Darigold - Cottage Cheese - Small Curd 16.00 oz

Common questions

Is Darigold - Cottage Cheese - Small Curd 16.00 oz healthy?

Darigold - Cottage Cheese - Small Curd 16.00 oz scores 60/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This cottage cheese is ultra-processed, containing multiple additives such as guar gum, carrageenan, and polysorbate 80, which are used to enhance texture and stability but may pose health concerns.

How processed is Darigold - Cottage Cheese - Small Curd 16.00 oz?

Darigold - Cottage Cheese - Small Curd 16.00 oz is NOVA Group 4: Ultra-Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Darigold - Cottage Cheese - Small Curd 16.00 oz's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Cultured nonfat milk counts in its favor; Carrageenan, Polysorbate 80, Acetylated monoglycerides are flagged as ingredients of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Darigold - Cottage Cheese - Small Curd 16.00 oz

Darigold
60 Fair

Analysis updated June 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 1
Harmful ingredients 4
Owned by Northwest Dairy Association
Category Cheese
Summary

This cottage cheese is ultra-processed, containing multiple additives such as guar gum, carrageenan, and polysorbate 80, which are used to enhance texture and stability but may pose health concerns. While it provides a good source of protein from cultured nonfat milk, the presence of these additives and the high level of processing limit its overall healthiness.

Key ingredients 12

Cultured nonfat milk
Good

Cultured nonfat milk is a primary ingredient in cottage cheese, providing a rich source of protein and calcium. The culturing process enhances digestibility and adds beneficial probiotics. It is minimally processed, retaining most of its natural nutrients.

Benefits

Rich in protein and calcium, supporting bone health and muscle maintenance. Contains probiotics that may aid in digestion and gut health.

See more about Cultured nonfat milk →
Milk and cream
Neutral

Milk and cream are used to enhance the texture and flavor of cottage cheese. They provide essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D. However, they also contribute to the product's fat content.

Risks

Excessive consumption may lead to increased calorie and saturated fat intake.

Benefits

Provides essential nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D, which are important for bone health.

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Whey
Neutral

Whey is a byproduct of cheese production and is used to improve the protein content of cottage cheese. It is a complete protein source with all essential amino acids. However, it may cause digestive issues for those with lactose intolerance.

Risks

May cause digestive discomfort in individuals with lactose intolerance.

Benefits

Offers a complete protein source, supporting muscle growth and repair.

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Salt
Neutral

Salt is used to enhance the flavor of cottage cheese. It is a common ingredient in dairy products but contributes to the sodium content. Excessive sodium intake can be a health concern.

Risks

High sodium intake may contribute to hypertension and cardiovascular issues.

Benefits

Enhances flavor and acts as a preservative.

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Guar gum
Neutral

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

Risks

May cause digestive discomfort such as bloating and gas when consumed in large amounts.

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Locust bean gum
Neutral

Locust bean gum is a natural thickener derived from carob seeds. It is used to improve the texture of cottage cheese. It is generally considered safe but offers no significant nutritional benefits.

Benefits

Improves texture and consistency of the product.

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Citric acid
Neutral

Citric acid is used as a preservative and to add acidity to cottage cheese. It is naturally found in citrus fruits but is often synthetically produced for food use. It is generally recognized as safe but can cause irritation in some individuals.

Risks

May cause irritation in sensitive individuals when consumed in large amounts.

Benefits

Acts as a preservative and enhances flavor.

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Carbon dioxide
Neutral

Carbon dioxide is used to help protect the flavor of cottage cheese. It is a naturally occurring gas and is generally recognized as safe. It does not contribute any nutritional value.

Benefits

Helps preserve flavor without adding calories or nutrients.

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Carrageenan
Bad

Carrageenan is used as a stabilizer and thickener in dairy products. It is extracted from red seaweed but is highly processed. There are concerns about its potential to cause inflammation and digestive issues.

Risks

May cause gastrointestinal inflammation and discomfort in sensitive individuals.

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Polysorbate 80
Bad

Polysorbate 80 is an emulsifier used to improve texture and stability in processed foods. It is a synthetic compound with potential health concerns. Some studies suggest it may affect gut health and cause inflammation.

Risks

May contribute to gut inflammation and alter gut microbiota.

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Acetylated monoglycerides
Bad

Acetylated monoglycerides are used as emulsifiers in processed foods. They are chemically modified fats that help stabilize emulsions. There are concerns about their impact on health due to their synthetic nature.

Risks

Potential health concerns due to their synthetic nature and processing.

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Natural flavor
Bad

Natural flavor is a catch-all term for flavoring agents derived from natural sources. It lacks transparency and can include a wide range of substances. There are concerns about the lack of disclosure and potential allergens.

Risks

Potential allergens and lack of transparency in ingredient sourcing.

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Processing

Group 4 · Ultra-processed

Ultra-Processed Foods

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