Mozzarella

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Common questions

Is Mozzarella healthy?

Mozzarella scores 68/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This mozzarella cheese contains beneficial ingredients like pasteurized part-skim milk, which provides essential nutrients such as calcium and protein.

How processed is Mozzarella?

Mozzarella is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Mozzarella's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Pasteurized Part-Skim Milk, Cheese Culture count in its favor; Modified Cornstarch 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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Mozzarella

Bioengineered
68 Fair

Analysis updated July 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 2
Harmful ingredients 1
Category Cheese
Summary

This mozzarella cheese contains beneficial ingredients like pasteurized part-skim milk, which provides essential nutrients such as calcium and protein. However, the presence of modified cornstarch adds unnecessary processing, which affects the overall quality. The product is moderately processed, which limits its score despite having a relatively clean ingredient list.

Key ingredients 6

Pasteurized Part-Skim Milk
Good

This is a primary ingredient in cheese, providing essential nutrients like calcium and protein. Pasteurization ensures safety by eliminating harmful bacteria. Part-skim milk reduces fat content while maintaining nutritional value.

Benefits

Rich in calcium and protein, supporting bone health and muscle maintenance.

See more about Pasteurized Part-Skim Milk →
Cheese Culture
Good

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

Benefits

May support gut health by promoting beneficial bacteria.

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Salt
Neutral

Salt is used for flavor and as a preservative in cheese. It is a common culinary ingredient with no additional processing. While necessary for flavor, excessive consumption can lead to health issues.

Risks

High sodium intake can contribute to hypertension and cardiovascular issues.

Benefits

Enhances flavor and acts as a preservative in cheese.

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Enzymes
Neutral

Enzymes are used in cheese making to coagulate milk, forming curds. They are naturally occurring and essential for cheese production. Typically derived from animal or microbial sources, they are safe for consumption.

Benefits

Essential for the cheese-making process, aiding in milk coagulation.

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Natamycin
Neutral

Natamycin is a natural antifungal agent used to prevent mold growth on cheese. It is considered safe by food safety authorities. Its use is limited to the surface of cheese, minimizing ingestion.

Benefits

Prevents mold growth, extending the shelf life of cheese.

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Modified Cornstarch
Bad

Modified cornstarch is used as a thickening agent and stabilizer. It is a processed ingredient that may affect texture and shelf life. While generally safe, it adds unnecessary processing to the product.

Risks

May cause digestive issues in sensitive individuals and adds to the processed nature of the product.

Benefits

Provides texture and stability to the cheese product.

See more about Modified Cornstarch →

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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