Kamil Perry
Cheese is a beloved food product, with Cooper cheese being a popular variety. However, the question of whether Cooper cheese is healthy or not is a complex one. On the one hand, cheese is a good source of calcium and protein, both of which are essential for human health. On the other hand, cheese is known for its high content of calories, saturated fat, and sodium, which can have negative health impacts if consumed in excess. Additionally, the production of cheese may involve the use of antibiotics and hormones, which has raised concerns among health-conscious consumers. Understanding the nutritional profile and potential concerns associated with Cooper cheese is essential for making informed dietary choices.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1 oz of Cooper Sharp Cheese contains 105 calories |
| Macronutrient breakdown | 4% carbs, 74% fat, and 22% protein |
| Saturated fat | High level |
| Calcium | Good source |
| Sodium | High level |
| Food additives | Sodium Phosphates, Colours, Enzymes |
| Pesticides | |
| Hormones | <co: 3>Milk-boosting hormone injections (rBGH) are injected into about 20% of American dairy cows |
| Antibiotics | Used often in dairy production |
| Contaminants | Mercury, BPA |
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What You'll Learn
Cooper cheese nutritional value
Cooper Cheese is a brand of sharp white or yellow American cheese. It is made from milk, cream, water, salt, sodium phosphate, cheese culture, and enzymes. Colour is also added to the yellow variety.
Cooper Cheese is a good source of calcium and protein. However, it is also a source of saturated fat, calories, and sodium. One ounce of Cooper Sharp Cheese contains 105 calories, with a macronutrient breakdown of 4% carbs, 74% fat, and 22% protein.
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has assessed the Original Cooper Brand Sharp Cheddar Cold Pack Cheese Spread, which comes in a 10-ounce package. The EWG's scoring system considers nutrition, ingredient concerns, and the degree of processing. The product received a moderate score for processing concerns. It contains a high level of saturated fat and is a good source of calcium. The EWG also notes that the product contains Persistent Organic Pollutant (POPs) contamination, which is a lower concern in food. The enzymes and colours added to the cheese are also listed as additives of lower concern.
The EWG also provides a food score for the Cooper Sharp Yellow Pasteurized Process American Cheese. This score considers food additives, pesticides, hormones, antibiotics, and contaminants like mercury and BPA, which can affect human health. This variety of Cooper Cheese also contains Persistent Organic Pollutant (POPs) contamination, enzymes, colours, and sodium phosphates, all of which are listed as additives of lower concern.
Cooper cheese health benefits
Cooper cheese is a sharp American cheese that comes in white and yellow varieties. It is a good source of calcium and protein, which are essential nutrients. Calcium is important for bone health, while protein provides the building blocks for important enzymes and hormones. However, it is important to note that Cooper cheese also contains a high level of saturated fat, which can have negative health impacts if consumed in excess. In addition, cheese is usually high in calories, sodium, and fat, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
The nutritional profile of Cooper cheese includes a macronutrient breakdown of approximately 4% carbs, 74% fat, and 22% protein. Specifically, 1 ounce (oz) of Cooper sharp cheese contains 105 calories, 5 grams (g) of total fat, 3 g of saturated fat, 1 g of total carbs, and 3 g of protein. It also provides 27% of the daily value for calcium, which is important for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
While Cooper cheese can provide some nutritional benefits, it is important to be aware of the potential presence of additives and contaminants. For example, sodium phosphate is an additive that is of moderate concern in food. Antibiotics are also commonly used in dairy production, which can contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Additionally, milk-boosting hormone injections (rBGH) are used in about 20% of American dairy cows, although these are not allowed in Europe due to public health and animal welfare concerns.
Overall, Cooper cheese can be part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation. It provides a good source of calcium and protein, which are essential nutrients. However, it is important to be mindful of the high saturated fat, calorie, and sodium content, as well as potential additives and contaminants.
Cooper cheese health concerns
Cooper cheese has a variety of health concerns that consumers should be aware of. Firstly, cheese is a significant source of saturated fat, sodium, and calories, which can contribute to health issues if consumed in excess. In addition, cheese production may involve the use of antibiotics to treat sick animals, raising concerns about antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Milk-boosting hormone injections (rBGH) are also administered to a substantial proportion of American dairy cows, although these treatments are prohibited in Europe due to public health and animal welfare concerns.
