Publix Pimento Cheese Spread with Peppers — ENGINEERED

Name: Publix Pimento Cheese Spread with Peppers
Brand: Publix

Munch or Dump rates Publix Pimento Cheese Spread with Peppers by Publix ENGINEERED — score 30/90.

Real cheddar and diced peppers are genuinely in here, which is why it beats jarred rivals, but this is a reduced-fat spread propped up by a mayo-style dressing with high fructose corn syrup and corn syrup, modified starch and a triple gum stack. Sodium citrate, sodium phosphate and dual preservatives round out an ultra-processed deck. Tasty Southern comfort, but engineered for spreadability, not the three-ingredient classic its reputation implies.

Why this verdict

Two sweetener sources, including high fructose corn syrup, in a savory cheese spread
Modified cornstarch plus a triple gum stack (guar, xanthan, locust bean) for texture
Reduced-fat formula uses added oils and emulsifying salts in place of real fat
Sodium citrate, sodium phosphate and dual preservatives round out an ultra-processed deck
NOVA 4 ultra-processed

Ingredients (10)

CHEDDAR CHEESE (safe) — Real cultured cheese; the legitimate base of the spread.
Diced red peppers and pimiento puree (safe) — Real vegetables delivering the signature flavor and color.
Soybean Oil (moderate) — Second refined oil in the chicken component.
High Fructose Corn Syrup (caution) — Third sweetener. Its presence in a 'deluxe' ice cream signals cost-cutting, not craft.
Corn Syrup (caution) — Second ingredient; a refined liquid sugar that binds the bar and drives the sugar total up.
modified cornstarch (moderate) — Industrial thickener; NOVA 4 marker.
Sodium citrate and sodium phosphate (moderate) — Emulsifying salts that keep the reduced-fat blend smooth.
Guar, xanthan and locust bean gums (moderate) — Triple gum stack for spreadable body.
potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate (moderate) — Dual preservatives for refrigerated shelf life.
Egg Yolks (safe) — Real emulsifier from egg; also an allergen.

Healthier alternatives

Cottage cheese by Asda
Good & Gather Whole Milk Plain Greek Yogurt
Original Paneer Cheese
Chobani Greek Yogurt Nonfat Plain
Milk by Asda