Parmigiano Reggiano

Common questions

Is Parmigiano Reggiano healthy?

Parmigiano Reggiano scores 85/100 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, 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
85 Excellent

Analysis updated August 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 2
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. Despite being classified as processed, it maintains a clean label with no artificial additives or seed oils, contributing to its high score. The cheese's nutrient profile, including high protein and calcium content, further supports its favorable rating.

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 compared to other dairy alternatives and retains beneficial nutrients. The use of cow's milk in cheese production is traditional and supports a rich flavor profile.

Risks

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

Benefits

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

Rennet
Good

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

Benefits

Essential for coagulating milk in the cheese-making process.

See more about Rennet →
Cheese cultures
Neutral

Cheese cultures are essential for the fermentation process in cheese making, contributing to flavor and texture. They are naturally occurring bacteria that help in the development of cheese. While they are necessary for cheese production, they do not provide significant nutritional benefits on their own.

Benefits

Contributes to the development of flavor and texture in cheese.

See more about Cheese cultures →
Salt
Neutral

Salt is used in cheese making for flavor and as a preservative. It is a common ingredient in many foods and helps in the maturation process of cheese. While it is necessary for flavor, excessive consumption can lead to health issues such as high blood pressure.

Risks

Excessive salt intake can contribute to hypertension 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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