MOZZARELLA CHEESE

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Common questions

Is MOZZARELLA CHEESE healthy?

MOZZARELLA CHEESE 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 is made from cultured pasteurized part-skim milk, which provides essential nutrients like protein and calcium.

How processed is MOZZARELLA CHEESE?

MOZZARELLA CHEESE is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive MOZZARELLA CHEESE's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Cultured pasteurized part-skim milk counts in its favor; Natamycin 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 CHEESE

Finely shredded
68 Fair

Analysis updated September 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 1
Harmful ingredients 1
Category Cheese
Summary

This mozzarella cheese is made from cultured pasteurized part-skim milk, which provides essential nutrients like protein and calcium. However, it includes natamycin as a preservative, indicating a moderate level of processing. While the ingredient list is relatively clean, the presence of an additive and the processing level limit its score compared to more traditional, minimally processed cheeses.

Key ingredients 6

Cultured pasteurized part-skim milk
Good

This ingredient is a primary component of cheese, providing essential proteins and calcium. The pasteurization process ensures safety by eliminating harmful bacteria. Part-skim milk reduces fat content while maintaining nutritional value.

Benefits

Rich in protein and calcium, supporting bone health and muscle function. Provides essential nutrients with reduced fat content.

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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 significant processing concerns. However, 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, extending the shelf life of the product.

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Enzymes
Neutral

Enzymes are used in cheese production to aid in coagulation and flavor development. They are naturally occurring and essential for cheese making. The use of enzymes is standard in cheese production and poses no health risks.

Benefits

Essential for cheese production, aiding in coagulation and flavor development.

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Vitamin A palmitate
Neutral

Vitamin A palmitate is added to fortify the cheese with vitamin A. It is a synthetic form of vitamin A commonly used in food fortification. While beneficial for vision and immune function, excessive intake can be harmful.

Risks

Excessive intake of vitamin A can lead to toxicity, but this is unlikely from normal consumption of fortified foods.

Benefits

Supports vision and immune function by providing an essential nutrient.

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Potato starch
Neutral

Potato starch is used as an anti-caking agent to prevent clumping in shredded cheese. It is a natural carbohydrate derived from potatoes. Its use is common in food processing and poses no significant health risks.

Benefits

Prevents clumping in shredded cheese, ensuring even distribution and ease of use.

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Natamycin
Bad

Natamycin is a preservative used to prevent mold growth on cheese. It is a natural antifungal agent but is considered an additive. While generally recognized as safe, its presence indicates processing.

Risks

May cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals and indicates a higher level of processing.

Benefits

Prevents mold growth, extending the shelf life of the product.

See more about Natamycin →

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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