Cottage Cheese

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Common questions

Is Cottage Cheese healthy?

Cottage Cheese scores 68/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This cottage cheese is a processed food with a relatively simple ingredient list, including cultured pasteurized skim milk and cream, which provide high-quality protein and beneficial probiotics.

How processed is Cottage Cheese?

Cottage Cheese is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Cottage Cheese's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Cultured pasteurized skim milk and cream counts 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

Breakstone's
68 Fair

Analysis updated September 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 1
Harmful ingredients 0
Owned by Lactalis
Category Cheese
Summary

This cottage cheese is a processed food with a relatively simple ingredient list, including cultured pasteurized skim milk and cream, which provide high-quality protein and beneficial probiotics. However, the presence of tapioca starch and synthetic vitamin A palmitate, which is less bioavailable, slightly detracts from its overall healthiness. The processing level limits its maximum potential score despite the absence of major harmful additives.

Key ingredients 4

Cultured pasteurized skim milk and cream
Good

This ingredient provides a source of high-quality protein and essential nutrients. The pasteurization process ensures safety by eliminating harmful bacteria. Culturing adds beneficial probiotics that can aid digestion.

Benefits

Rich in protein and calcium, supporting bone health and muscle maintenance. Contains probiotics that may improve gut health.

See more about Cultured pasteurized skim milk and cream →
Tapioca starch
Neutral

Tapioca starch is used as a thickening agent and is derived from the cassava root. It is a gluten-free carbohydrate source with minimal nutritional value. It is generally considered safe and non-allergenic.

Benefits

Provides a gluten-free alternative for thickening, suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

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Salt
Neutral

Salt is used to enhance flavor and preserve the product. It is a common culinary ingredient with no additional trace minerals. Excessive consumption can lead to health issues such as hypertension.

Risks

High sodium intake may contribute to increased blood pressure and cardiovascular issues.

Benefits

Enhances flavor and acts as a preservative in food products.

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Vitamin A palmitate
Neutral

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

Risks

Potential for vitamin A toxicity if consumed in large amounts over time.

Benefits

Helps prevent vitamin A deficiency, supporting vision and immune function.

See more about Vitamin A palmitate →

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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