food Integrity emphasizes ingredients, additives, processing, and label transparency. The same product can score differently on those lenses.
How much fiber is in one serving?
Great Value Cheese Crunch, Cheese shows about 0g of fiber per labeled serving in the Longevity nutrition facts.
Does it contain added sugar?
Great Value Cheese Crunch, Cheese: 1g total sugar per serving. Confirm the current package Nutrition Facts and ingredient list.
What helped the Longevity Score?
Key positives called out in the analysis include: Contains cheddar cheese; Relatively low sodium.
What prevented a perfect Longevity Score?
Key concerns noted include: Artificial colors; High in saturated fat; Contains MSG.
Who might evaluate this product differently?
People prioritizing different goals (for example lower carbs, higher protein, or minimally processed eating) may weigh the same snacks differently. Use the goal preview on this page, then personalize in KarbCoach for your priorities.
Source data and Food Quality Guide analysis
- Public label databases (including USDA FoodData Central and Open Food Facts) — Possible sources for package ingredients and nutrition.
- Food Quality Guide analysis (Longevity and Food Integrity) — Independent Longevity and Food Integrity scorecards.
- How the Longevity Score is calculated
- How the Food Integrity Score is calculated
- Scoring models: KarbCoach Longevity and Food Integrity.
- Independent analysis. No manufacturer affiliation.
- Formulations can vary by region, size, and packaging. Check the package label for ingredients, allergens, and nutrition. Not medical advice — do not use this site or the KarbCoach mobile app for allergy or health decisions. Full sources and safety details.
Label accuracy and safety information
Formulations can vary by region, size, and packaging. Check the package label for ingredients, allergens, and nutrition. Not medical advice — do not use this site or the KarbCoach mobile app for allergy or health decisions.
See how this item lines up with your goals
Food Quality Guide covers this product in detail. In KarbCoach, your goals shape what matters most for your meals.
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