The Laughing Cow Original

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Common questions

Is The Laughing Cow Original healthy?

The Laughing Cow Original scores 75/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. The Laughing Cow Original cheese is made from a blend of cheddar, semisoft, and Swiss cheeses, along with pasteurized milk and cultures, which provide beneficial nutrients like calcium and protein.

How processed is The Laughing Cow Original?

The Laughing Cow Original is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive The Laughing Cow Original's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Cheddar, Semisoft cheese, Swiss cheese 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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The Laughing Cow Original

The Laughing Cow
75 Good

Analysis updated May 2026 · How Scout scores

$23.00 · 6 oz · $7.67 / count
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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 9
Harmful ingredients 0
Owned by Bel Group
Category Cheese
Summary

The Laughing Cow Original cheese is made from a blend of cheddar, semisoft, and Swiss cheeses, along with pasteurized milk and cultures, which provide beneficial nutrients like calcium and protein. The product is processed, but it avoids harmful additives and seed oils, maintaining a clean ingredient list. Its processing level limits the score, but the high-quality ingredients and absence of artificial additives contribute positively to its rating.

Key ingredients 14

Cheddar
Good

Cheddar is a source of high-quality protein and calcium, essential for bone health. It is made from milk and cultures, providing beneficial nutrients. The aging process enhances flavor and digestibility.

Risks

Contains lactose, which may cause issues for lactose-intolerant individuals.

Benefits

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

Semisoft cheese
Good

Semisoft cheese offers a creamy texture and is a good source of calcium and protein. It is made from milk, cultures, and enzymes, providing essential nutrients. The moderate aging process enhances its flavor profile.

Risks

May contain lactose, which can be problematic for those with lactose intolerance.

Benefits

Provides calcium and protein, important for bone and muscle health.

Swiss cheese
Good

Swiss cheese is known for its distinctive holes and nutty flavor, rich in calcium and protein. It is produced using milk, cultures, and enzymes, contributing to its nutritional value. The fermentation process can enhance probiotic content.

Risks

Contains lactose, which may not be suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals.

Benefits

High in calcium and protein, supporting bone health and muscle function.

Pasteurized milk
Good

Pasteurized milk is a primary source of calcium and vitamin D, essential for bone health. The pasteurization process ensures safety by eliminating harmful bacteria. It serves as a base for many dairy products, providing essential nutrients.

Benefits

Rich in calcium and vitamin D, supporting bone health and immune function.

See more about Pasteurized milk →
Part-skim milk
Good

Part-skim milk offers a balance of reduced fat content while maintaining essential nutrients like calcium and protein. It is processed to remove some fat, making it a lighter option. This milk is often used in cheese production for a healthier profile.

Benefits

Provides calcium and protein with reduced fat content, supporting bone health.

Cultures
Good

Cultures are beneficial bacteria used in cheese production, aiding in fermentation and flavor development. They contribute to the probiotic content of the cheese, supporting gut health. High-quality cultures enhance the nutritional profile of dairy products.

Benefits

Supports gut health through probiotic content and aids in digestion.

See more about Cultures →
Milk protein
Good

Milk protein provides essential amino acids necessary for muscle repair and growth. It is derived from milk and is highly bioavailable. This protein supports overall health and wellness.

Risks

May not be suitable for individuals with milk allergies.

Benefits

Rich in essential amino acids, supporting muscle repair and growth.

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Milk protein concentrate
Good

Milk protein concentrate is a concentrated source of milk proteins, offering high protein content with minimal fat. It is used to enhance the protein content of dairy products. This ingredient supports muscle maintenance and satiety.

Risks

May not be suitable for individuals with milk allergies.

Benefits

Provides concentrated protein, supporting muscle maintenance and satiety.

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Cream
Good

Traditional whole-fat dairy ingredient.

Risks

High in calories and saturated fats, which should be consumed in moderation.

Benefits

Adds richness and creamy texture to dairy products.

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Salt
Neutral

Salt is used in cheese making for flavor enhancement and preservation. It helps control microbial growth and contributes to the texture of the cheese. While necessary in small amounts, excessive consumption can lead to health issues.

Risks

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

Benefits

Enhances flavor and acts as a preservative in cheese production.

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Enzymes
Neutral

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

Benefits

Facilitates cheese production and enhances flavor and texture.

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Whey
Neutral

Liquid whey as a minor dairy ingredient — benign.

Risks

May cause digestive issues for those with lactose intolerance.

Benefits

Excellent source of high-quality protein, supporting muscle health.

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Butter
Neutral

Butter is a dairy product made from churning cream, providing a rich source of fat. It is used for flavor and texture in cheese products. While it contains saturated fats, moderate consumption is generally considered safe.

Risks

High in saturated fats, which should be consumed in moderation to avoid cardiovascular issues.

Benefits

Enhances flavor and texture in culinary applications.

See more about Butter →
Water
Neutral

Water is used in cheese production to adjust texture and consistency. It is a neutral ingredient with no direct nutritional impact. Its primary role is to aid in processing and achieving the desired product consistency.

Benefits

Essential for processing and achieving desired texture in cheese.

See more about Water →

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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