# Cacique Cotija, 10Oz > Health and ingredient intelligence for a real grocery product. Source: Supermarket Puzzle (Grocery Intelligence Index). Not a shop. ## Snapshot - **Brand:** Cacique - **Retailer listed:** Foodtown - **Category:** Dairy - **Size:** 10 oz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/cacique-cotija-10oz-10-oz - **Slug:** `cacique-cotija-10oz-10-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 3** - Processed foods Made from pasteurized milk, cultures, salt, and enzymes with minimal industrial additives, this aged cheese is a processed food (NOVA 3) rather than an ultra-processed product. ## Review Cacique Cotija (10 oz) is a compact, refrigerated Mexican-style cheese you’ll spot in the dairy case near other specialty cheeses — typically shelved by queso fresco, panela, feta, and shredded Mexican cheese blends. Packaged in a clear resealable plastic tub with a bright label, it’s designed to be visible on the shelf and easy to grab for weeknight cooks. This cheese suits quick taco runs, street-food inspired dinners (think elote and tostadas), and weekend entertaining where guests sprinkle it over salads, roasted vegetables, or soups. It fits shopping trips that aim for authentic Latin pantry staples as well as general grocery runs for people seeking a salty finishing cheese. Cacique positions itself as an authentic, family-oriented brand with strong cultural ties to Mexican and Mexican-American households; marketing leans on heritage, simple ingredient messaging, and approachability rather than gourmet pretension. Label claims typically highlight “pasteurized” and “Grade A” milk and may imply a natural, straightforward product — there’s no organic seal and no child-focused cartoon branding. Processing context: this is an aged, cultured cheese made from pasteurized milk, salt, and enzymes — a minimally altered dairy product compared with ultra-processed snacks. Sensory notes: dry, crumbly and slightly granular, bright white, with a pronounced salty, tangy finish that lifts fresh salsas and grilled corn; it crumbles easily by hand or fork. Typical use is ritualistic and tactile: a final crumble over hot food, stored in the fridge and pinched out as needed. At about 90 calories per serving with relatively high sodium (~490 mg), it’s a flavorful finishing ingredient rather than a main protein. ## Diet flags - Vegetarian - Gluten-free ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 1.0 oz - **Servings per container:** 10 - **Calories:** 90 - **Total fat:** 7g (9% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 5g (25% DV) - **Cholesterol:** 25mg (8% DV) - **Sodium:** 490mg (21% DV) - **Total carbs:** 0g (0% DV) - **Protein:** 6g ## Ingredients Cultured Pasteurized Grade A Milk and Skim Milk, Sea Salt, and Enzymes. ## Context tags - **Occasions:** game-day-prep, weekend-brunch, meal-prep-sunday - **Vibes:** nostalgic, wholesome, practical, comforting ## FAQ ### Is Cotija healthy? Cotija cheese can definitely fit into a healthy diet, especially if you're looking for a protein boost. With 6 grams of protein per ounce and minimal carbs, it’s a solid choice for savory dishes. Just keep an eye on the sodium content, as it can be a bit high, which is something to consider if you're watching your salt intake. ### Is Cotija vegan? Nope, Cotija is not vegan. It’s made from cultured pasteurized milk and skim milk, so it’s firmly in the dairy camp. If you’re looking for a plant-based cheese alternative, you might want to explore some nut-based options instead. ### Is Cotija gluten-free? Yes, Cotija is gluten-free! So if you're avoiding gluten, you can sprinkle this cheese on your tacos or salads without worry. It’s a great way to add flavor without the gluten baggage. ### Does Cotija contain seed oils? No, Cotija doesn’t contain any seed oils. Its ingredient list is refreshingly simple, focusing on milk and salt, so you can enjoy it without the concern of unwanted additives. This makes it a nice, straightforward dairy choice. ### Does Cotija contain artificial sweeteners? Not at all! Cotija is free from artificial sweeteners, so you won't find any sneaky sugars hiding in there. This cheese is all about the savory flavor without the sweet stuff, which is great if you’re looking for something more traditional. ### Is Cotija high in sugar? Nope, Cotija doesn’t contain any sugar at all. With no added sugars, this cheese is perfect for savory dishes, and it won’t spike your blood sugar. It’s a great option if you’re trying to keep your sugar intake low. ### What are healthier alternatives to Cotija? If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, consider using feta or ricotta, which can provide a similar texture and flavor profile. For a vegan option, try cashew cheese or nutritional yeast, which can deliver a cheesy flavor without the dairy. Just remember, each alternative will bring its own unique taste! ### Can kids eat Cotija? Absolutely! Cotija can be a fun and tasty addition to kids’ meals, especially if they enjoy bold flavors. Just be mindful of portion sizes due to the sodium content, and it can be a great way to introduce them to different cuisines! ### Is Cotija good for weight loss? Cotija can be a part of a weight loss plan, especially since it’s high in protein and low in carbs. Just remember that moderation is key, as it does have a higher fat content. Pair it with plenty of veggies for a balanced meal! ### Is Cotija ultra-processed? No, Cotija is not considered ultra-processed. It’s made from just a few simple ingredients, which is a nice change from many heavily processed cheeses out there. It’s a minimally processed cheese, making it a more wholesome option for your meals. ## Related products - [Slate Milk Lactose Free Vanilla Latte](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/slate-milk-lactose-free-vanilla-latte-11-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/slate-milk-lactose-free-vanilla-latte-11-oz - [Lifeway Kefir, Cherry 32 fl oz](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/lifeway-kefir-cherry-32-fl-oz-32-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/lifeway-kefir-cherry-32-fl-oz-32-oz - [Coffee mate French Vanilla Flavored Coffee Creamer, Zero Sugar, Gluten-Free, 126 Servings](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/coffee-mate-french-vanilla-flavored-coffee-creamer-zero-sugar-gluten-free-126-servings-64-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/coffee-mate-french-vanilla-flavored-coffee-creamer-zero-sugar-gluten-free-126-servings-64-oz - [Yoplait Go-Gurt Strawberry Low Fat Yogurt](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/go-gurt-yoplait-strawberry-low-fat-yogurt-16-oz-2) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/go-gurt-yoplait-strawberry-low-fat-yogurt-16-oz-2 - [Smart Balance Organic Spread, 13 Oz](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/smart-balance-organic-spread-13-oz-13-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/smart-balance-organic-spread-13-oz-13-oz - [Crystal Farms Wisconsin Onion & Chive Cream Cheese Spread](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/crystal-farms-wisconsin-onion-chive-cream-cheese-spread-8-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/crystal-farms-wisconsin-onion-chive-cream-cheese-spread-8-oz - [Slate Milk Lactose Free Classic Chocolate](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/slate-milk-lactose-free-classic-chocolate-11-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/slate-milk-lactose-free-classic-chocolate-11-oz - [Chobani Dairy Creamer White Chocolate Mocha](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/chobani-dairy-creamer-white-chocolate-mocha-24-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/chobani-dairy-creamer-white-chocolate-mocha-24-oz ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. 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