Ingredient

Cotija Cheese

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Source

Animal-derived

Allergen

Role in food

Manufacturers add Cotija cheese to foods primarily for its distinctive salty, savory flavor and …

What it is

Cotija cheese is a firm, crumbly cow's milk cheese that originates from Mexico. It is typically aged for several months, which develops its characteristic salty, robust flavor and a texture similar to hard Italian cheeses like Parmesan.

Why it's used

Manufacturers add Cotija cheese to foods primarily for its distinctive salty, savory flavor and crumbly texture. It is frequently used as a topping for Mexican-inspired dishes such as tacos, enchiladas, and soups, and is commonly found in frozen dinners, breakfast sandwiches, and omelet bowls.

Health notes

Cotija cheese is a traditional food and not a food additive, so it is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for consumption in the United States. As a dairy product, it contains saturated fat and sodium. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (2025-2030) recommend limiting saturated fat to less than 10% of daily calories, and the FDA Daily Value for sodium is 2,300 mg.

Allergen info

Cotija cheese is derived from milk, which is one of the nine major food allergens identified by the FDA.

Products containing Cotija Cheese

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ConAgra Foods Packaged Foods, LLC Mild Huevos Rancheros Cage-Free Eggs & Corn Tortillas With Jalapeno-Cilantro Salsa, Roasted Peppers Cotija Cheese & Black Beans Omelet Bowl, Mild Huevos Rancheros Frozen Breakfast Sandwiches, Biscuits & Meals High in sodium — 35% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 63% DV per serving 136kcal 8.1Protein 5.6Fat 13.6Carbs ConAgra Foods Packaged Foods, LLC Mild Huevos Rancheros Omelet Bowl, Mild, Huevos Rancheros Frozen Breakfast Sandwiches, Biscuits & Meals High in sodium — 35% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 63% DV per serving 136kcal 8.1Protein 5.6Fat 13.6Carbs Kraft Heinz Foods Company Cotija Grated Cheese Topping, Cotija Cheese 400kcal 20Protein 30Fat 0Carbs H E Butt Grocery Company Pasta Sauce, Tomatoes, Mango, And Cotija Cheese Prepared Pasta & Pizza Sauces 64kcal 3.2Protein 2.4Fat 7.2Carbs Ready Pac Produce, Inc. Complete Salad Kit, Cilantro Lime Pre-Packaged Fruit & Vegetables 130kcal 4Protein 10Fat 7Carbs

Litehouse Inc. Cotija Cilantro Dressing & Dip, Cotija Cilantro Salad Dressing & Mayonnaise 367kcal 3.3Protein 36.7Fat 10Carbs Child's Play Inc. Chicken Taco Chop Salad With Chipotle Ranch Dressing Deli Salads High in sodium — 40% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 119kcal 5.6Protein 6.7Fat 7.1Carbs Nuchas, LLC Fire-Roasted Vegetable Empanadas Other Deli 234kcal 6.5Protein 11.7Fat 26.0Carbs The Kroger Co. Southwestern Style Fluffy Egg Bites With Pepper Jack Cheese, Tomato, Avocado, Hatch Chilies, Chicken Chorizo, Black Beans, Sweet Corn And Cilantro Omelet Bites, Southwestern Style Frozen Breakfast Sandwiches, Biscuits & Meals High in saturated fat — 23% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 28% DV per serving 167kcal 9.1Protein 13.6Fat 4.5Carbs Smart & Final Iris Corporation Tamales With Monterey Jack, Cheddar & Cotija Cheeses, Chile & Cheese Frozen Appetizers & Hors D'oeuvres High in saturated fat — 35% DV per serving 190kcal 6.3Protein 9.9Fat 21.8Carbs Stonegate Foods, Inc. Shrimp Taco Bowl With Chili Lime Aioli & Cotija Cheese, Chili Lime Aioli & Cotija Cheese Frozen Dinners & Entrees High in sodium — 25% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 39% DV per serving 110kcal 7.8Protein 3.2Fat 12.4Carbs Bakkavor Foods USA Inc. Monterey Jack & Jalapeno Pepper Dip With Cream Cheese & Green Chiles Cheese 387kcal 9.7Protein 38.7Fat 3.2Carbs

Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.