Parmesan

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

Common questions

Is Parmesan healthy?

Parmesan scores 85/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — one of the stronger scores in Scout's catalog. This Parmesan cheese is made from simple, traditional ingredients: cow’s milk, salt, and rennet.

How processed is Parmesan?

Parmesan is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Parmesan'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

85 Excellent

Analysis updated September 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 2
Harmful ingredients 0
Category Cheese
Summary

This Parmesan cheese is made from simple, traditional ingredients: cow’s milk, salt, and rennet. It is a processed food but retains a clean label with no artificial additives or harmful substances. The use of high-quality milk contributes to its nutritional value, making it a healthier choice within its category despite its processing level.

Key ingredients 3

Cow’s milk
Good

Cow’s milk is a primary source of high-quality protein and essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D. It is minimally processed when used in cheese production, retaining most of its nutritional benefits. The milk used in Parmesan is typically from cows, which may be pasture-raised, enhancing its nutrient profile.

Risks

Potential risks include lactose intolerance or milk allergies in some individuals.

Benefits

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

See more about Cow’s milk →
Rennet
Good

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

See more about Rennet →
Salt
Neutral

Salt is used in cheese production for flavor and preservation. It is a refined ingredient without additional health benefits. While necessary in cheese making, excessive consumption of salt can lead to health issues.

Risks

High sodium intake can contribute to hypertension and cardiovascular issues.

See more about Salt →

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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