Food Quality Guide by KarbCoach
Great Value Jalapeno Peppers Cheddar Cheese, Jalapeno Peppers: Food Integrity analysis
Quick answer
Mixed integrity
Great Value jalapeno peppers cheddar cheese, jalapeno peppers received a Food Integrity Score of 58 out of 100 (mixed integrity). This reflects moderately processed and moderate additive load. This product contains a blend of both recognizable ingredients and several that suggest industrial processing. Ingredients like sodium benzoate and artificial colors hint at a more complex formulation. For a higher-integrity choice, consider options with fewer additives and processing inputs. Main considerations include family watchlist, processing, and additive load. Simpler options: Opt for plain cheddar cheese; use fresh jalapeños without preservatives.
Food Integrity Score 58/100
What stood out on the label?
- Moderately processed
- Moderate additive load
- Transparency: Very low
What to watch?
- Family Watchlist
- Processing
- Additive load
Simpler options to consider
- Opt for plain cheddar cheese
- Use fresh jalapeños without preservatives
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 Jalapeno Peppers Cheddar Cheese, Jalapeno Peppers
- Brand
- Great Value
- GTIN / UPC
00078742295947- Serving size
- 95 g (3 PIECES)
- 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
Jalapeno Peppers Cheddar Cheese, Jalapeno Peppers
Great Value
Mixed integrity
Warning Signs
Sodium benzoate as a preservative and artificial color in the cheese raise concerns.
Consider This
Stabilizers and emulsifiers like sodium phosphate and cellulose gum indicate factory formulation.
Good Substitutes
Opt for plain cheddar cheese with jalapeños for simpler natural ingredients.
Overall Assessment
Mixed integrityThis product contains a blend of both recognizable ingredients and several that suggest industrial processing. Ingredients like sodium benzoate and artificial colors hint at a more complex formulation. For a higher-integrity choice, consider options with fewer additives and processing inputs.
Key Highlights
What stood out
- Family Watchlist
- Processing
- Additive load
Family Watchlist
Ingredients some users may personally want to know about.
- JALAPENO PEPPERS (JALAPENO PEPPERS, WATER, ACETIC ACID, SALT, SODIUM BENZOATE [PRESERVATIVE]) — Preservative use
- SOYBEAN OIL — Refined oil
- NATURAL FLAVORS — Vague ingredient
Highest concern ingredients
- DISODIUM PHOSPHATE (7/10) — Common emulsifier or stabilizer.
- MONO & DIGLYCERIDES (7/10) — Emulsifier derived from fats.
- SODIUM BENZOATE (5/10) — Preservative for enhanced shelf life.
Better choice tips
- Opt for plain cheddar cheese
- Use fresh jalapeños without preservatives
Ingredients
Ingredient list
JALAPENO PEPPERS (JALAPENO PEPPERS, WATER, ACETIC ACID, SALT, SODIUM BENZOATE [PRESERVATIVE]), WATER, PASTEURIZED PROCESSED CHEDDAR CHEESE (CHEDDAR CHEESE [PASTEURIZED MILK CHEESE CULTURE, SALT, ENZYMES], WATER, MILKFAT SODIUM PHOSPHATE, SODIUM HEXAMETAPHOSPHATE, SALT, WATER, ARTIFICIAL COLOR), BLEACHED WHEAT FLOUR, WHEAT FLOUR, SOYBEAN OIL, YELLOW CORN FLOUR, ENRICHED WHEAT FLOUR (WHEAT FLOUR, NIACIN, REDUCED IRON, THIAMINE MONONITRATE, RIBOFLAVIN, FOLIC ACID), CONTAINS LESS THAN 2% OF ANNATTO EXTRACT (COLOR), BUTTER (CREAM, SALT), BUTTERMILK, CELLULOSE GUM, CHEDDAR CHEESE (PASTEURIZED MILK, CHEESE CULTURES, SALT, ENZYMES), DEXTROSE, DISODIUM PHOSPHATE, EGG, FOOD STARCH-MODIFIED, GUAR GUM, LACTIC ACID, LEAVENING (SODIUM ACID PYROPHOSPHATE, SODIUM BICARBONATE), MILK PROTEIN CONCENTRATE, MONO & DIGLYCERIDES, NATURAL FLAVORS, NONFAT MILK, PAPRIKA EXTRACT (COLOR), SALT, SILICON DIOXIDE (TO PREVENT CAKING), SODIUM ALGINATE, SOY FLOUR, SPICE, SUGAR, WHEY, YEAST YEAST EXTRACT.
