Parmigiano Reggiano

Common questions

Is Parmigiano Reggiano healthy?

Parmigiano Reggiano scores 88/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — one of the stronger scores in Scout's catalog. Parmigiano Reggiano is a traditional cheese made from part-skimmed cow's milk, cheese cultures, salt, and rennet, which are all high-quality ingredients.

How processed is Parmigiano Reggiano?

Parmigiano Reggiano is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Parmigiano Reggiano's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Part-skimmed cow's milk, Cheese cultures, Rennet count in its favor. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Parmigiano Reggiano

Kirkland Signature
88 Excellent

Analysis updated September 2026 · How Scout scores

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Near you

Kirkland Signature is carried at Costco stores. Find one within 25 miles.

At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 3
Harmful ingredients 0
Owned by Costco
Category Cheese
Summary

Parmigiano Reggiano is a traditional cheese made from part-skimmed cow's milk, cheese cultures, salt, and rennet, which are all high-quality ingredients. The cheese is minimally processed compared to other dairy products, retaining essential nutrients and beneficial bacteria that support gut health. Despite being classified as processed, its clean ingredient list and traditional preparation method contribute to a high score.

Key ingredients 4

Part-skimmed cow's milk
Good

Part-skimmed cow's milk is a primary ingredient in cheese, providing essential nutrients like calcium and protein. It is less processed than many other dairy products, retaining more natural nutrients. The use of cow's milk in traditional cheese-making supports a rich flavor profile.

Risks

Potential risks include lactose intolerance or milk allergies in some individuals.

Benefits

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

Cheese cultures
Good

Cheese cultures are beneficial bacteria used in the fermentation process of cheese-making. They enhance the flavor and texture of the cheese while also contributing to gut health. The presence of live cultures can aid in digestion and improve gut microbiota.

Benefits

Contributes to gut health by providing beneficial bacteria that aid in digestion.

See more about Cheese cultures →
Rennet
Good

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

Benefits

Essential for coagulating milk in cheese-making, contributing to the texture and structure of the cheese.

See more about Rennet →
Salt
Neutral

Salt is used in cheese-making to enhance flavor and act as a preservative. It is a common ingredient in many foods and is necessary for certain bodily functions. However, excessive consumption of salt can lead to health issues such as high blood pressure.

Risks

Excessive salt intake can contribute to high blood pressure and cardiovascular issues.

Benefits

Enhances flavor and acts as a preservative in cheese.

See more about Salt →

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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