Cotija

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Common questions

Is Cotija healthy?

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

How processed is Cotija?

Cotija is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Cotija's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Cultured pasteurized grade A milk and skim milk, Sea salt count in its favor. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Cotija

La Vaquita
85 Excellent

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 2
Harmful ingredients 0
Category Cheese
Summary

This Cotija cheese is made from cultured pasteurized milk, sea salt, and enzymes, which are simple and traditional ingredients for cheese. The product is processed, but it avoids harmful additives and maintains a clean label, contributing to its favorable score. The use of high-quality milk and minimal processing ingredients supports its nutritional value and flavor profile.

Key ingredients 3

Cultured pasteurized grade A milk and skim milk
Good

This ingredient provides a rich source of high-quality protein and essential nutrients. Pasteurization ensures safety by eliminating harmful bacteria while maintaining nutritional value. The use of cultured milk enhances flavor and digestibility.

Benefits

Rich in protein and calcium, supporting bone health and muscle maintenance. Contains beneficial probiotics from the culturing process.

Sea salt
Good

Sea salt is a natural source of sodium and trace minerals. It is minimally processed, retaining more minerals compared to refined table salt. Its use enhances flavor without the need for artificial additives.

Risks

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

Benefits

Provides essential sodium and trace minerals that are important for maintaining fluid balance and nerve function.

See more about Sea salt →
Enzymes
Neutral

Enzymes are used in cheese production to aid in the coagulation of milk. They are typically derived from microbial or animal sources and are essential for cheese texture and flavor development. The specific type of enzyme used can vary, but they generally do not pose health risks.

Benefits

Essential for the cheese-making process, contributing to the development of texture and flavor.

See more about Enzymes →

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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