Formulations can vary — check the package label for the final word.
Highest-concern ingredients first. Expand an item for notes.
DISODIUM PHOSPHATEConcern 7/10 — Higher concernEmulsifierWatchlist · Additive
What this is
Emulsifier
Processing category
Synthetic / man-made
Main concern area
Additive load
Why it matters
Industrial ingredient for texture.
Additional note
Common emulsifier or stabilizer.
MONO & DIGLYCERIDESConcern 7/10 — Higher concernEmulsifierWatchlist · Additive
What this is
Emulsifier
Processing category
Synthetic / man-made
Main concern area
Additive load
Why it matters
Stabilizes mixtures.
Additional note
Emulsifier derived from fats.
CELLULOSE GUMConcern 6/10 — Moderate concernThickenerWatchlist · Additive
What this is
Thickener
Processing category
Synthetic / man-made
Main concern area
Additive load
Why it matters
Serves no food flavor/nutrition purpose.
Additional note
Used as thickener or stabilizer.
Family watchlist
Stabilizer
FOOD STARCH-MODIFIEDConcern 6/10 — Moderate concernThickenerWatchlist · Additive
What this is
Thickener
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Processing
Why it matters
Modified starch for texture enhancement.
Additional note
Processed starch variant.
Family watchlist
Modified starch
View all 34 ingredient assessments
SILICON DIOXIDE (TO PREVENT CAKING)Concern 6/10 — Moderate concernAnti-caking agentWatchlist · Additive
What this is
Anti-caking agent
Processing category
Synthetic / man-made
Main concern area
Additive load
Why it matters
Prevents clumping in products.
Additional note
Anti-caking agent, synthetic.
Family watchlist
Anti-caking
JALAPENO PEPPERS (JALAPENO PEPPERS, WATER, ACETIC ACID, SALT, SODIUM BENZOATE [PRESERVATIVE])Concern 5/10 — Moderate concernPreservativeWatchlist · Additive
What this is
Preservative
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Family Watchlist
Why it matters
Preservatives like sodium benzoate raise concerns.
Additional note
Contains sodium benzoate as preservative.
Family watchlist
Preservative use
PASTEURIZED PROCESSED CHEDDAR CHEESE (CHEDDAR CHEESE [PASTEURIZED MILK CHEESE CULTURE, SALT, ENZYMES], WATER, MILKFAT SODIUM PHOSPHATE, SODIUM HEXAMETAPHOSPHATE, SALT, WATER, ARTIFICIAL COLOR)Concern 5/10 — Moderate concernCheeseWatchlist · Additive
What this is
Cheese
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Processing
Why it matters
Artificial colors and emulsifiers indicate processing.
Additional note
Contains artificial color and emulsifiers.
Family watchlist
Artificial color
SOYBEAN OILConcern 5/10 — Moderate concernRefined oilWatchlist
What this is
Refined oil
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Family Watchlist
Why it matters
Commonly found in industrial foods.
Additional note
Refined industrial oil.
GUAR GUMConcern 5/10 — Moderate concernThickenerWatchlist · Additive
What this is
Thickener
Processing category
Natural refined
Main concern area
Additive load
Why it matters
Added to improve texture.
Additional note
Thickener used in formulations.
MILK PROTEIN CONCENTRATEConcern 5/10 — Moderate concernProteinAdditive
What this is
Protein
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Processing
Why it matters
Concentrated for high protein content.
Additional note
Concentrated milk protein.
NATURAL FLAVORSConcern 5/10 — Moderate concernVague ingredientWatchlist · Additive · Vague label term
What this is
Vague ingredient
Processing category
Unknown / not listed
Main concern area
Additive load
Why it matters
Non-descript flavoring agent.
Additional note
Vague ingredient, difficult to define.
SODIUM ALGINATEConcern 5/10 — Moderate concernThickenerWatchlist · Additive
What this is
Thickener
Processing category
Natural refined
Main concern area
Additive load
Why it matters
Used to improve consistency.
Additional note
Thickening agent from algae.
BLEACHED WHEAT FLOURConcern 4/10 — Mild concernRefined flour
What this is
Refined flour
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Ingredient concern
Why it matters
Refined grains signal extra processing.
