LOW FAT SMALL CURD COTTAGE CHEESE

Common questions

Is LOW FAT SMALL CURD COTTAGE CHEESE healthy?

LOW FAT SMALL CURD COTTAGE CHEESE 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 potassium sorbate, which are used to enhance texture and preserve freshness.

How processed is LOW FAT SMALL CURD COTTAGE CHEESE?

LOW FAT SMALL CURD COTTAGE CHEESE is NOVA Group 4: Ultra-Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive LOW FAT SMALL CURD COTTAGE CHEESE's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Pasteurized cultured skim milk, Milk, Cream count in its favor; Mono and diglycerides, Carrageenan, Potassium sorbate 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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LOW FAT SMALL CURD COTTAGE CHEESE

Food Club
60 Fair

Analysis updated September 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 3
Harmful ingredients 3
Owned by Topco Associates, LLC
Category Cheese
Summary

This cottage cheese is ultra-processed, containing multiple additives such as guar gum, carrageenan, and potassium sorbate, which are used to enhance texture and preserve freshness. While it provides a good source of protein and calcium from cultured skim milk, the presence of these synthetic and processed ingredients, along with emulsifiers, detracts from its overall healthiness.

Key ingredients 13

Pasteurized cultured skim milk
Good

A primary ingredient providing protein and calcium. Pasteurization ensures safety by eliminating harmful bacteria. Culturing enhances digestibility and adds beneficial probiotics.

Benefits

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

Milk
Good

Whole dairy ingredient.

Risks

May cause digestive issues for those with lactose intolerance.

Benefits

Provides essential nutrients such as calcium and protein, beneficial for bone health.

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Cream
Good

Traditional whole-fat dairy ingredient.

Risks

High in saturated fat, which may contribute to heart disease if consumed in excess.

Benefits

Enhances flavor and texture, providing a creamy mouthfeel.

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Salt
Neutral

Used for flavor enhancement and preservation. It is a common ingredient in processed foods. Excessive consumption can lead to health issues such as hypertension.

Risks

High sodium intake can contribute to hypertension and cardiovascular disease.

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.

Benefits

Improves texture and consistency in food products.

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Locust bean gum
Neutral

A natural thickener derived from carob seeds. It is used to stabilize and thicken food products. Generally considered safe, but excessive use may cause digestive issues.

Risks

Excessive consumption may lead to digestive discomfort.

Benefits

Helps stabilize and thicken food products, improving texture.

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Xanthan gum
Neutral

A common food additive used as a thickener and stabilizer. It is produced by fermenting sugar with bacteria. Generally safe, but may cause digestive issues in sensitive individuals.

Risks

May cause digestive issues such as bloating and gas in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Improves texture and stability of food products.

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Citric acid
Neutral

A natural acid used as a preservative and flavor enhancer. It is commonly found in citrus fruits. Generally recognized as safe, but excessive consumption may cause tooth enamel erosion.

Risks

Excessive consumption may lead to tooth enamel erosion.

Benefits

Enhances flavor and acts as a preservative.

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Vitamin A palmitate
Neutral

A synthetic form of vitamin A used to fortify foods. It is important for vision and immune function. Overconsumption can lead to toxicity.

Risks

Overconsumption can lead to vitamin A toxicity, causing health issues.

Benefits

Essential for vision and immune function, fortifying foods with vitamin A.

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Enzymes
Neutral

Used to aid in the cheese-making process by breaking down milk proteins. They are naturally occurring and essential for cheese production. Generally considered safe with no significant health concerns.

Benefits

Essential for cheese production, aiding in protein breakdown and flavor development.

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Mono and diglycerides
Bad

Emulsifiers used to improve texture and extend shelf life. They are synthetic and highly processed. May contain trans fats, which are linked to heart disease.

Risks

Potential presence of trans fats, which are associated with increased risk of heart disease.

Benefits

Improves texture and shelf life of food products.

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Carrageenan
Bad

A thickening agent derived from red seaweed. It is controversial due to potential inflammatory effects. Some studies suggest it may cause digestive issues.

Risks

Potential to cause inflammation and digestive issues in some individuals.

Benefits

Used to improve texture and stability in food products.

See more about Carrageenan →
Potassium sorbate
Bad

A preservative used to extend shelf life by inhibiting mold and yeast growth. It is synthetic and highly processed. Some individuals may experience allergic reactions.

Risks

May cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Effectively extends shelf life by preventing mold and yeast growth.

See more about Potassium sorbate →

Processing

Group 4 · Ultra-processed

Ultra-Processed Foods

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