Cottage Cheese

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Common questions

Is Cottage Cheese healthy?

Cottage Cheese scores 68/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This cottage cheese contains beneficial ingredients like cultured milk and cream, which provide protein and calcium.

How processed is Cottage Cheese?

Cottage Cheese is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Cottage Cheese's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Cultured Pasteurized Grade A Nonfat Milk, Milk and Cream count in its favor; Modified Food Starch is flagged as an ingredient 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

Knudsen
68 Fair

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 2
Harmful ingredients 1
Owned by Lactalis
Category Cheese
Summary

This cottage cheese contains beneficial ingredients like cultured milk and cream, which provide protein and calcium. However, it also includes modified food starch and xanthan gum, which are processed additives that offer no nutritional benefits and may cause digestive issues for some individuals. The presence of these additives and the level of processing limit its score despite the nutritional benefits of the primary ingredients.

Key ingredients 7

Cultured Pasteurized Grade A Nonfat Milk
Good

This is a high-quality source of protein and calcium, essential for bone health. The pasteurization process ensures safety by eliminating harmful bacteria. Culturing adds beneficial probiotics that can aid digestion.

Benefits

Provides essential nutrients like protein and calcium. Contains probiotics that support gut health.

See more about Cultured Pasteurized Grade A Nonfat Milk →
Milk and Cream
Good

Milk and cream are rich in calcium and vitamin D, supporting bone health. They provide a source of healthy fats and proteins. The combination enhances the creamy texture and flavor of the product.

Benefits

Rich in calcium and vitamin D, supporting bone health. Provides healthy fats and proteins.

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Whey
Neutral

Whey is a byproduct of cheese production and a source of protein. It is often used to enhance the protein content of dairy products. While beneficial for muscle repair, it may cause digestive issues in lactose-intolerant individuals.

Risks

May cause digestive issues in individuals with lactose intolerance.

Benefits

Provides a high-quality source of protein beneficial for muscle repair.

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Salt
Neutral

Salt is used to enhance flavor and preserve the product. It is a common ingredient in cheese but should be consumed in moderation due to potential health risks. Excessive intake can lead to high blood pressure.

Risks

Excessive intake can lead to high blood pressure.

Benefits

Enhances flavor and acts as a preservative.

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Calcium Phosphate
Neutral

Calcium phosphate is used as a mineral supplement and stabilizer. It helps maintain the product's texture and provides a source of calcium. However, it is not a natural source of calcium and is added for fortification.

Benefits

Provides a source of calcium, supporting bone health.

See more about Calcium Phosphate →
Xanthan Gum
Neutral

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

Risks

May cause digestive issues in some individuals.

See more about Xanthan Gum →
Modified Food Starch
Bad

Modified food starch is used as a thickening agent and may be derived from various sources. It is highly processed and offers no nutritional benefits. Its consumption may lead to digestive discomfort in sensitive individuals.

Risks

May cause digestive discomfort in sensitive individuals.

See more about Modified Food Starch →

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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