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cottage cheese

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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 contains whole milk, which is a beneficial ingredient providing essential nutrients.

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, Whole Milk, Cream 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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cottage cheese

Philadelphia
60 Fair

Analysis updated September 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 2
Harmful ingredients 0
Owned by Kraft Heinz, Mondelez International
Category Cheese
Summary

This cottage cheese contains whole milk, which is a beneficial ingredient providing essential nutrients. However, it is classified as ultra-processed due to the inclusion of guar gum as a stabilizer, which is a processed additive. The presence of this additive and the processing level limit its score, despite the otherwise simple ingredient list.

Key ingredients 5

Whole Milk
Good

Whole milk is a nutrient-rich dairy product that contains essential fats, proteins, and vitamins. It is minimally processed and retains its natural fat content, which can aid in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Whole milk is a traditional ingredient in many dairy products.

Risks

Excessive consumption may contribute to increased calorie intake and potential weight gain.

Benefits

Rich in essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D, supporting bone health and overall nutrition.

See more about Whole Milk →
Cream
Good

Traditional whole-fat dairy ingredient.

Risks

High in saturated fats, which may impact heart health if consumed excessively.

Benefits

Enhances flavor and texture, providing a source of fat-soluble vitamins.

See more about Cream →
Skim Milk
Neutral

Skim milk is a low-fat dairy option that provides protein and calcium. It is processed to remove most of the fat content, which may reduce some of the fat-soluble vitamins. It is a common ingredient in low-fat dairy products.

Benefits

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

See more about Skim Milk →
Salt
Neutral

Salt is used as a seasoning and preservative in many foods. It is essential for maintaining fluid balance and nerve function. However, excessive salt intake can lead to health issues such as hypertension.

Risks

High sodium intake can contribute to hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.

Benefits

Essential for maintaining fluid balance and nerve function.

See more about Salt →
Guar Gum
Neutral

Standard formulation ingredient — neither beneficial nor harmful at typical use.

Risks

May cause digestive discomfort such as bloating and gas when consumed in large amounts.

Benefits

Helps improve texture and stability of food products.

See more about Guar Gum →

Processing

Group 4 · Ultra-processed

Ultra-Processed Foods

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