Ingredient

Ricotta

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

What it is

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.

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.

Products containing Ricotta

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LES ALIMENTS O'SOLE MIO INC. Ravioloni Pasta by Shape & Type High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 30% DV per serving 226kcal 10.4Protein 8.7Fat 27.0Carbs LES ALIMENTS O'SOLE MIO INC. Cheese & Pesto Saccottini Pasta by Shape & Type High in sodium — 21% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 304kcal 11.3Protein 10.4Fat 43.5Carbs LES ALIMENTS O'SOLE MIO INC. Ravioloni Pasta by Shape & Type High in sodium — 29% DV per serving 243kcal 8.7Protein 7.8Fat 34.8Carbs Pastificio Rana SpA Chicken Mozzarella Tortelloni Pasta by Shape & Type High in sodium — 21% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 25% DV per serving 280kcal 13Protein 8Fat 36Carbs O'SOLE MIO Ravioli Cheese Pasta by Shape & Type High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 20% DV per serving 261kcal 14.8Protein 6.1Fat 37.4Carbs O'SOLE MIO Tortellini Pasta by Shape & Type 270kcal 12.2Protein 6.1Fat 43.5Carbs O'SOLE MIO Tortellini Tri-Color Pasta & Cheese Pasta by Shape & Type 270kcal 12.2Protein 6.1Fat 43.5Carbs O'SOLE MIO Ravioli Pasta by Shape & Type High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 20% DV per serving 226kcal 11.3Protein 6.1Fat 31.3Carbs O'SOLE MIO Mini Ravioli, 3 Cheese Pasta by Shape & Type 283kcal 12.5Protein 5Fat 49.2Carbs CULINARY TOURS Dark Chocolate Lined Mini Cannoli Shells Filled With Ricotta Cream And Sprinkled With Chocolate Chips, Ricotta Cream And Chocolate Chips Frozen Appetizers & Hors D'oeuvres High in saturated fat — 55% DV per serving High in added sugars — 56% DV per serving 191kcal 4.1Protein 8.6Fat 24.1Carbs PAGANI Ravioli Filled With Cheese And Cruffle Pasta by Shape & Type High in sodium — 20% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 20% DV per serving 386kcal 12.3Protein 8.8Fat 61.4Carbs PAGANI Ravioletti Filled With Cheese Pasta by Shape & Type 386kcal 14.0Protein 8.8Fat 63.2Carbs

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.