Cottage cheese

Common questions

Is Cottage cheese healthy?

Cottage cheese scores 60/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This cottage cheese contains beneficial whey protein, which is a high-quality source of amino acids.

How processed is Cottage cheese?

Cottage cheese is NOVA Group 4: Ultra-Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Cottage cheese's score?

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

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Cottage cheese

Wegmans
60 Fair

Analysis updated September 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 1
Harmful ingredients 0
Owned by Wegmans
Category Dairy
Summary

This cottage cheese contains beneficial whey protein, which is a high-quality source of amino acids. However, it is classified as ultra-processed due to the presence of multiple additives such as guar gum, xanthan gum, and locust bean gum, which are used for thickening and stabilizing. These additives can cause digestive issues in sensitive individuals, and the overall processing level limits the healthiness of the product.

Key ingredients 9

Cream
Good

Traditional whole-fat dairy ingredient.

Risks

Excessive consumption of saturated fats may contribute to heart disease.

Benefits

Enhances flavor and texture, and provides fat-soluble vitamins.

See more about Cream →
Cultured Pasteurized Grade A Nonfat Milk
Neutral

This ingredient is a primary source of protein and calcium in cottage cheese. Pasteurization ensures safety by eliminating harmful bacteria. However, it lacks the fat content that provides additional nutrients found in whole milk.

Benefits

Provides a good source of protein and calcium, essential for bone health.

See more about Cultured Pasteurized Grade A Nonfat Milk →
Whey
Neutral

Liquid whey as a minor dairy ingredient — benign.

Benefits

Excellent source of protein that supports muscle health and recovery.

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Salt
Neutral

Salt is used to enhance flavor and preserve the product. It is a common ingredient in processed foods. Excessive sodium intake can lead to health issues such as hypertension.

Risks

High sodium intake may increase the risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease.

Benefits

Enhances flavor and acts as a preservative.

See more about Salt →
Guar Gum
Neutral

Standard formulation ingredient — neither beneficial nor harmful at typical use.

Risks

May cause digestive issues such as bloating and gas in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Provides texture and stability to the product.

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Citric Acid
Neutral

Citric acid is used as a preservative and flavor enhancer. It is naturally found in citrus fruits but often produced synthetically for food use. Generally recognized as safe when used in moderation.

Risks

Excessive consumption may lead to dental erosion.

Benefits

Acts as a preservative and enhances flavor.

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Xanthan Gum
Neutral

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

Risks

May cause digestive discomfort such as bloating and gas.

Benefits

Improves texture and consistency of the product.

See more about Xanthan Gum →
Locust Bean Gum
Neutral

Locust bean gum is a natural thickener derived from carob seeds. It is used to improve texture and stability in food products. Generally considered safe with minimal health concerns.

Benefits

Enhances texture and stability of the product.

See more about Locust Bean Gum →
Enzyme
Neutral

Enzymes are used to aid in the fermentation process and improve texture. They are essential for breaking down proteins and fats in dairy products. Typically derived from microbial or animal sources.

Benefits

Improves texture and aids in the fermentation process.

Processing

Group 4 · Ultra-processed

Ultra-Processed Foods

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