# 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:** 32 oz
- **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/polly-o-original-ricotta-cheese-32-oz
- **Slug:** `polly-o-original-ricotta-cheese-32-oz`

## NOVA classification

**NOVA 3** - Processed foods

Made from pasteurized milk, whey, cream, vinegar and salt, this ricotta is a transformed dairy product (curdled and salted) with few additives, placing it in NOVA 3 as a processed food rather than an ultra-processed formulation.

## Review

Polly-O Original Ricotta Cheese (32 oz) is a familiar sight in the refrigerated dairy aisle, usually stocked on shelves with other fresh cheeses—cream cheese tubs, mascarpone, cottage cheese and small-batch ricottas—often near specialty pastas and prepared Italian sauces. Packaged in a wide, resealable plastic tub with a straightforward label that emphasizes an "Original" recipe and classic brand crest, it reads as a pantry-stable fresh cheese for home cooks. Shoppers reach for it on weekend grocery runs for brunch projects (ricotta toast, pancakes), during holiday baking (cheesecakes, cannoli filling, lasagna layers) and on meal-prep Sundays when a creamy, mild cheese can be scooped into salads, pastas and dips. Polly-O’s brand positioning leans on Italian-American heritage and everyday authenticity—targeting family cooks who want traditional texture and flavor without specialty-shop prices. The label signals simple, familiar claims (pasteurized milk, traditional recipe) rather than organic or specialty-health certifications; there’s no child-focused cartooning or hype, just a clean, trusted cheese identity. In plain terms it’s a lightly processed fresh dairy product: milk and whey are coagulated with vinegar and finished with cream and salt. Sensory-wise it’s soft and scoopable with a slightly grainy curd structure, a milky-sweet background and a gentle tang; it spreads on toast, folds into ricotta pancakes, or is dolloped hot over bolognese. Rituals around it are tactile and homey—spooning from the tub, smoothing into lasagna layers, or whipping with sugar for a dessert filling—making it a versatile, comforting staple in American kitchens.

## Diet flags

- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free

## Nutrition

- **Serving size:** 0.25 cup
- **Servings per container:** 14
- **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:** nostalgic, wholesome, comforting

## 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.

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