Cottage Cheese

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

Common questions

Is Cottage Cheese healthy?

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 and carrageenan, which are used to improve texture but may cause digestive issues in some individuals.

How processed is Cottage Cheese?

Cottage Cheese is NOVA Group 4: Ultra-Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Cottage Cheese's score?

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

You might also like

See more

Cottage Cheese

H-E-B
60 Fair

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

$3.87 · 16 oz · $0.24 / ounce
View on Amazon
Verified Amazon match

At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 2
Harmful ingredients 1
Owned by H-E-B
Category Cheese
Summary

This cottage cheese is ultra-processed, containing multiple additives such as guar gum and carrageenan, which are used to improve texture but may cause digestive issues in some individuals. Despite having a decent protein content, the presence of these additives and the high level of processing limit its healthiness compared to more traditional, minimally processed cheeses.

Key ingredients 10

Milk
Good

Whole dairy ingredient.

Risks

May cause digestive issues in lactose-intolerant individuals.

Benefits

Rich in calcium and vitamin D, supporting bone health and providing a complete protein profile.

See more about Milk →
Cream
Good

Traditional whole-fat dairy ingredient.

Risks

High in saturated fats, which should be consumed in moderation to maintain heart health.

Benefits

Enhances flavor and texture, providing a creamy consistency.

See more about Cream →
Cultured pasteurized skim milk
Neutral

Cultured pasteurized skim milk is a common base for cottage cheese, providing protein and calcium. The pasteurization process ensures safety by eliminating harmful bacteria. However, it lacks the fat content found in whole milk, which may reduce its nutritional richness.

Benefits

Provides a source of protein and calcium, essential for bone health.

Nonfat dry milk
Neutral

Nonfat dry milk is used to increase protein content without adding fat. It is a processed form of milk that retains most nutrients except for fat. While it is convenient and shelf-stable, it lacks the natural fats found in whole milk.

Benefits

Increases protein content without adding fat, making it a low-fat option.

See more about Nonfat dry milk →
Salt
Neutral

Salt is used for flavor enhancement and preservation in dairy products. It is a necessary mineral but should be consumed in moderation to avoid high blood pressure. In this context, it serves primarily as a flavoring agent.

Risks

Excessive consumption can lead to high blood pressure and cardiovascular issues.

Benefits

Enhances flavor and acts as a preservative.

See more about Salt →
Guar gum
Neutral

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

Risks

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

Benefits

Improves texture and consistency in processed foods.

See more about Guar gum →
Carob bean gum
Neutral

Carob bean gum is a natural thickener derived from the seeds of the carob tree. It is used to improve texture and stability in foods. While generally safe, it does not provide significant nutritional benefits.

Benefits

Improves texture and stability in food products.

See more about Carob bean gum →
Enzyme
Neutral

Enzymes are used in cheese production to aid in the coagulation of milk. They are essential for the cheese-making process and are generally safe. The specific type of enzyme used can vary, but they typically do not pose health risks.

Benefits

Essential for the cheese-making process, aiding in milk coagulation.

Carbon dioxide
Neutral

Carbon dioxide is used in food packaging to extend shelf life by inhibiting microbial growth. It is a naturally occurring gas and is generally recognized as safe. It does not contribute any nutritional value to the product.

Benefits

Extends shelf life by inhibiting microbial growth in packaged foods.

See more about Carbon dioxide →
Carrageenan
Bad

Carrageenan is a common food additive used for thickening and stabilizing. It is derived from red seaweed but is highly processed. Some studies suggest it may cause inflammation or digestive issues in sensitive individuals.

Risks

Potential to cause inflammation and digestive issues in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Provides thickening and stabilizing properties in food products.

See more about Carrageenan →

Processing

Group 4 · Ultra-processed

Ultra-Processed Foods

Get the full breakdown in the Scout appTake Scout shopping

Scan any product to see lab results, healthy alternatives, and your personalized analysis.

Download on theApp Store GET IT ONGoogle Play
Amazon pricing & content

Amazon price as of . Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED “AS IS” AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.

More in Cheese