The Cottage Cheese Comeback (2024)

If you are on social media with any interest in nutrition or recipes, you may see cottage cheese became viral over summer 2023, resulting in a spike in sales that cleared grocery shelves across the country. The trend started from videos on Tik Tok of people whipping cottage cheese and adding it to crudité dips. It escalated when health-conscious creators started using cottage cheese in dessert recipes such as ice cream and cookie dough.

Cottage cheese became a staple in the 1950s but was most popular in the 1970s. For a younger generation of increasingly plant-based eaters who no longer consider drinking cow's milk “cool,” the revival of the dairy-based cottage cheese by Gen Z has many confused. One of the biggest reasons cottage cheese seems to be making a comeback is due to its highly nutritious profile.

Protein Rich

In a half-cup serving of cottage cheese, there's approximately 14 grams of protein, making it an excellent choice for individuals looking to increase their protein intake. