Why is Cottage Cheese classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The product is labeled NOVA 4 because it includes processed ingredients beyond simple milk, such as a stabilizer blend of non‑fat milk, locust‑bean gum (E410) and agar (E406), plus carbon dioxide (E290) used to maintain freshness; these additives move it into the ultra‑processed category.

How does the sugar and salt content in this cottage cheese affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With about 3.5 g of sugars per 100 g, the cheese can cause a modest rise in blood glucose, so people with diabetes should monitor portion size, while its 0.7 g of salt is moderate and may be acceptable for most hypertensive individuals but still warrants consideration within daily sodium limits.

Is the milk in this product a concern for people with dairy allergies?

Yes; the ingredient list includes cultured non‑fat milk, regular milk and cream, all of which contain the milk protein that triggers allergic reactions in individuals with dairy allergy.

Trader Joe's • 16 oz

Small Curd Low Fat Cottage Cheese

Milk And Dairy Products

Product Insights

Cottage Cheese from Trader Joe's is a fresh cheese belonging to the Milk and dairy products group and specifically the cheese sub‑category. It earns a Nutri‑Score of B and is classified in the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 group, reflecting the presence of stabilizers, locust‑bean gum, agar and carbon dioxide as additives. Nutritionally it is low in fat (≈1.8 g), saturated fat (≈0.9 g) and salt (≈0.7 g) per 100 g, but contains more sugars than typical cottage cheese (≈3.5 g) and provides moderate protein (≈11.5 g), giving it a modest energy value of about 80 kcal.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal80 kcal

Comparative Analysis

Compared with average dairy products, this cottage cheese has far lower fat (1.8 g vs 25 g), saturated fat (0.9 g vs 15 g) and salt (0.7 g vs 3.3 g), but its sugars are about double the average (3.5 g vs 1.8 g) and its protein content is roughly half (11.5 g vs 20.3 g).

Ingredients

CULTURED PASTEURIZED NONFAT MILK, PASTEURIZED MILK, PASTEURIZED CREAM, SEA SALT, STABILIZER (NONFAT MILK, LOCUST BEAN GUM, AGAR), VITAMIN A PALMITATE, CARBON DIOXIDE (to maintain freshness).

84%

35%

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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Small Curd Low Fat Cottage Cheese.

Trader Joe's

32 oz