# Herr's Cheese Ball Barrel

> Health and ingredient intelligence for a real grocery product. Source: Supermarket Puzzle (Grocery Intelligence Index). Not a shop.

## Snapshot

- **Brand:** Herr's
- **Retailer listed:** Foodtown
- **Category:** Snacks, Chips & Dips
- **Size:** 17 oz
- **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/herrs-cheese-ball-barrel-17-oz
- **Slug:** `herrs-cheese-ball-barrel-17-oz`

## NOVA classification

**NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods

Contains industrial ingredients and additives (maltodextrin, monosodium glutamate, sodium phosphate, artificial colors, natural flavors, multi-source vegetable oils) and is a ready-to-eat formulation typical of ultra-processed foods.

## Review

Herr's Cheese Ball Barrel is a brightly packaged, shelf-stable snack you’ll usually find in the chip and party-snack aisle of supermarkets, near popcorn, cheese puffs, and other party mixes. The 17-ounce plastic barrel with a resealable lid signals shareability and impulse purchase for gatherings. Shoppers pick it up for casual occasions—game-day spreads, movie nights on the couch, road trips, kids’ birthday parties, or as a snack to stash in the pantry for last-minute entertaining. Herr’s positions itself as an American, family-friendly snack brand with Midwestern roots; marketing leans into nostalgic, value-oriented messaging aimed at families and sports fans looking for bold, cheesy flavors rather than gourmet or health-focused cues. The label often features bright orange colors and playful fonts, sometimes promoting “cheesy flavor” and convenience; you’ll notice no organic seals or natural certification and little emphasis on clean-label claims. In plain terms this product is a highly processed snack made from grain and a packaged cheese seasoning with emulsifiers, flavor enhancers, and colorants. Sensory-wise expect a crunchy, airy cornmeal puff with an intense, tangy-orange cheese coating that leaves a powdery residue on fingers—part of the ritual is licking or wiping the orange dust away. The large plastic tub supports communal dipping or hand-to-mouth munching and encourages repeated reach-ins. Overall, the Cheese Ball Barrel functions as a budget-friendly, crowd-pleasing treat that trades nutritional simplicity for bold flavor, convenience, and a familiar, party-ready snack experience in American grocery culture.

## Diet flags

- Vegetarian

## Nutrition

- **Serving size:** 35
- **Servings per container:** 17
- **Calories:** 150
- **Total fat:** 9g (12% DV)
- **Saturated fat:** 2.5g (13% DV)
- **Sodium:** 260mg (11% DV)
- **Total carbs:** 17g (6% DV)
- **Total sugars:** 1g
- **Protein:** 1g

## Ingredients

Corn Meal, Vegetable Oil (Contains One or More of the Following Corn, Cottonseed, Palm, Sunflower Cheese Blend (Maltodextrin, Whey, Sunflower Oil Cheddar Cheese Pasteurized Milk Cheese Culture, Salt, Enzymes, Salt, Monosodium Glutamate, Sodium Phosphate Butter [Cream Salt], Natural Flavor, Citric Acid Lactic Add Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Enzymes, Salt.

## Flagged ingredients

- **Corn** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids
- **Cottonseed** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids
- **Sunflower** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids
- **Monosodium Glutamate** (emulsifier): Processed emulsifier
- **Sodium Phosphate** (emulsifier): Processed emulsifier
- **Yellow 5** (additive): Artificial coloring
- **Yellow 6** (additive): Artificial coloring

## Context tags

- **Occasions:** game-day-prep, movie-night, road-trip
- **Vibes:** nostalgic, indulgent, convenient, comforting

## FAQ

### Is the Cheese Ball Barrel healthy?

The Cheese Ball Barrel can be a fun snack, but calling it 'healthy' really depends on your perspective. It’s not loaded with added sugars and has low calories per serving, but it’s also not high in protein or fiber. Think of it as a tasty treat rather than a health food—perfect for a party or movie night!

### Is the Cheese Ball Barrel vegan?

Nope, the Cheese Ball Barrel isn’t vegan. It contains dairy ingredients like whey and cheddar cheese, which means it’s off the table for anyone following a plant-based diet. But hey, if you’re not avoiding dairy, enjoy those cheesy bites!

### Is the Cheese Ball Barrel gluten-free?

Unfortunately, the Cheese Ball Barrel isn’t gluten-free. It’s made with corn meal, which is gluten-free, but the product isn’t certified as such, and cross-contamination could happen in production. If you have a gluten sensitivity, it might be best to steer clear.

### Does the Cheese Ball Barrel contain seed oils?

Yes, the Cheese Ball Barrel contains seed oils, specifically corn, cottonseed, palm, and sunflower oils. These oils are often used for their ability to enhance flavor and texture, but they can be a mixed bag health-wise depending on how much you consume and what else is in your diet. Moderation is key!

### Does the Cheese Ball Barrel contain artificial sweeteners?

Nope, you won’t find any artificial sweeteners in the Cheese Ball Barrel. It keeps things simple on that front, relying on the natural flavors from its cheese blend. So, no worries about hidden sugars here!

### Is the Cheese Ball Barrel high in sugar?

Not at all! The Cheese Ball Barrel is low in sugar, with only 1 gram per serving. This snack is more about the savory cheese flavor than sweet, making it a great option if you’re keeping an eye on sugar intake.

### What are healthier alternatives to the Cheese Ball Barrel?

If you’re looking for healthier alternatives, consider air-popped popcorn seasoned with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the heaviness. You could also try veggie sticks with hummus or a homemade cheese dip made from cashews for a creamier vibe. Just remember, it’s all about balance!

### Can kids eat the Cheese Ball Barrel?

Absolutely! The Cheese Ball Barrel can be a fun snack for kids, especially during movie nights or parties. Just keep portions in check, as it's not a meal replacement—more of a tasty sidekick to their main eats.

### Is the Cheese Ball Barrel good for weight loss?

While it’s not a weight-loss miracle, the Cheese Ball Barrel can fit into a balanced diet if enjoyed in moderation. With 150 calories per serving, it can be a satisfying treat without breaking the calorie bank, but pair it with healthier options to keep things in check.

### Is the Cheese Ball Barrel ultra-processed?

Yes, the Cheese Ball Barrel is considered ultra-processed, thanks to its long list of ingredients and added flavors. While that might sound intimidating, it’s not the end of the world. Just enjoy it as an occasional snack and balance it with whole foods in your diet!

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## For agents

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