Ricotta Cheese

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Common questions

Is Ricotta Cheese healthy?

Ricotta Cheese scores 63/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This ricotta cheese contains beneficial whey protein but also includes multiple stabilizers like xanthan gum and guar gum, which indicate a higher level of processing.

How processed is Ricotta Cheese?

Ricotta Cheese is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Ricotta Cheese's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Milk counts in its favor. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Ricotta Cheese

Publix
63 Fair

Analysis updated September 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 1
Harmful ingredients 0
Owned by Publix
Category Cheese
Summary

This ricotta cheese contains beneficial whey protein but also includes multiple stabilizers like xanthan gum and guar gum, which indicate a higher level of processing. The presence of these additives suggests a deviation from traditional cheese-making methods, impacting its overall healthiness despite the presence of quality ingredients like milk and whey.

Key ingredients 6

Milk
Good

Whole dairy ingredient.

Risks

Potential risks include lactose intolerance and possible exposure to hormones or antibiotics in non-organic milk.

Benefits

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

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Whey
Neutral

Liquid whey as a minor dairy ingredient — benign.

Benefits

Rich in essential amino acids and supports muscle growth and repair. May also aid in weight management and improve immune function.

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Vinegar
Neutral

Vinegar is used as an acidifying agent in cheese production. It is a natural ingredient with minimal processing. Vinegar can help in preserving the cheese and enhancing its flavor.

Benefits

Acts as a natural preservative and flavor enhancer in cheese production.

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Xanthan Gum
Neutral

Fermentation-derived thickener, well tolerated at food-use levels.

Risks

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

Benefits

Helps improve texture and stability in processed foods, though it offers no nutritional benefits.

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Locust Bean Gum
Neutral

Locust bean gum is a natural thickener derived from carob seeds. It is used to improve texture and stability in food products. It is generally considered safe and minimally processed.

Benefits

Provides a natural source of fiber and helps improve the texture of food products.

See more about Locust Bean Gum →
Guar Gum
Neutral

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

Risks

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

Benefits

Improves texture and stability in processed foods, though it offers no significant nutritional benefits.

See more about Guar Gum →

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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