Shredded Parmesan Cheese

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Common questions

Is Shredded Parmesan Cheese healthy?

Shredded Parmesan Cheese scores 68/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This shredded Parmesan cheese is made from traditional cheese-making ingredients like pasteurized part-skim milk, cheese culture, salt, and enzymes, which are beneficial for nutrient absorption.

How processed is Shredded Parmesan Cheese?

Shredded Parmesan Cheese is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Shredded Parmesan Cheese's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Parmesan cheese counts in its favor; Natamycin 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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Shredded Parmesan Cheese

Winco Foods
68 Fair

Analysis updated October 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 1
Harmful ingredients 1
Owned by Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
Category Cheese
Summary

This shredded Parmesan cheese is made from traditional cheese-making ingredients like pasteurized part-skim milk, cheese culture, salt, and enzymes, which are beneficial for nutrient absorption. However, the addition of potato starch to prevent caking and natamycin as a mold inhibitor indicates a moderate level of processing. While natamycin is considered safe, its presence as a preservative slightly detracts from the product's overall natural quality.

Key ingredients 3

Parmesan cheese
Good

Parmesan cheese is a high-quality source of protein and calcium. It is made from pasteurized part-skim milk, cheese culture, salt, and enzymes, which are traditional cheese-making ingredients. The fermentation process enhances its digestibility and nutrient absorption.

Risks

Contains milk, which may cause allergic reactions in lactose-intolerant individuals.

Benefits

Rich in protein and calcium, supporting bone health and muscle maintenance. Contains beneficial bacteria from the cheese culture that may aid digestion.

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Potato starch
Neutral

Potato starch is used as an anti-caking agent to prevent clumping in shredded cheese. It is a minimally processed carbohydrate derived from potatoes. It does not significantly impact the nutritional profile of the cheese.

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Natamycin
Bad

Natamycin is a natural mold inhibitor used to extend the shelf life of cheese. While it is considered safe, its use as a preservative indicates a level of processing. It is not a traditional cheese ingredient and may concern those seeking minimally processed foods.

Risks

May cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals and is not a traditional cheese ingredient.

Benefits

Helps prevent mold growth, extending the shelf life of the cheese without altering its flavor.

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Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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