# Fresh Gourmet Premium Croutons, Cheese Garlic > Health and ingredient intelligence for a real grocery product. Source: Supermarket Puzzle (Grocery Intelligence Index). Not a shop. ## Snapshot - **Brand:** Fresh Gourmet - **Retailer listed:** Foodtown - **Category:** Produce - **Size:** 5 oz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/fresh-gourmet-premium-croutons-cheese-garlic-fresh-5-oz - **Slug:** `fresh-gourmet-premium-croutons-cheese-garlic-fresh-5-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods The ingredient list contains refined and industrial ingredients (enriched flour, maltodextrin), enzyme-modified cheeses, flavor concentrates, and preservatives, consistent with an ultraprocessed product. Multiple industrial additives and reformulated dairy ingredients indicate NOVA group 4. ## Review Fresh Gourmet Premium Croutons, Cheese Garlic is the kind of small, savory accessory you spot in the salad aisle or near salad dressings, bagged croutons, and ready-to-eat toppings. Packaged in a small resealable pouch or plastic tub, the 5 oz product markets itself as a premium salad topper — often shelved beside other garnish items, bread-based snacks, and soup accompaniments. It fits shopping trips where shoppers plan quick weeknight dinners, backyard get-togethers, or casual entertaining: think tossed Caesar salads for weekend brunch, a bowl of tomato soup on a rainy night, or a crunchy boost for potluck dishes. Fresh Gourmet’s positioning leans toward approachable upscale: “premium” and cheese-forward messaging aimed at families and cooks who want an easy upgrade to homemade meals without much hassle. The label leans on flavor cues and may highlight “made with real cheese” or garlic flavoring; there’s no organic badge and no obvious kid-targeted characters — the brand trades playful nostalgia for a grown-up, convenience-focused tone. Health halos are subtle (real cheese, rosemary extract) even though the ingredient list shows refined flours, added sugars, oils, and flavoring agents. In plain terms this is a highly processed, ready-to-use crunchy garnish — manufactured from enriched wheat flour, vegetable oils, cheeses, maltodextrin and flavor concentrates. Sensory notes: light, crisp cubes with a toasted, buttery-cheesy garlic aroma, a hard crunch that softens in soups, and a sprinkle ritual — pinch, scatter, and toss. People use it by the handful to finish salads, ladle it into soup bowls, or serve it in small bowls for snacking at casual gatherings. ## Diet flags - Vegetarian ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 2 tbsp - **Servings per container:** 20 - **Calories:** 30 - **Total fat:** 1g (1% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 0g (0% DV) - **Sodium:** 75mg (3% DV) - **Total carbs:** 4g (1% DV) - **Protein:** 1g ## Ingredients Enriched Flour (Wheat Flour, Malted Barley Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamin Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Canola and/or Sunflower Oil, Sugar, Salt, Yeast, 2% or Less of Garlic, Cheddar Cheese (Milk, Salt, Cheese Cultures, Enzymes), Milk, Whey, Romano Cheese from Cow's Milk (Pasteurized Part Skim Milk, Cultures, Enzymes, Salt), Enzyme Modified Romano Cheese (Pasteurized Cow's Milk, Cultures, Salt, Enzymes), Maltodextrin, Yeast Extract, Parsley (Dehydrated ), Vinegar, Autolyzed Yeast, Onion (Dehydrated ), Enzyme Modified Cheddar Cheese (Pasteurized Milk, Cultures, Salt, Enzymes), Natural Flavors (Milk), Unsalted Butter (Pasteurized Cream, Natural Flavor), Rosemary Extract and Ascorbic Acid (to Preserve Freshness), Enzymes. ## Flagged ingredients - **Canola Oil** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids - **Sunflower Oil** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids - **Ascorbic Acid** (preservative): Synthetic preservative ## Context tags - **Occasions:** weekend-brunch, game-day-prep, meal-prep-sunday - **Vibes:** nostalgic, convenient, indulgent, comforting ## FAQ ### Is the Cheese Garlic croutons healthy? Well, 'healthy' can be a bit of a moving target, can't it? These croutons are low in sugar and calories, making them a great way to add flavor and crunch to your salads or soups without a hefty caloric price tag. However, they're not high in protein or fiber, so while they can be a tasty addition, they shouldn't be your main source of nutrition. ### Are the Cheese Garlic croutons vegan? Nope, these croutons aren't vegan. They contain cheese and dairy ingredients like milk and whey, which means they’re off the table for anyone following a strict plant-based diet. But if you’re not avoiding dairy, they can still add a delightful kick to your meals! ### Are they gluten-free? Sadly, the Cheese Garlic croutons are not gluten-free. They contain enriched flour, which is derived from wheat. