What color is natural cheddar cheese?

Natural cheddar cheese is typically pale yellow to deep yellow, sometimes with a slight orange hue. The color comes from the natural pigments in the milk, primarily beta-carotene.

However, the color can vary depending on:

* The diet of the cows: Cows that eat more green, leafy plants have milk with higher beta-carotene levels, resulting in a more vibrant yellow cheese.

* The aging process: As cheddar cheese ages, it tends to become more yellow.

* Additives: Some cheesemakers add annatto extract, a natural food coloring derived from the achiote seed, to achieve a deeper yellow or orange color.

So, while natural cheddar cheese usually has a yellow color, it can range from light to deep depending on various factors.