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Parmesan Cheese

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Common questions

Is Parmesan Cheese healthy?

Parmesan Cheese scores 78/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This Parmesan cheese is a processed product with a traditional cheese base, made from pasteurized milk, cheese cultures, salt, and enzymes, which are typical for cheese-making.

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, Parmesan cheese counts in its favor; Powdered cellulose 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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Parmesan Cheese

78 Good

Analysis updated September 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 1
Harmful ingredients 1
Category Cheese
Summary

This Parmesan cheese is a processed product with a traditional cheese base, made from pasteurized milk, cheese cultures, salt, and enzymes, which are typical for cheese-making. However, the addition of powdered cellulose as an anti-caking agent indicates a higher level of processing than traditional cheese. While the cheese itself is a good source of protein and calcium, the presence of this additive slightly reduces its overall score.

Key ingredients 2

Parmesan cheese
Good

Parmesan cheese is a high-quality source of protein and calcium, beneficial for bone health. It is made from pasteurized part-skim cow's milk, cheese cultures, 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 muscle and bone health. Contains beneficial probiotics from the fermentation process.

See more about Parmesan cheese →
Powdered cellulose
Bad

Powdered cellulose is used as an anti-caking agent to prevent clumping in cheese products. It is a processed additive derived from plant fibers, which may not provide nutritional benefits. While generally recognized as safe, its presence indicates a level of processing beyond traditional cheese-making.

Risks

May indicate a higher level of processing and could be a concern for those seeking minimally processed foods.

See more about Powdered cellulose →

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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