Ingredient

Ricotta

Source
Animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Ricotta is a soft, mild cheese used in many Italian-American dishes. It adds moisture, …

What is Ricotta?

Ricotta is a fresh Italian whey cheese. It is traditionally made from the whey leftover from making other cheeses, like mozzarella or provolone. The whey is heated, and an acid (like vinegar or lemon juice) is added to make the remaining proteins coagulate and form curds.

Is Ricotta vegan?

No. Ricotta is animal-derived, so it is not vegan.

Is Ricotta gluten-free?

It does not contain gluten.

Is Ricotta a major allergen?

Ricotta is derived from milk, which is one of the 9 FDA major allergens.

What is Ricotta used for?

Ricotta is a soft, mild cheese used in many Italian-American dishes.

Is Ricotta safe?

Ricotta is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a food ingredient.

Why it's used

Ricotta is a soft, mild cheese used in many Italian-American dishes. It adds moisture, richness, and a slightly sweet flavor to foods. It is commonly found in pasta dishes like lasagna and stuffed shells, as well as in desserts like cheesecake and cannoli.

Health notes

Ricotta is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a food ingredient. It is a source of protein and calcium. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has evaluated ricotta, and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has also assessed it.

Allergen info

Ricotta is derived from milk, which is one of the 9 FDA major allergens. It does not contain gluten.

Foods that contain Ricotta

Compare products →
Amazon links are paid links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. About these links

Learn more

The 9 Major Allergens and the FASTER Act →

Auto-generated content. This description was generated automatically and is pending editorial review. Inaccuracies are possible. Found a mistake? Contact us.

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.