Is Polly O Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Polly O
Polly O Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese is a dairy from Polly O. It has a Zerotox safety score of 60/100, which means it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.
The main ingredients worth reviewing are Carrageenan.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes pasteurized milk and whey as primary ingredients, but also contains carrageenan and xanthan gum, which raise concerns about processed additives. This results in a moderate rating due to the presence of these thickening agents.
Main concern
Carrageenan is a thickener that may cause digestive issues in some individuals.
Why it matters: This ingredient is flagged in our analysis based on regulatory and scientific sources. Check the Ingredients section for details and see Data sources for methodology.
Regulation status: Ingredient safety is assessed from EU/EPA/CIR and similar databases; formulations may vary. Always read the product label.
Pros
- Contains pasteurized milk and whey, which are good sources of dairy.
- Milkfat contributes to the creamy texture typical of ricotta cheese.
Concerns
- Carrageenan is a thickener that may cause digestive issues in some individuals.
- Xanthan gum is a processed thickener that raises concerns about additives.
Who should avoid this product?
This dairy may not be the best fit for:
- people with sensitive skin or fragrance sensitivity
- people avoiding animal-derived ingredients
Ingredients breakdown
Each ingredient below is explained in the context of this dairy so the page answers more than a simple label list.
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Is Pasteurized Milk safe in this dairy?
Good
Pasteurized Milk is used here as base. Pasteurized milk serves as the primary ingredient, providing essential nutrients and a creamy base for the cheese. Its pasteurization ensures safety from harmful bacteria.
Role in formula: base
Original: Pasteurized milk
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Is Whey safe in this dairy?
Good
Whey is used here as base. Whey is a byproduct of cheese production, adding protein and contributing to the overall texture of the ricotta. It is a natural ingredient.
Role in formula: base
Original: Whey
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Is Milkfat safe in this dairy?
Good
Milkfat is used here as base. Milkfat enhances the richness and creaminess of the ricotta, contributing to its desirable mouthfeel and flavor profile.
Role in formula: base
Original: Milkfat
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Is Salt safe in this dairy?
Good
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt is used for flavor enhancement and preservation, balancing the taste of the cheese without raising significant safety concerns.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Salt
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Is Vinegar safe in this dairy?
Medium
Vinegar is used here as acidulant. Vinegar acts as an acidulant, helping to curdle the milk and develop flavor. While generally safe, it is a processed ingredient.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: Vinegar
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Is Guar Gum safe in this dairy?
Medium
Guar Gum is used here as thickener. Guar gum is a thickening agent that improves texture but may raise concerns due to its processed nature and potential digestive effects.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: Guar gum
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Is Carrageenan safe in this dairy?
Bad
Carrageenan is used here as thickener. Carrageenan is a thickener derived from seaweed, often criticized for potential digestive issues and inflammatory responses in some individuals.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: Carrageenan
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Is Xanthan Gum safe in this dairy?
Medium
Xanthan Gum is used here as thickener. Xanthan gum is a common thickening agent that can cause digestive discomfort in sensitive individuals, raising concerns about its inclusion.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: Xanthan gum
How we score
Our safety scores and ingredient breakdowns are based on regulatory and scientific sources. See Data sources & methodology and How Zerotox works for full details.
Product info
Product ID: 3268738
More from this brand: Polly O products in Zerotox
Similar products: dairy in Zerotox database
Allergens detected: milk
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.