Cabot Cottage Cheese, 16 oz

Common questions

Is Cabot Cottage Cheese, 16 oz healthy?

Cabot Cottage Cheese, 16 oz 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 ingredients like cultured pasteurized skim milk and milk, which provide protein and calcium.

How processed is Cabot Cottage Cheese, 16 oz?

Cabot Cottage Cheese, 16 oz is NOVA Group 4: Ultra-Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Cabot Cottage Cheese, 16 oz's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Cultured Pasteurized Skim Milk, Milk, Cream count in its favor; Carrageenan, Phosphoric Acid, Natural Flavoring are flagged as ingredients of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Cabot Cottage Cheese, 16 oz

Cabot
60 Fair

Analysis updated September 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 4
Harmful ingredients 5
Owned by Agri-Mark
Category Cheese
Summary

This cottage cheese contains beneficial ingredients like cultured pasteurized skim milk and milk, which provide protein and calcium. However, it is heavily processed with additives such as carrageenan, phosphoric acid, and maltodextrin, which are associated with potential health concerns. The presence of these additives and the overall level of processing limit its healthiness compared to less processed dairy products.

Key ingredients 19

Cultured Pasteurized Skim Milk
Good

Cultured pasteurized skim milk is a primary ingredient in cottage cheese, providing a source of protein and calcium. The culturing process enhances digestibility and adds beneficial probiotics. Pasteurization ensures safety by eliminating harmful bacteria.

Benefits

Rich in protein and calcium, supporting bone health and muscle maintenance. Contains probiotics that may aid in digestion.

Milk
Good

Milk is a fundamental dairy ingredient providing essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D. It is a complete protein source, offering all essential amino acids. The inclusion of milk enhances the nutritional profile of the product.

Risks

Lactose intolerance can cause digestive issues for some individuals.

Benefits

Provides calcium and vitamin D, which are crucial for bone health. Offers a complete protein source for muscle repair and growth.

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Cream
Good

Traditional whole-fat dairy ingredient.

Risks

High in saturated fat, which may impact heart health if consumed in excess.

Benefits

Enhances flavor and texture, making the product more palatable.

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Vitamin D3
Good

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

Benefits

Supports bone health and immune function by aiding calcium absorption.

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Cultured Grade A Nonfat Dry Milk
Neutral

Cultured grade A nonfat dry milk is used to improve texture and protein content. It is a processed form of milk that retains essential nutrients. The culturing process can add beneficial bacteria.

Risks

May cause digestive issues for those with lactose intolerance.

Benefits

Increases protein content and may provide probiotics due to culturing.

Grade A Whey
Neutral

Grade A whey is a byproduct of cheese production, rich in protein and amino acids. It is often used to enhance the protein content of dairy products. Whey is easily digestible and supports muscle recovery.

Risks

May cause allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to dairy proteins.

Benefits

Provides high-quality protein that supports muscle growth and repair.

Salt
Neutral

Salt is used for flavor enhancement and preservation in cottage cheese. It is a common ingredient in processed foods to improve taste. Excessive consumption can lead to health issues like hypertension.

Risks

High sodium intake can contribute to hypertension and cardiovascular issues.

Benefits

Enhances flavor and acts as a preservative.

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Locust Bean Gum
Neutral

Locust bean gum is a natural thickener derived from carob seeds. It is used to stabilize and thicken dairy products. Generally considered safe, it can improve texture without significant health concerns.

Risks

Excessive consumption may cause digestive discomfort.

Benefits

Enhances texture and stability of the product.

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Guar Gum
Neutral

Guar gum is a thickening agent derived from guar beans, used to improve texture. It is a soluble fiber that can aid in digestion. Generally recognized as safe, it is widely used in food processing.

Risks

May cause digestive issues like bloating if consumed in large amounts.

Benefits

Improves texture and may aid digestion due to its fiber content.

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Citric Acid
Neutral

Citric acid is a natural preservative and flavor enhancer found in citrus fruits. It is used to maintain freshness and enhance tartness. Generally recognized as safe, it is widely used in food products.

Risks

Excessive consumption may cause tooth enamel erosion.

Benefits

Acts as a preservative and enhances flavor.

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Lactic Acid
Neutral

Lactic acid is a natural acid used to enhance flavor and preserve food. It is produced by fermentation and contributes to the tangy taste of dairy products. Generally considered safe, it is a common additive in fermented foods.

Benefits

Enhances flavor and acts as a preservative.

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Modified Cellulose
Neutral

Modified cellulose is used as a thickener and stabilizer in processed foods. It is derived from plant fibers and is generally recognized as safe. It helps improve texture and consistency in food products.

Risks

Excessive consumption may cause digestive discomfort.

Benefits

Improves texture and stability of the product.

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Starter Distillate
Neutral

Starter distillate is used in dairy products to enhance flavor and fermentation. It is a byproduct of fermentation processes and contributes to the tangy taste. Generally considered safe, it is a common additive in cultured dairy products.

Benefits

Enhances flavor and supports fermentation.

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Enzymes
Neutral

Enzymes are used in cheese production to aid in the coagulation and fermentation processes. They are essential for developing the texture and flavor of cheese. Generally recognized as safe, they are a natural part of cheese-making.

Benefits

Essential for cheese production, contributing to texture and flavor development.

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Carrageenan
Bad

Carrageenan is a thickening agent derived from seaweed, used to improve texture. It is controversial due to potential digestive issues and inflammation. Some studies suggest it may cause gastrointestinal discomfort.

Risks

May cause digestive issues and inflammation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Improves texture and stability of the product.

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Phosphoric Acid
Bad

Phosphoric acid is used as an acidity regulator and preservative in processed foods. It is associated with potential negative effects on bone health due to phosphorus imbalance. Excessive consumption can lead to health concerns.

Risks

May contribute to bone density loss and kidney issues if consumed in excess.

Benefits

Acts as an acidity regulator and preservative.

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Natural Flavoring
Bad

Natural flavoring is a catch-all term for flavor compounds derived from natural sources. It lacks transparency, making it difficult to assess health impacts. The term can mask the presence of additives or allergens.

Risks

Potential allergen risk and lack of transparency in ingredient sourcing.

Benefits

Enhances flavor without adding calories.

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Maltodextrin
Bad

Maltodextrin is a highly processed carbohydrate used as a thickener and filler. It has a high glycemic index, which can impact blood sugar levels. Often used in processed foods, it provides little nutritional value.

Risks

May cause spikes in blood sugar levels and contribute to weight gain.

Benefits

Improves texture and acts as a filler in food products.

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Potassium Sorbate
Bad

Synthetic preservative — flagged in daily-use products.

Risks

May cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Prevents spoilage and extends shelf life of the product.

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Processing

Group 4 · Ultra-processed

Ultra-Processed Foods

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