Parmigiano Reggiano

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

Common questions

Is Parmigiano Reggiano healthy?

Parmigiano Reggiano scores 78/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. Parmigiano Reggiano is a traditional cheese made with minimal ingredients: milk, salt, and rennet.

How processed is Parmigiano Reggiano?

Parmigiano Reggiano is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Parmigiano Reggiano's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Milk, Rennet count 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

Parmigiano Reggiano

Zanetti
78 Good

Analysis updated September 2026 · How Scout scores

View on Amazon

At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 2
Harmful ingredients 0
Owned by Massimo Zanetti Beverage Group
Category Cheese
Summary

Parmigiano Reggiano is a traditional cheese made with minimal ingredients: milk, salt, and rennet. It is known for its high-quality milk, often sourced from grass-fed cows, which contributes to its rich nutritional profile. Despite being classified as processed, its clean ingredient list and traditional production methods allow it to score highly within its category.

Key ingredients 3

Milk
Good

Milk is a primary source of calcium and protein, essential for bone health and muscle maintenance. The quality of milk used in Parmigiano Reggiano is typically high, often from grass-fed cows, enhancing its nutritional profile. It is minimally processed, retaining most of its natural nutrients.

Risks

Lactose intolerance can be a concern for some individuals, although aged cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano have lower lactose levels.

Benefits

Rich in calcium and protein, supporting bone and muscle health. Contains beneficial fatty acids and vitamins like A and D.

See more about Milk →
Rennet
Good

Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.

See more about Rennet →
Salt
Neutral

Salt is used in cheese making for flavor and preservation. In Parmigiano Reggiano, it helps develop the cheese's characteristic taste and texture. While necessary for the process, it does not provide additional nutritional benefits.

Risks

Excessive salt intake can contribute to high blood pressure and cardiovascular issues.

See more about Salt →

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

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