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Parmesan Cheese

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

Common questions

Is Parmesan Cheese healthy?

Parmesan Cheese scores 85/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — one of the stronger scores in Scout's catalog. Parmesan cheese is made from cow's milk, salt, and rennet, which are traditional ingredients for cheese production.

How processed is Parmesan Cheese?

Parmesan Cheese is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Parmesan Cheese's score?

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

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Parmesan Cheese

Publix Super Markets, Inc.
85 Excellent

Analysis updated September 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 2
Harmful ingredients 0
Owned by Publix
Category Cheese
Summary

Parmesan cheese is made from cow's milk, salt, and rennet, which are traditional ingredients for cheese production. It provides a rich source of protein and essential nutrients like calcium. Despite being processed, the clean ingredient list and absence of harmful additives contribute to its high score within the processed food category.

Key ingredients 3

Cow's milk
Good

Cow's milk is a primary ingredient in cheese, providing essential nutrients like calcium and protein. It is typically pasteurized to ensure safety and quality. The milk used in cheese production contributes to its rich flavor and nutritional profile.

Risks

Some individuals may be lactose intolerant or allergic to cow's milk proteins.

Benefits

Rich in calcium and protein, supporting bone health and muscle maintenance.

See more about Cow's milk →
Rennet
Good

Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.

Benefits

Essential for the cheese-making process, enabling milk coagulation.

See more about Rennet →
Salt
Neutral

Salt is used in cheese making for flavor and as a preservative. It helps control the fermentation process and enhances the overall taste. While necessary in cheese production, excessive salt intake can be a health concern.

Risks

High sodium intake can contribute to hypertension and cardiovascular issues.

Benefits

Enhances flavor and acts as a preservative in cheese.

See more about Salt →

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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