Additional note
Refined grain, used commonly.
DEXTROSEConcern 4/10 — Mild concernSweetener
What this is
Sweetener
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Ingredient concern
Why it matters
Refined sugar variant.
Additional note
Simple sugar form, refined.
LEAVENING (SODIUM ACID PYROPHOSPHATE, SODIUM BICARBONATE)Concern 4/10 — Mild concernLeaveningAdditive
What this is
Leavening
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Ingredient concern
Why it matters
Enhances product rise.
Additional note
Standard baking ingredients.
SPICEConcern 4/10 — Mild concernVague ingredientWatchlist · Vague label term
What this is
Vague ingredient
Processing category
Unknown / not listed
Main concern area
Family Watchlist
Why it matters
General term without specifics.
Additional note
Vague ingredient category.
YEAST EXTRACTConcern 4/10 — Mild concernFlavor enhancerAdditive
What this is
Flavor enhancer
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Additive load
Why it matters
Enhances umami and flavor complexity.
Additional note
Flavor enhancer from yeast.
WHEAT FLOURConcern 3/10 — Mild concernRefined flour
What this is
Refined flour
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Ingredient concern
Why it matters
Refined flour reflects processing.
Additional note
Commonly used processed flour.
ENRICHED WHEAT FLOUR (WHEAT FLOUR, NIACIN, REDUCED IRON, THIAMINE MONONITRATE, RIBOFLAVIN, FOLIC ACID)Concern 3/10 — Mild concernRefined flour
What this is
Refined flour
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Ingredient concern
Why it matters
Adds refined grain components.
Additional note
Common processed flour with vitamins.
LACTIC ACIDConcern 3/10 — Mild concernAcidulant
What this is
Acidulant
Processing category
Natural refined
Main concern area
Ingredient concern
Why it matters
Enhances tartness and shelf stability.
Additional note
Common food acid, natural origin.
SOY FLOURConcern 3/10 — Mild concernRefined flour
What this is
Refined flour
Processing category
Natural refined
Main concern area
Ingredient concern
Why it matters
Provides texture and nutrition.
Additional note
Refined soy product.
SUGARConcern 3/10 — Mild concernSweetener
What this is
Sweetener
Processing category
Natural refined
Main concern area
Ingredient concern
Why it matters
Common refined sweetener.
Additional note
Standard sweetener, no refining info.
WHEYConcern 3/10 — Mild concernProtein
What this is
Protein
Processing category
Natural refined
Main concern area
Ingredient concern
Why it matters
Provides protein content.
Additional note
Milk protein by-product.
YELLOW CORN FLOURConcern 2/10 — Very low concernRefined grain
What this is
Refined grain
Processing category
Natural refined
Main concern area
Ingredient concern
Why it matters
Processed but not overly refined.
Additional note
Processed but standard ingredient.
CONTAINS LESS THAN 2% OF ANNATTO EXTRACT (COLOR)Concern 2/10 — Very low concernNatural color
What this is
Natural color
Processing category
Natural refined
Main concern area
Ingredient concern
Why it matters
Added primarily for coloring.
Additional note
Natural colorant with specific use.
CHEDDAR CHEESE (PASTEURIZED MILK, CHEESE CULTURES, SALT, ENZYMES)Concern 2/10 — Very low concernCheese
What this is
Cheese
Processing category
Natural refined
Main concern area
Ingredient concern
Why it matters
Standard cheese ingredient.
Additional note
Common cheese product.
PAPRIKA EXTRACT (COLOR)Concern 2/10 — Very low concernNatural color
What this is
Natural color
Processing category
Natural refined
Main concern area
Ingredient concern
Why it matters
Natural color additive.
Additional note
Colorant derived from paprika.
BUTTER (CREAM, SALT)Concern 1/10 — Very low concernSimple food
What this is
Simple food
Processing category
Natural refined
Main concern area
Ingredient concern
Why it matters
Standard dairy product.
Additional note
Basic dairy ingredient.
WATERConcern 0/10 — No meaningful concernSimple food
What this is
Simple food
Processing category
Whole food
Why it matters
Basic ingredient, no issues.
Additional note
Simple ingredient, no concerns.
