Why it scores 79
4c Natural Parmesan scores 79 out of 100 (Good) under GoodSwap’s published rules. What moved the score most:
- minus 9 points Salt 5 g / 100 g: Very high in salt. Strong
- minus 8 points Processed (NOVA 3): Classified NOVA 3: processed with added salt, sugar or oil. Emerging
- minus 4.5 points Saturated fat 20 g / 100 g: High in saturated fat. Counted at half for this whole-food category. Strong
Every line of the math is on The Receipt below, with its evidence tier and sources.
Better cheese
-
Parmesan Cheese Little Italy Less salt · Less saturated fat Score 100 out of 100 , 21 points higher -
Parmesan Belgioioso · 8 oz Less salt · Less saturated fat Score 95 out of 100 , 16 points higher -
Sarvecchio Parmesan Sartori · 28 g Less salt · Less saturated fat Score 91 out of 100 , 12 points higher -
Garlic Gold Parmesan Nuggets (Organic) Garlic Gold · 62 g Less salt · Less saturated fat Score 92 out of 100 , 13 points higher
The same kind of product, at least 10 points higher, sold in the US. Never paid placements.
The Receipt
Natural Parmesan
Ingredients
- Powdered cellulose minus 2.5 points
Processing
- Processed (NOVA 3) minus 8 points
Nutrition per 100 g
- Saturated fat 20 g / 100 g minus 4.5 points
- Salt 5 g / 100 g minus 9 points
- Energy 400 kcal / 100 g minus 1 points
- Protein 40 g / 100 g plus 4 points
100 − 21 = 79
Can’t score above 79. High in fat, saturated fat and salt (above the front-of-pack "high" level). [5]
Nutrition per 100 g
| Energy | 400 kcal |
|---|---|
| Fat | 40 g |
| Saturated fat | 20 g |
| Trans fat | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 0 g |
| Sugars | 0 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Protein | 40 g |
| Salt | 5 g |
Serving: 1 Tbsp (5 g)
Ingredients
- GRATED PARMESAN CHEESE (PASTEURIZED PART SKIM MILK, CHEESE CULTURE, SALT, ENZYMES)
- CELLULOSE POWDER (TO PREVENT CAKING)
Label text, as published
GRATED PARMESAN CHEESE (PASTEURIZED PART SKIM MILK, CHEESE CULTURE, SALT, ENZYMES), CELLULOSE POWDER (TO PREVENT CAKING).
Allergens and diets
Contains: Milk
- Not vegan
- Palm-oil-free
Always check the package: recipes change.
More cheeses on GoodSwap
-
Light Laughing Cow Cheese Wedges The Laughing Cow · 8 × 19 g Ultra-processedHigh in saltHigh in saturated fat Score 66 out of 100 Good -
Low Fat Cottage Cheese Darigold · 113 g Ultra-processedContains emulsifiers studied for gut effectsMay contain traces of 1,4-dioxane Score 57 out of 100 Okay -
String Cheese Frigo Cheese Heads · 28 g High in saltHigh in saturated fat Score 79 out of 100 Good -
Organic Lowfat Milk Cottage Cheese Kalona Super Natural · 16 oz Certified organic Score 100 out of 100 Excellent -
Pepper Jack Cheese Trader Joe's · 12 oz High in saltHigh in saturated fat Score 79 out of 100 Good -
Medium Cheddar Tillamook · 52 × 0.75 oz Ultra-processedHigh in saltHigh in saturated fatNo synthetic dyes Score 76 out of 100 Good
More from 4c
Sources
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Saturated fatty acid and trans-fatty acid intake for adults and children: WHO guideline
“WHO recommends that adults and children reduce saturated fatty acid intake to 10% of total energy intake (strong recommendation).”
who.int
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“For adults, WHO recommends less than 2000 mg/day of sodium (equivalent to less than 5 g/day salt), or just under a teaspoon.”
who.int
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Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030
“Limit foods and beverages that include artificial flavors, petroleum-based dyes, artificial preservatives, and low-calorie non-nutritive sweeteners.”
cdn.realfood.gov
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“Table 3: Criteria for drinks (per 100ml)”
assets.publishing.service.gov.uk