Vegetarian Parmesan

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

Common questions

Is Vegetarian Parmesan healthy?

Vegetarian Parmesan scores 75/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This product is a processed cheese with added cellulose and natamycin, which are not typically found in traditional cheese-making.

How processed is Vegetarian Parmesan?

Vegetarian Parmesan is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Vegetarian Parmesan's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Cultured milk counts in its favor; Cellulose to prevent caking, Natamycin to protect flavor 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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Vegetarian Parmesan

75 Good

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 1
Harmful ingredients 2
Category Cheese
Summary

This product is a processed cheese with added cellulose and natamycin, which are not typically found in traditional cheese-making. While cellulose helps prevent caking and natamycin extends shelf life, their presence indicates a higher level of processing. The use of cultured milk is beneficial, but the additives detract from the overall quality compared to more traditional cheeses.

Key ingredients 5

Cultured milk
Good

Cultured milk is a primary ingredient in cheese, providing essential nutrients like calcium and protein. The fermentation process enhances digestibility and adds beneficial probiotics. It is a traditional component in cheese-making, contributing to flavor and texture.

Benefits

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

See more about Cultured milk →
Salt
Neutral

Salt is used in cheese for flavor enhancement and preservation. It is a common ingredient in cheese-making, helping to control moisture and inhibit bacterial growth. While essential in small amounts, excessive consumption can lead to health issues.

Risks

High sodium intake can contribute to hypertension and cardiovascular issues.

Benefits

Essential for flavor and preservation in cheese-making, contributing to the overall taste profile.

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Enzymes
Neutral

Enzymes are used in cheese production to aid in the coagulation of milk. They are crucial for developing the texture and flavor of cheese. Typically derived from microbial or animal sources, they are a standard component in cheese-making.

Benefits

Essential for cheese production, contributing to the development of texture and flavor.

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Cellulose to prevent caking
Bad

Cellulose is added to prevent caking in shredded cheese products. It is a plant-derived additive that can be considered unnecessary in whole cheese products. While generally recognized as safe, it adds to the processed nature of the product.

Risks

May contribute to the perception of the product as more processed and less natural.

Benefits

Helps maintain the texture and flow of shredded cheese by preventing clumping.

Natamycin to protect flavor
Bad

Natamycin is a preservative used to prevent mold growth on cheese. It is an antifungal agent that extends shelf life but is not necessary in traditional cheese-making. Its use indicates a more processed product.

Risks

May contribute to the perception of the product as more processed and less natural.

Benefits

Prevents mold growth, extending the shelf life of the cheese.

See more about Natamycin to protect flavor →

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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