Parmesan Cheese

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Common questions

Is Parmesan Cheese healthy?

Parmesan Cheese scores 65/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This Parmesan cheese is a processed product with beneficial ingredients like high-quality cheese and pasteurized milk, which provide protein and calcium.

How processed is Parmesan Cheese?

Parmesan Cheese is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Parmesan Cheese's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Pasteurized Part-Skim Milk, Cheese Cultures count in its favor; Powdered Cellulose is flagged as an ingredient of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Parmesan Cheese

Lucerne
65 Fair

Analysis updated June 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 2
Harmful ingredients 1
Owned by Albertsons
Category Cheese
Summary

This Parmesan cheese is a processed product with beneficial ingredients like high-quality cheese and pasteurized milk, which provide protein and calcium. However, the presence of powdered cellulose and natamycin indicates additional processing and the use of additives, which detracts from its overall purity. While these additives are considered safe, they contribute to a higher level of processing compared to more traditional cheese products.

Key ingredients 7

Cheese Cultures
Very Good

Cheese cultures are beneficial probiotics that aid digestion and enhance flavor, making them a positive addition to the product.

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Pasteurized Part-Skim Milk
Good

This ingredient is a good source of high-quality protein and calcium, and pasteurization ensures safety and extends shelf life.

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Parmesan Cheese
Neutral

Parmesan cheese is a traditional dairy product that provides flavor and protein, but it contains additives and high salt levels that may impact health if consumed excessively.

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Salt
Neutral

Standard formulation ingredient — neither beneficial nor harmful at typical use.

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Enzymes
Neutral

Enzymes are used to facilitate cheese aging and texture development; they are standard in cheese production and generally safe.

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Natamycin
Neutral

Natamycin is an antifungal agent used to prevent mold growth on cheese surfaces, ensuring product safety.

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Powdered Cellulose
Bad

Powdered cellulose is added to prevent caking but is a synthetic additive that some consumers prefer to avoid.

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Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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