Kroger Small Curd Cottage Cheese Low Fat

Kroger
53 Fair

At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 1
Harmful ingredients 3
Owned by Kroger
Category Cheese
Summary

This cottage cheese is ultra-processed, containing multiple additives such as maltodextrin, carrageenan, and guar gum, which are used to enhance texture and shelf life but can cause digestive issues. Despite its high protein content and beneficial cultured milk, the presence of these additives and the level of processing limit its healthiness. This is the small-curd style.

Key ingredients 12

Cultured skim milk
Good

Cultured skim milk is a primary ingredient in cottage cheese, providing a source of protein and calcium. It is fermented, which can aid in digestion and improve gut health. The fermentation process enhances the nutritional profile by increasing beneficial bacteria.

Benefits

Provides protein and calcium, essential for bone health. Fermentation may support digestive health by introducing probiotics.

See more about Cultured skim milk →
Cultured cream
Neutral

Cultured cream adds richness and flavor to the product. It undergoes fermentation, which can enhance its digestibility and probiotic content. However, it is a source of saturated fat, which should be consumed in moderation.

Risks

High in saturated fat, which may impact heart health if consumed in excess.

Benefits

Adds flavor and texture, and fermentation may provide probiotic benefits.

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Whey
Neutral

Whey is a byproduct of cheese production and a source of high-quality protein. It contains essential amino acids beneficial for muscle repair and growth. However, it may cause digestive issues for those with lactose intolerance.

Risks

May cause digestive discomfort in individuals with lactose intolerance.

Benefits

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

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Salt
Neutral

Salt is used to enhance flavor and preserve the product. It is a common ingredient in cheese products. Excessive consumption can lead to high blood pressure and other health issues.

Risks

Excessive intake may contribute to high blood pressure and cardiovascular issues.

Benefits

Enhances flavor and acts as a preservative.

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Citric acid
Neutral

Citric acid is a natural preservative and flavor enhancer. It is commonly used in food products to add acidity and preserve freshness. It is generally recognized as safe when consumed in typical amounts.

Benefits

Acts as a preservative and enhances flavor.

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Guar gum
Neutral

Guar gum is a thickening agent derived from guar beans. It is used to improve texture and stability in food products. It is generally considered safe, but excessive consumption may cause digestive issues.

Risks

Excessive consumption may lead to digestive discomfort such as bloating or gas.

Benefits

Improves texture and stability of food products.

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Locust bean gum
Neutral

Locust bean gum is a natural thickener derived from carob seeds. It is used to enhance texture and consistency in foods. It is generally safe, but may cause digestive issues in large amounts.

Risks

May cause digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.

Benefits

Enhances texture and consistency of food products.

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Cultured dextrose
Neutral

Cultured dextrose is used as a natural preservative and flavor enhancer. It is produced through the fermentation of dextrose. It is generally recognized as safe, but offers limited nutritional benefits.

Benefits

Acts as a natural preservative and enhances flavor.

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Vitamin A palmitate
Neutral

Vitamin A palmitate is a synthetic form of vitamin A used to fortify foods. It is important for vision and immune function. However, excessive intake can lead to toxicity.

Risks

Excessive intake may lead to vitamin A toxicity, causing health issues.

Benefits

Essential for vision and immune function, providing nutritional fortification.

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Maltodextrin
Bad

Maltodextrin is a highly processed carbohydrate used as a thickener or filler. It has a high glycemic index, which can spike blood sugar levels. It offers little nutritional value and is often used in processed foods.

Risks

May cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels, potentially impacting insulin sensitivity.

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Carrageenan
Bad

Carrageenan is a thickening agent derived from seaweed. It is controversial due to potential digestive issues and inflammation in some individuals. Its use in processed foods is often criticized for potential health impacts.

Risks

May cause digestive discomfort and inflammation in sensitive individuals.

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Sorbic acid
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Benefits

Prevents mold and yeast growth, extending shelf life.

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Processing

Group 4 · Ultra-processed

Ultra-Processed Foods

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Kroger Small Curd Cottage Cheese Low Fat

Common questions

Is Kroger Small Curd Cottage Cheese Low Fat healthy?

Kroger Small Curd Cottage Cheese Low Fat scores 53/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a below-average score in Scout's analysis. This cottage cheese is ultra-processed, containing multiple additives such as maltodextrin, carrageenan, and guar gum, which are used to enhance texture and shelf life but can cause digestive issues.

How processed is Kroger Small Curd Cottage Cheese Low Fat?

Kroger Small Curd Cottage Cheese Low Fat is NOVA Group 4: Ultra-Processed Foods.

How does Kroger Small Curd Cottage Cheese Low Fat compare to other cheeses?

Kroger Small Curd Cottage Cheese Low Fat ranks #52 of 59 cheeses in Scout's independent rankings. The current top score in the category is Organic Valley Grassmilk Raw Cheddar at 93/100.

Which ingredients drive Kroger Small Curd Cottage Cheese Low Fat's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Cultured skim milk counts in its favor; Maltodextrin, Carrageenan, Sorbic acid are flagged as ingredients of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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