At a glance
Summary
Parmigiano Reggiano is a traditional cheese made with a simple ingredient list of part-skimmed cow's milk, cheese cultures, salt, and rennet. This minimal processing and absence of harmful additives contribute to its high score. Despite being classified as processed, its clean label and nutrient-rich profile make it a healthy choice within its category.
Key ingredients 4
Part-skimmed cow's milkGood
Part-skimmed cow's milk is a primary ingredient in cheese, providing essential nutrients like calcium and protein. It is less processed than many other dairy ingredients, retaining more of its natural nutritional profile. The use of cow's milk supports a rich flavor and texture in cheese production.
Risks
Potential risks include lactose intolerance or dairy allergies in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Rich in calcium and protein, supporting bone health and muscle maintenance.
RennetGood
Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.
Benefits
Essential for the coagulation process in cheese making, contributing to texture.
Cheese culturesNeutral
Cheese cultures are essential for the fermentation process, contributing to the flavor and texture of the cheese. They are naturally occurring bacteria that help in the development of cheese characteristics. The use of traditional cheese cultures is standard in cheese making.
Benefits
Contributes to the development of flavor and texture in cheese.
SaltNeutral
Salt is used in cheese making for flavor and as a preservative. It is a common ingredient in many foods, providing essential sodium. However, it does not offer additional nutritional benefits beyond sodium content.
Risks
Excessive consumption of salt can lead to high blood pressure and related health issues.
Benefits
Acts as a preservative and enhances the flavor of the cheese.
Processing
Processed Foods
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