# Polly-O Original Ricotta Cheese > Health and ingredient intelligence for a real grocery product. Source: Supermarket Puzzle (Grocery Intelligence Index). Not a shop. ## Snapshot - **Brand:** Polly-O - **Retailer listed:** Foodtown - **Category:** Dairy - **Size:** 15 oz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/polly-o-original-ricotta-cheese-15-oz - **Slug:** `polly-o-original-ricotta-cheese-15-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 3** - Processed foods This ricotta is a processed food made by transforming pasteurized milk into cheese using simple ingredients (whey, cream, vinegar, salt). It lacks industrial additives typical of ultra-processed products but is not unprocessed, so it fits NOVA group 3. ## Review Polly-O Original Ricotta Cheese is a familiar sight in the refrigerated dairy aisle, typically shelved with other fresh cheeses and near containers of cottage cheese, mascarpone, and ricotta-based spreads. Packaged in a 15-ounce tub with a peel-back lid, it reads as a pantry staple for cooks who want a simple, creamy dairy component without fuss. This ricotta suits casual shopping trips as well as planned grocery runs for weekend entertaining: scoop it onto warm toast for brunch, fold it into lasagna for weeknight dinners, or spoon dollops into desserts and holiday baking. Brand positioning leans on Italian-American tradition and home cooking rather than trend-driven health claims; Polly-O evokes family recipes, practical familiarity, and broad mainstream appeal to shoppers seeking reliable, everyday cheese. The label often emphasizes the product name and heritage, with clean, straightforward art rather than child-focused characters; there is no indication of organic certification on the ingredient list, and the short ingredient panel itself acts as a naturalness cue. Sensory-wise the ricotta presents a soft, slightly grainy curd that is moist and creamy, lending itself to spreading, folding, or baking. Serving rituals include stirring to loosen the curds, spooning onto baked pasta, or blending with herbs for a quick dip. Processing context: this is a fresh cheese made from pasteurized milk, whey, cream, vinegar, and salt — a lightly processed dairy product created through standard cheese-making steps rather than heavy industrial reformulation. At about 110 calories per serving with 65 mg sodium and 2 g sugars, it reads as a modest, versatile dairy ingredient in American kitchens. ## Diet flags - Vegetarian - Gluten-free ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 0.25 cup - **Servings per container:** 7 - **Calories:** 110 - **Total fat:** 8g (10% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 5g (25% DV) - **Cholesterol:** 25mg (8% DV) - **Sodium:** 65mg (3% DV) - **Total carbs:** 2g (1% DV) - **Total sugars:** 2g - **Protein:** 7g ## Ingredients Pasteurized Milk, Whey, Cream, Vinegar, Salt. ## Context tags - **Occasions:** weekend-brunch, holiday-baking, meal-prep-sunday - **Vibes:** wholesome, comforting, practical ## FAQ ### Is Polly-O ricotta cheese healthy? Well, 'healthy' can be a bit subjective, right? Polly-O ricotta packs in 7 grams of protein per serving, making it a solid choice for adding some muscle-building goodness to your meals. It's not loaded with sugar, which is a plus, but keep in mind that it’s also not organic, so if you're looking for that, you might want to explore other options. ### Is Polly-O ricotta cheese vegan? Nope, Polly-O ricotta isn’t vegan. It’s made from pasteurized milk, cream, and whey, all of which come from cows. If you’re on a plant-based journey, you’ll want to look for a cashew or tofu-based ricotta instead. ### Is Polly-O ricotta cheese gluten-free? Absolutely! Polly-O ricotta is a gluten-free gem, so you can enjoy it without worrying about any pesky gluten lurking around. It’s a great option for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. ### Does Polly-O ricotta cheese contain seed oils? Nope, you won’t find any seed oils in Polly-O ricotta. The ingredient list is pretty straightforward with just milk, cream, and a few other simple components. This means you're getting a more traditional cheese experience without the added complexity of those oils. ### Does Polly-O ricotta cheese contain artificial sweeteners? No way! Polly-O ricotta is free from artificial sweeteners. With only two grams of total sugars per serving, it keeps things natural, which is always a win in my book. ### Is Polly-O ricotta cheese high in sugar? Not at all! With just 2 grams of sugar per serving, Polly-O ricotta is pretty low in sugar. It’s a good option if you’re watching your sugar intake or just looking to keep things light and savory. ### What are healthier alternatives to Polly-O ricotta cheese? If you're seeking alternatives, you might want to try brands that offer organic or non-GMO options, or even plant-based ricottas made from nuts or tofu. They can provide similar textures and flavors, with some even boasting added nutrients. ### Can kids eat Polly-O ricotta cheese? Definitely! Kids can enjoy Polly-O ricotta as a tasty source of protein and calcium. Just keep an eye on portion sizes, and you can mix it into pasta dishes, spread it on toast, or even use it in desserts for a creamy treat. ### Is Polly-O ricotta cheese good for weight loss? Polly-O ricotta can fit into a weight loss plan quite nicely! It’s relatively low in calories (just 110 per serving) and high in protein, which can help keep you feeling full. Just remember to balance it with plenty of veggies and whole grains for a well-rounded meal. ### Is Polly-O ricotta cheese ultra-processed? While Polly-O ricotta isn't exactly a raw food, calling it ultra-processed might be a stretch. The ingredient list is quite simple and doesn’t include any preservatives or artificial additives, so you can feel good about using it in your cooking without too much fuss. ## Related products - [Stok Cold Brewed Iced Coffee, Extra Bright](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/stok-cold-brewed-iced-coffee-extra-bright-48-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/stok-cold-brewed-iced-coffee-extra-bright-48-oz - [Pillsbury Pie Crusts 14.1 oz](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/pillsbury-pie-crusts-141-oz-1410-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/pillsbury-pie-crusts-141-oz-1410-oz - [Siggi's Icelandic Skyr Nonfat Vanilla yogurt](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/siggis-icelandic-skyr-nonfat-vanilla-yogurt-530-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/siggis-icelandic-skyr-nonfat-vanilla-yogurt-530-oz - [Philadelphia Original Whipped Cream Cheese Spread, 8 oz Tub](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/philadelphia-original-whipped-cream-cheese-spread-8-oz-tub-8-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/philadelphia-original-whipped-cream-cheese-spread-8-oz-tub-8-oz - [Oui French Style Yogurt Mocha Chocolate Chip](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/oui-french-style-yogurt-mocha-chocolate-chip-5-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/oui-french-style-yogurt-mocha-chocolate-chip-5-oz - [Nesquik Lowfat Chocolate Milk, 14 Fl Oz](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/nesquik-lowfat-chocolate-milk-14-fl-oz-14-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/nesquik-lowfat-chocolate-milk-14-fl-oz-14-oz - [Kraft Finely Shredded Mexican Cheddar Jack](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/kraft-finely-shredded-mexican-cheddar-jack-8-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/kraft-finely-shredded-mexican-cheddar-jack-8-oz - [Hood Light Cream, Ultra Pasteurized 1 pt](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/hood-light-cream-ultra-pasteurized-1-pt-1-pt) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/hood-light-cream-ultra-pasteurized-1-pt-1-pt ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. 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