Parmigiano reggiano

Image: Open Food Facts (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Common questions

Is Parmigiano reggiano healthy?

Parmigiano reggiano scores 78/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. Parmigiano Reggiano is made from part-skimmed raw cow's milk, cheese cultures, salt, and rennet, which are all high-quality ingredients contributing to its rich flavor and nutritional profile.

How processed is Parmigiano reggiano?

Parmigiano reggiano is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Parmigiano reggiano's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Part-skimmed raw cow's milk, Cheese cultures, Rennet count in its favor. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Parmigiano reggiano

Primo Taglio
78 Good

Analysis updated September 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 3
Harmful ingredients 0
Owned by Albertsons
Category Cheese
Summary

Parmigiano Reggiano is made from part-skimmed raw cow's milk, cheese cultures, salt, and rennet, which are all high-quality ingredients contributing to its rich flavor and nutritional profile. The use of raw milk and minimal additives enhances its value, although it is classified as processed due to the cheese-making process. Despite this, its clean ingredient list and traditional preparation method allow it to score highly within its category.

Key ingredients 4

Part-skimmed raw cow's milk
Very Good

Raw cow's milk is a high-quality source of protein and essential nutrients. It is minimally processed, retaining beneficial enzymes and probiotics. The use of raw milk in cheese production can enhance flavor and nutritional profile.

Risks

Potential risks include the presence of harmful bacteria if not properly handled.

Benefits

Rich in protein, calcium, and vitamins, supporting bone health and muscle function.

Cheese cultures
Good

Cheese cultures are beneficial bacteria used in the fermentation process. They contribute to the development of flavor and texture in cheese. These cultures can also support gut health by promoting beneficial gut flora.

Benefits

May improve digestion and enhance the nutritional profile of the cheese.

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Rennet
Good

Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.

Benefits

Essential for the cheese-making process, contributing to texture and structure.

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Salt
Neutral

Salt is used in cheese making to enhance flavor and act as a preservative. It is a necessary component in the cheese aging process. However, excessive consumption of salt can lead to health issues such as hypertension.

Risks

High sodium intake can contribute to increased blood pressure and cardiovascular risk.

Benefits

Essential for flavor development and preservation in cheese.

See more about Salt →

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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