Cottage cheese

Image: Open Food Facts (CC BY-SA 3.0)

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 contains beneficial ingredients like cream and milk protein, contributing to its nutritional profile with a good amount of protein and moderate fat content.

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.

You might also like

See more

Cottage cheese

züger frischkäse
65 Fair

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

View on Amazon

At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 1
Harmful ingredients 0
Owned by Emmi AG
Category Cheese
Summary

This cottage cheese contains beneficial ingredients like cream and milk protein, contributing to its nutritional profile with a good amount of protein and moderate fat content. However, it is classified as ultra-processed due to the inclusion of microbial rennet and other processing methods, which limits its score despite the absence of harmful additives. The processing level impacts the overall health perception of the product, capping its potential score.

Key ingredients 6

Cream
Good

Cream is a dairy product rich in fats, contributing to the creamy texture and flavor of cheese. It contains fat-soluble vitamins like A and D, which are beneficial for health. The quality of cream can vary based on the source of the milk and processing methods.

Risks

High in saturated fats, which should be consumed in moderation to maintain heart health.

Benefits

Rich in fat-soluble vitamins and provides a creamy texture and flavor to dairy products.

See more about Cream →
Skim milk
Neutral

Skim 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 dairy products but lacks the richness of whole milk.

Benefits

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

See more about Skim milk →
Milk protein
Neutral

Milk protein is a concentrated source of protein derived from milk, providing essential amino acids. It is often used to enhance the protein content of dairy products. The processing of milk protein can vary, affecting its digestibility and absorption.

Benefits

Provides essential amino acids necessary for muscle repair and growth.

See more about Milk protein →
Salt
Neutral

Salt is used to enhance flavor and preserve the cheese. It is a common ingredient in many processed foods. Excessive consumption of salt can lead to health issues such as high blood pressure.

Risks

Excessive intake can contribute to hypertension and cardiovascular issues.

Benefits

Enhances flavor and acts as a preservative in cheese.

See more about Salt →
Lactic acid cultures
Neutral

Lactic acid cultures are used in cheese-making to ferment lactose into lactic acid, aiding in flavor development and preservation. They are essential for the fermentation process in dairy products. The specific strains used can influence the final taste and texture of the cheese.

Benefits

Contributes to the fermentation process, enhancing flavor and preservation of cheese.

See more about Lactic acid cultures →
Microbial rennet
Neutral

Microbial rennet is an enzyme used to coagulate milk, forming curds in cheese production. It is a vegetarian alternative to animal-derived rennet. The use of microbial rennet is common in cheese-making and does not significantly alter the nutritional profile.

Benefits

Facilitates the cheese-making process by coagulating milk, suitable for vegetarian diets.

See more about Microbial rennet →

Processing

Group 4 · Ultra-processed

Ultra-Processed Foods

Get the full breakdown in the Scout appTake Scout shopping

Scan any product to see lab results, healthy alternatives, and your personalized analysis.

Download on theApp Store GET IT ONGoogle Play

More in Cheese