Parmesan cheese

Image: Open Food Facts (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Common questions

Is Parmesan cheese healthy?

Parmesan cheese scores 85/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — one of the stronger scores in Scout's catalog. This Parmesan cheese is made from cultured milk, salt, and enzymes, which are traditional ingredients for cheese production.

How processed is Parmesan cheese?

Parmesan cheese is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

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Parmesan cheese

Emporium Selection
85 Excellent

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 0
Harmful ingredients 0
Owned by Aldi
Category Cheese
Summary

This Parmesan cheese is made from cultured milk, salt, and enzymes, which are traditional ingredients for cheese production. Despite being classified as processed, it maintains a clean label with no harmful additives or artificial ingredients. The simplicity and quality of its ingredients allow it to score well within its category, though the processing level imposes a cap on its maximum score.

Key ingredients 3

Cultured milk
Neutral

Cultured milk is a primary ingredient in cheese, providing essential proteins and fats. It undergoes fermentation, which can enhance digestibility and flavor. However, it does not have specific health benefits beyond its nutritional content.

Benefits

Provides proteins and fats essential for a balanced diet. Fermentation may improve digestibility and flavor.

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Salt
Neutral

Salt is used in cheese for flavor and preservation. It is a common ingredient in many foods but does not offer additional health benefits. Excessive consumption can lead to health issues such as hypertension.

Risks

High sodium intake can contribute to hypertension and cardiovascular issues.

Benefits

Enhances flavor and acts as a preservative in cheese.

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Enzymes
Neutral

Enzymes are used in cheese production to aid in coagulation and flavor development. They are essential for the cheese-making process but do not provide direct health benefits. The type of enzyme used can vary, affecting the final product's characteristics.

Benefits

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

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Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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