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Mozzarella

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Common questions

Is Mozzarella healthy?

Mozzarella scores 65/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This mozzarella cheese is a processed product with a relatively clean ingredient list, primarily consisting of pasteurized part-skim milk, cheese culture, salt, and enzymes.

How processed is Mozzarella?

Mozzarella is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Mozzarella's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Pasteurized part-skim milk counts in its favor; Natamycin 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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Mozzarella

65 Fair

Analysis updated October 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 1
Harmful ingredients 1
Category Cheese
Summary

This mozzarella cheese is a processed product with a relatively clean ingredient list, primarily consisting of pasteurized part-skim milk, cheese culture, salt, and enzymes. However, it includes an anti-caking blend with natamycin, a natural mold inhibitor, which adds to its processing level. While natamycin is generally safe, its presence along with the anti-caking agents slightly detracts from a clean label, limiting the score.

Key ingredients 7

Pasteurized part-skim milk
Good

A primary ingredient in cheese, providing essential nutrients like calcium and protein. Pasteurization ensures safety by eliminating harmful bacteria. Part-skim milk reduces fat content while maintaining nutritional value.

Benefits

Rich in calcium and protein, supporting bone health and muscle maintenance.

See more about Pasteurized part-skim milk →
Cheese culture
Neutral

Used to ferment milk into cheese, contributing to flavor and texture. Cheese cultures are essential for the cheesemaking process. They do not pose significant health risks or benefits.

See more about Cheese culture →
Salt
Neutral

Commonly used in cheese for flavor and preservation. Regular table salt does not provide additional trace minerals. Excessive consumption can contribute to high blood pressure.

Risks

High sodium intake may lead to increased blood pressure and cardiovascular issues.

See more about Salt →
Enzymes
Neutral

Enzymes are used in cheese production to coagulate milk. They are necessary for the cheesemaking process. Enzymes do not have direct health impacts.

See more about Enzymes →
Potato starch
Neutral

Used as an anti-caking agent to prevent cheese from clumping. It is a natural carbohydrate with minimal processing. Potato starch does not significantly impact health.

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Tapioca starch
Neutral

Serves as an anti-caking agent, similar to potato starch. Derived from the cassava root, it is minimally processed. Tapioca starch is neutral in terms of health impact.

See more about Tapioca starch →
Natamycin
Bad

A natural mold inhibitor used to extend shelf life. While effective, it is an additive that some consumers prefer to avoid. Its use is generally considered safe but may not align with clean-label preferences.

Risks

Potential concerns for those avoiding food additives, though generally recognized as safe.

Benefits

Prevents mold growth, extending the product's shelf life.

See more about Natamycin →

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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