Cottage Cheese

Common questions

Is Cottage Cheese healthy?

Cottage Cheese scores 60/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This cottage cheese is ultra-processed, which limits its score despite having a relatively simple ingredient list.

How processed is Cottage Cheese?

Cottage Cheese is NOVA Group 4: Ultra-Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Cottage Cheese's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Cream 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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Cottage Cheese

Milbona
60 Fair

Analysis updated October 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 1
Harmful ingredients 0
Owned by Schwarz Group
Category Cheese
Summary

This cottage cheese is ultra-processed, which limits its score despite having a relatively simple ingredient list. The presence of thickeners like guar gum and xanthan gum contributes to its processing level, although it does not contain harmful additives like artificial colors or seed oils. The use of cream and milk provides some nutritional benefits, but the overall processing level impacts its healthiness rating.

Key ingredients 7

Cream
Good

Cream adds richness and flavor to dairy products and is a source of healthy fats. It is minimally processed and can enhance the texture of foods. The fat content supports the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

Risks

Excessive consumption may contribute to high calorie intake and weight gain.

Benefits

Rich in healthy fats that can support the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and provide energy.

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Skim milk
Neutral

Skim milk is a low-fat dairy product that provides protein and calcium. It is pasteurized to ensure safety and extend shelf life. While it lacks the fat-soluble vitamins found in whole milk, it is a good source of lean protein.

Benefits

Provides a source of protein and calcium, essential for bone health.

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Salt
Neutral

Salt is used to enhance flavor and preserve food. It is a common ingredient in cheese production. While necessary for flavor, excessive intake 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 food products.

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Guar gum
Neutral

Guar gum is a thickening agent derived from guar beans. It is used to improve texture and stability in food products. It is generally recognized as safe when used in small amounts.

Risks

Excessive consumption may cause digestive discomfort in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Improves texture and stability of food products without significant health risks.

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Xanthan gum
Neutral

Xanthan gum is a polysaccharide used as a thickening and stabilizing agent. It is produced through fermentation and is widely used in food products. It is considered safe for consumption in moderate amounts.

Risks

May cause digestive issues in some individuals if consumed in large quantities.

Benefits

Enhances texture and stability of food products, contributing to a desirable consistency.

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Lactic acid cultures
Neutral

Lactic acid cultures are used in fermentation to develop flavor and texture in dairy products. They are essential for the production of cheese and yogurt. These cultures can also contribute to gut health by promoting beneficial bacteria.

Benefits

Supports fermentation, enhancing flavor and potentially benefiting gut health.

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Microbial rennet
Neutral

Microbial rennet is used to coagulate milk in cheese production. It is an alternative to animal-derived rennet and is suitable for vegetarians. It is effective in cheese making and widely accepted in the industry.

Benefits

Facilitates cheese production and is suitable for vegetarian diets.

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Processing

Group 4 · Ultra-processed

Ultra-Processed Foods

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