Ricotta

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Common questions

Is Ricotta healthy?

Ricotta scores 78/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This ricotta cheese is a processed food with a simple ingredient list, primarily consisting of milk and salt, with citric acid as the only additive.

How processed is Ricotta?

Ricotta is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Ricotta's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Milk counts in its favor. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Ricotta

Cucina Nobile
78 Good

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 1
Harmful ingredients 0
Owned by Aldi GmbH & Co. KG
Category Cheese
Summary

This ricotta cheese is a processed food with a simple ingredient list, primarily consisting of milk and salt, with citric acid as the only additive. The minimal use of additives and absence of harmful ingredients contribute positively to its score. However, due to its processing level, the score is capped, reflecting its processed nature compared to more minimally processed cheeses.

Key ingredients 4

Milk
Good

Whole dairy ingredient.

Risks

Potential allergen for individuals with milk allergies or lactose intolerance.

Benefits

Rich in calcium and protein, contributing to bone health and muscle maintenance.

See more about Milk →
Molche
Neutral

Molche, or whey, is a byproduct of cheese production and is a source of protein and lactose. It is typically used in cheese making to enhance texture and flavor. As a natural dairy component, it does not pose significant health concerns.

Risks

Potential lactose intolerance issues for sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Provides protein and can enhance the nutritional profile of dairy products.

Salt
Neutral

Salt is used in cheese making for flavor enhancement and preservation. It is a common ingredient in processed foods and does not provide additional nutritional benefits. The amount used should be monitored to avoid excessive sodium intake.

Risks

Excessive consumption can lead to high blood pressure and cardiovascular issues.

Benefits

Enhances flavor and acts as a preservative in cheese.

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Citric Acid
Neutral

Citric acid is used as a souring agent in cheese production to help coagulate milk. It is a naturally occurring acid found in citrus fruits and is generally recognized as safe. In this context, it aids in the cheese-making process without significant health concerns.

Benefits

Facilitates the cheese-making process by aiding in milk coagulation.

See more about Citric Acid →

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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