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, you might want to check out croutons made from gluten-free bread or alternative grains. ### Do these croutons contain seed oils? Yes, they do contain canola and/or sunflower oil, which are considered seed oils. These oils are often used for their neutral flavor and high smoke point, making them a common choice in processed foods. While some folks prefer to avoid seed oils for various reasons, they're generally recognized as safe to eat in moderation. ### Are there artificial sweeteners in the Cheese Garlic croutons? No artificial sweeteners here! These croutons get their flavor from garlic and cheese rather than any sweet stuff. So you can enjoy that savory goodness without worrying about hidden sweeteners. ### Are the Cheese Garlic croutons high in sugar? Not at all! These croutons are low in sugar, with no added sugars to speak of. At just 30 calories per serving, they’re a great way to add some zest without loading up on sugar. ### What are some healthier alternatives to these croutons? If you're looking for something a bit lighter or with more nutritional punch, consider homemade croutons made from whole grain bread or even roasted chickpeas for a crunchy, high-protein option. You could also sprinkle some seeds or nuts on your salad for added texture and nutrients! ### Can kids eat the Cheese Garlic croutons? Absolutely! These croutons can be a fun addition to kids' meals, adding flavor and crunch to salads or soups. Just keep in mind any dietary restrictions they might have, especially regarding dairy. ### Are these croutons good for weight loss? They can be part of a weight loss plan, depending on how you use them! At just 30 calories for two tablespoons, they can add flavor to your meals without breaking the calorie bank. Just remember to balance them with other nutritious foods for a well-rounded diet. ### Are the Cheese Garlic croutons ultra-processed? While they do contain processed ingredients, calling them ultra-processed might be a stretch. They have a mix of enriched flour, oils, and flavorings, but they're not as heavily processed as some snacks out there. It's all about moderation and enjoying them as part of a varied diet! ## Related products - [Marie's Creamy Caesar Vinaigrette Dressing](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/maries-creamy-caesar-vinaigrette-dressing-1150-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/maries-creamy-caesar-vinaigrette-dressing-1150-oz - [Wonderful Pistachio Chili Roasted](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/wonderful-pistachio-chili-roasted-550-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/wonderful-pistachio-chili-roasted-550-oz - [Marie's Lite Blue Cheese Dressing](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/maries-lite-blue-cheese-dressing-12-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/maries-lite-blue-cheese-dressing-12-oz - [Tofurky Smoked Deli Ham Slices](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/tofurky-smoked-deli-ham-slices-550-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/tofurky-smoked-deli-ham-slices-550-oz - [Litehouse Freeze Dried Basil Herb](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/litehouse-freeze-dried-basil-herb-028-oz) (NOVA 1) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/litehouse-freeze-dried-basil-herb-028-oz - [Mariani Cranberries, Sweetened Dried 5 oz](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/mariani-cranberries-sweetened-dried-5-oz-5-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/mariani-cranberries-sweetened-dried-5-oz-5-oz - [Marie's Italian Vinaigrette](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/maries-italian-vinaigrette-1150-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/maries-italian-vinaigrette-1150-oz - [Marz Simply Avocado Green Goddess](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/marzetti-marz-simply-avocado-green-goddess-12-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/marzetti-marz-simply-avocado-green-goddess-12-oz ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. 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