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Cottage cheese

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Common questions

Is Cottage cheese healthy?

Cottage cheese scores 78/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This cottage cheese is made with a simple ingredient list, including skimmed milk, cream, salt, and microbial rennet, which are typical for traditional cheese-making.

How processed is Cottage cheese?

Cottage cheese is NOVA Group 3: 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

Danone
78 Good

Analysis updated September 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 1
Harmful ingredients 0
Owned by Danone
Category Cheese
Summary

This cottage cheese is made with a simple ingredient list, including skimmed milk, cream, salt, and microbial rennet, which are typical for traditional cheese-making. The product is processed but does not contain any harmful additives or seed oils, maintaining a clean label. Despite its processing level, the absence of artificial ingredients and the use of beneficial components like cream contribute positively to its score.

Key ingredients 5

Cream
Good

Cream adds richness and flavor to dairy products, contributing to a creamy texture. It contains saturated fats, which are necessary in moderation for various bodily functions. The presence of cream enhances the taste and mouthfeel of the product.

Risks

Excessive consumption of saturated fats may contribute to heart disease.

Benefits

Provides a rich source of fat-soluble vitamins and enhances the flavor profile of dairy products.

See more about Cream →
Skimmed Milk
Neutral

Skimmed milk is a low-fat dairy product that provides protein and calcium. It is processed to remove most of the fat content, which may reduce some fat-soluble vitamins. It is a common base for many dairy products, offering a neutral nutritional profile.

Benefits

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

See more about Skimmed Milk →
Salt
Neutral

Salt is used to enhance flavor and preserve food. It is a common ingredient in cheese-making, contributing to the texture and taste. While necessary for flavor, excessive salt intake can lead to health issues.

Risks

High sodium intake can increase the risk of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.

Benefits

Enhances flavor and acts as a preservative in cheese products.

See more about Salt →
Lactic Ferments
Neutral

Lactic ferments are used in cheese-making to develop flavor and texture. They help in the fermentation process, converting lactose into lactic acid. This process is essential for the development of cheese characteristics.

Benefits

Contributes to the development of flavor and aids in the digestion of lactose.

Microbial Rennet
Neutral

Microbial rennet is used to coagulate milk in cheese production. It is a vegetarian alternative to animal rennet, derived from microbial sources. This ingredient is essential for the cheese-making process, providing a vegetarian-friendly option.

Benefits

Allows for the coagulation of milk, essential in cheese production, and is suitable for vegetarians.

See more about Microbial Rennet →

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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