COTTAGE CHEESE

Common questions

Is COTTAGE CHEESE healthy?

COTTAGE CHEESE scores 65/100 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, Milk counts in its favor; Carbon dioxide (E290) is flagged as an ingredient of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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COTTAGE CHEESE

Giant
65 Fair

Analysis updated September 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 1
Harmful ingredients 1
Owned by Ahold USA, Inc.
Category Cheese
Summary

This cottage cheese is ultra-processed, which limits its score despite having a relatively simple ingredient list. The presence of carbon dioxide as a preservative indicates a higher level of processing, although it does not contain harmful additives like artificial colors or seed oils. Its nutritional profile is decent with low fat and moderate protein content, but the processing level prevents a higher rating.

Key ingredients 7

Milk
Good

Whole dairy ingredient.

Risks

May cause allergic reactions or lactose intolerance in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Provides essential nutrients such as calcium and protein, important for bone and muscle health.

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Cultured nonfat milk
Neutral

Cultured nonfat milk is a primary ingredient in cottage cheese, providing protein and calcium. It is a fermented dairy product, which may aid in digestion. However, it lacks the fat content found in whole milk, which can be beneficial for nutrient absorption.

Benefits

Provides protein and calcium, essential for bone health and muscle maintenance.

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Nonfat milk
Neutral

Nonfat milk is used to increase the protein content without adding fat. It is a source of calcium and vitamin D. However, the removal of fat can reduce the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

Benefits

Rich in calcium and vitamin D, supporting bone health.

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Carbon dioxide
Neutral

Carbon dioxide is used to protect freshness by creating an inert atmosphere. It is a common food-grade gas with no nutritional value. It does not interact with the food or alter its nutritional profile.

Benefits

Helps maintain product freshness without altering nutritional content.

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Vitamin A palmitate
Neutral

Vitamin A palmitate is added to fortify the product with vitamin A, an essential nutrient. It is a synthetic form of vitamin A, commonly used in fortified foods. While beneficial for vision and immune function, excessive intake can lead to toxicity.

Risks

Excessive intake may lead to vitamin A toxicity.

Benefits

Supports vision and immune function as an essential nutrient.

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Enzyme
Neutral

Enzymes are used in cheese production to aid in the coagulation of milk. They are essential for the cheese-making process and are typically derived from microbial or animal sources. They do not contribute to the nutritional profile of the final product.

Benefits

Essential for the cheese-making process, aiding in milk coagulation.

Carbon dioxide (E290)
Bad

Carbon dioxide (E290) is used as a preservative to extend shelf life. While generally recognized as safe, its use in ultra-processed foods can be a marker of high processing levels. It does not provide any nutritional benefits.

Risks

Associated with ultra-processed foods, which may have negative health impacts when consumed in excess.

Processing

Group 4 · Ultra-processed

Ultra-Processed Foods

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