Horizon Organic Dairy adds two live and active cultures to its cottage cheese and sour cream: Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum. These cultures are also added to Horizon Organic yogurt and thus yield similar health benefits to the digestive and immune systems by keeping the intestinal tracts free from harmful bacteria.

The date on the package is called the "sell-by date", which means that the product will stay fresh for approximately seven days beyond this date provided that it has been refrigerated properly and remains unopened. Horizon Organic cottage cheese, sour cream, and cream cheese, though, will keep only seven days after opening, even if it is well before the sell-by date.

Carrageenan, a natural gum extracted from red seaweed, is a familiar ingredient in many foods. Approved for use in certified organic products, its gel-like consistency imparts a creamy texture when added to Horizon Organic cottage cheese and sour cream.