COTTAGE CHEESE

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 stabilizers and preservatives such as guar gum, xanthan gum, carrageenan, and potassium sorbate, which contribute to its high processing level.

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; Mono- and Diglycerides, Carrageenan, Carob Bean Gum 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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COTTAGE CHEESE

60 Fair

Analysis updated June 2026 · How Scout scores

$2.57 · 2 pack · 5.3 oz · $0.48 / ounce
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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 2
Harmful ingredients 3
Category Cheese
Summary

This cottage cheese is ultra-processed, containing multiple stabilizers and preservatives such as guar gum, xanthan gum, carrageenan, and potassium sorbate, which contribute to its high processing level. While it includes beneficial ingredients like skim milk and cheese cultures, the presence of these additives and the reliance on synthetic preservatives limit its healthfulness compared to less processed dairy options.

Key ingredients 12

Milk
Good

Milk provides essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D, supporting overall health and development.

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Cream
Good

Cream adds richness and flavor to the product, enhancing taste and texture.

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Skim milk
Neutral

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

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Lactose
Neutral

Lactose is a natural sugar found in milk, which provides energy but may be less suitable for those with lactose intolerance.

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Salt
Neutral

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

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Guar Gum
Neutral

Part of Stabilizer. These stabilizers are processed additives that help maintain texture but are considered less natural and may cause sensitivities.

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Xanthan Gum
Neutral

Part of Stabilizer. These stabilizers are processed additives that help maintain texture but are considered less natural and may cause sensitivities.

See more about Xanthan Gum →
Citric acid
Neutral

Citric acid is used to regulate acidity and preserve freshness, common in processed foods.

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Carbon dioxide
Neutral

Carbon dioxide is used for carbonation or packaging purposes, not affecting nutritional value.

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Mono- and Diglycerides
Bad

Part of Stabilizer. These stabilizers are processed additives that help maintain texture but are considered less natural and may cause sensitivities.

See more about Mono- and Diglycerides →
Carrageenan
Bad

Part of Stabilizer. These stabilizers are processed additives that help maintain texture but are considered less natural and may cause sensitivities.

See more about Carrageenan →
Carob Bean Gum
Bad

Part of Stabilizer. These stabilizers are processed additives that help maintain texture but are considered less natural and may cause sensitivities.

See more about Carob Bean Gum →

Processing

Group 4 · Ultra-processed

Ultra-Processed Foods

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Amazon pricing & content

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