BUTTERMILKConcern 0/10 — No meaningful concernSimple food
What this is
Simple food
Processing category
Whole food
Why it matters
Non-refined food product.
Additional note
Basic dairy product.
EGGConcern 0/10 — No meaningful concernWhole food
What this is
Whole food
Why it matters
Simple food, basic ingredient.
Additional note
Whole food with no concerns.
NONFAT MILKConcern 0/10 — No meaningful concernSimple food
What this is
Simple food
Processing category
Whole food
Why it matters
Normal dairy product.
Additional note
Basic dairy ingredient.
SALTConcern 0/10 — No meaningful concernSimple seasoning
What this is
Simple seasoning
Processing category
Whole food
Why it matters
Common food seasoning.
Additional note
Basic seasoning ingredient.
YEASTConcern 0/10 — No meaningful concernLeavening
What this is
Leavening
Processing category
Whole food
Why it matters
Natural fermentation starter.
Additional note
Fermentation agent, no concerns.
This score is an estimate of ingredient integrity, not a safety assessment. 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.
Heart-Healthy Eating
Watch-outsMetabolic Health
For someone prioritizing Heart-Healthy Eating, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Added-sodium ingredients (Mentions "salt", "sodium phosphate". See ingredients for details.)
GLP-1 Eating Support
SupportiveMetabolic Health
For someone prioritizing GLP-1 Eating Support, the available data suggest this product may align in helpful ways.
A supportive signal: Protein ingredients (Mentions "egg", "whey", "protein concentrate". See ingredients for details.)
Appetite & Portion Awareness
SupportiveMetabolic Health
For someone prioritizing Appetite & Portion Awareness, the available data suggest this product may align in helpful ways.
A supportive signal: Protein ingredients (Mentions "egg", "whey", "protein concentrate". See ingredients for details.)
Workout Recovery
SupportiveAthletic Performance
For someone prioritizing Workout Recovery, the available data suggest this product may align in helpful ways.
A supportive signal: Protein ingredients (Mentions "egg", "whey", "protein concentrate". See ingredients for details.)
Strength & Protein Focus
SupportiveAthletic Performance
For someone prioritizing Strength & Protein Focus, the available data suggest this product may align in helpful ways.
A supportive signal: Protein ingredients (Mentions "egg", "whey", "protein concentrate". See ingredients for details.)
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", "butter", "cream". 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", "butter", "cream". 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 "flour", "wheat flour", "dextrose". 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 "flour", "wheat flour", "dextrose". See ingredients for details.)
Low Gluten Eating
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Low Gluten Eating, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Gluten-related ingredients (Mentions "wheat". 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: Family watchlist items (JALAPENO PEPPERS (JALAPENO PEPPERS, WATER, ACETIC ACID, SALT, SODIUM BENZOATE [PRESERVATIVE]))
This product has 1 additional signal 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: Family watchlist items (JALAPENO PEPPERS (JALAPENO PEPPERS, WATER, ACETIC ACID, SALT, SODIUM BENZOATE [PRESERVATIVE]))
This product has 1 additional signal 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: Family watchlist items (JALAPENO PEPPERS (JALAPENO PEPPERS, WATER, ACETIC ACID, SALT, SODIUM BENZOATE [PRESERVATIVE]))
This product has 1 additional signal 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 "wheat", "flour", "corn". See ingredients for details.)
This product has 2 additional signals for this goal.
Low-Spike Stability
NeutralMetabolic Health
For someone prioritizing Low-Spike Stability, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
Low Sugar Lifestyle
NeutralMetabolic Health
For someone prioritizing Low Sugar Lifestyle, 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.
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.
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 Jalapeno Peppers Cheddar Cheese, Jalapeno Peppers highly processed?
Food Integrity lists processing level as Moderately 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 Jalapeno Peppers Cheddar Cheese, Jalapeno Peppers shows about 2g of fiber per labeled serving in the Longevity nutrition facts.
Does it contain added sugar?
Great Value Jalapeno Peppers Cheddar Cheese, Jalapeno Peppers: 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 jalapeno peppers; Moderate protein content.
What prevented a perfect Longevity Score?
Key concerns noted include: High in sodium; Processed cheese; Contains artificial color.
Who might evaluate this product differently?
People prioritizing different goals (for example lower carbs, higher protein, or minimally processed eating) may weigh the same frozen appetizers & hors d'oeuvres 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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