Cooper cheese, like other cheese products, may contain additives, pesticides, hormones, antibiotics, and contaminants such as mercury and BPA, which can negatively impact human health and the environment. While some contaminants, such as Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) from milk, cream, and cheese culture, are considered a lower concern, other additives like sodium phosphates and artificial colors are of moderate concern.
The processing of Cooper cheese is also a factor to consider. While it has been classified as having low to moderate processing concerns, the level of processing can affect the overall healthiness of the product. The modification of individual ingredients and the inclusion of artificial ingredients can impact the nutritional value and potentially introduce undesirable substances.
Furthermore, the environmental impact of cheese production, specifically the carbon footprint associated with dairy farming, should be considered. While this may not directly affect the consumer's health, it contributes to broader environmental concerns that ultimately influence public health.
It is important to note that while Cooper cheese may pose certain health concerns, it also provides nutritional benefits. Cheese is a good source of calcium and protein, both of which are essential for maintaining a healthy body. However, as with all foods, moderation is key to ensuring a balanced and healthy diet.
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Cooper cheese ingredients
Cheese is a good source of calcium and protein, but it is also high in calories, saturated fat, and sodium. Cooper cheese is no exception and is made from a variety of ingredients, including:
- Milk
- Water
- Cream
- Salt
- Sodium Phosphate
- Cheese Culture
- Enzymes
- Colours/Colourings
Some sources also list additional ingredients, such as:
- Sorbic Acid (Preservative)
- Lactic Acid
- Xanthan Gum
- Reduced Lactose Whey
- Butter
- Deproteinized Whey
Cooper cheese has been classified as having low to moderate processing concerns.
Cooper cheese compared to other cheeses
Cooper cheese is a processed American cheese known for its bold, creamy, and melty texture. It is made from a blend of cheeses, including cheddar, and has a distinctively sharp flavour. While it is a good source of calcium and protein, Cooper cheese, like other cheeses, is high in calories, saturated fat, and sodium.
When compared to other cheeses, Cooper cheese has a higher fat content, with 74% of its macronutrient composition coming from fat. This is significantly higher than other types of cheese, such as cheddar or Swiss, which typically have a lower fat percentage. For example, cheddar cheese usually contains around 33% milk fat, while Swiss cheese has an even lower fat content of about 25%.
In terms of processing, Cooper cheese is considered a highly processed cheese. It is made using a combination of milk, cream, water, salt, sodium phosphate, cheese culture, enzymes, and added colours. The use of these additives and the level of processing are reflected in the EWG food score, which rates the product based on nutrition, ingredient concerns, and processing.
However, compared to other processed cheeses, Cooper cheese may have some advantages. It has a more natural colour and a smoother, creamier texture due to the addition of cream and milk. Additionally, the ageing process of the cheddar used in Cooper cheese, ranging from 100 to 180 days, may contribute to its sharper flavour and better melting properties.
Overall, while Cooper cheese may have a more intense flavour and superior melting qualities compared to other cheeses, it is important to consume it in moderation due to its high-fat content and processing concerns. As with all cheeses, it is a good source of calcium and protein but should be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Frequently asked questions
Cooper cheese is high in saturated fat, calories, and sodium. It is also a good source of calcium and protein. However, it is classified as having low to moderate processing concerns due to the presence of additives, pesticides, hormones, antibiotics, and contaminants. Overall, Cooper cheese can be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
The nutritional content of Cooper cheese varies slightly depending on the specific product and serving size. For example, 1 ounce of Cooper Sharp Cheese (Wawa) contains 105 calories, with a macronutrient breakdown of 4% carbs, 74% fat, and 22% protein. It is important to refer to the product's nutrition label for accurate and detailed information.
The ingredients in Cooper cheese may vary slightly between different varieties, such as the Sharp Yellow American and Sharp Cheddar Cold Pack Cheese Spread. Common ingredients include milk, cream, water, salt, sodium phosphate, cheese culture, enzymes, and added colors. Some products may also contain preservatives like sorbic acid and additives such as xanthan gum.
