Fat Free Cottage Cheese

Common questions

Is Fat Free Cottage Cheese healthy?

Fat Free 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 fat-free cottage cheese is a processed food with a moderate level of processing.

How processed is Fat Free Cottage Cheese?

Fat Free Cottage Cheese is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Fat Free Cottage Cheese's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Cultured Pasteurized Skim Milk counts in its favor; Modified Food Starch is flagged as an ingredient of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Fat Free Cottage Cheese

Breakstone's
65 Fair

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

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

This fat-free cottage cheese is a processed food with a moderate level of processing. It contains beneficial cultured pasteurized skim milk, which provides protein and calcium, but also includes modified food starch and xanthan gum, which are highly processed additives used for texture and stability. These additives, while common in processed foods, detract from the overall healthiness of the product.

Key ingredients 6

Cultured Pasteurized Skim Milk
Good

Cultured pasteurized skim milk is a primary ingredient in cottage cheese, providing a source of protein and calcium. The culturing process enhances digestibility and adds beneficial probiotics. Skim milk is low in fat, making it suitable for low-fat diets.

Benefits

Provides high-quality protein and calcium, essential for bone health. Contains probiotics that may support gut health.

Whey
Neutral

Whey is a byproduct of cheese production and is used to enhance protein content. It is a complete protein source with all essential amino acids. However, it is not a primary ingredient and is used in small amounts.

Risks

May cause digestive issues in individuals with lactose intolerance.

Benefits

Rich in essential amino acids, supporting muscle repair and growth.

See more about Whey →
Salt
Neutral

Salt is used for flavor enhancement and preservation in cottage cheese. It is a common culinary ingredient but does not provide additional nutritional benefits. Excessive consumption can lead to health issues such as hypertension.

Risks

High sodium intake is associated with increased risk of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.

See more about Salt →
Calcium Phosphate
Neutral

Calcium phosphate is used as a mineral supplement to enhance calcium content. It is generally recognized as safe and contributes to bone health. However, it is not naturally occurring in the product.

Risks

Excessive intake may lead to imbalances in mineral absorption.

Benefits

Provides additional calcium, supporting bone health and strength.

See more about Calcium Phosphate →
Xanthan Gum
Neutral

Fermentation-derived thickener, well tolerated at food-use levels.

Risks

May cause digestive discomfort such as bloating and gas in some individuals.

See more about Xanthan Gum →
Modified Food Starch
Bad

Modified food starch is used as a thickening agent and stabilizer in processed foods. It is highly processed and can contribute to the glycemic load of the product. It lacks nutritional value and is primarily used for texture.

Risks

May contribute to blood sugar spikes due to its high glycemic index.

See more about Modified Food Starch →

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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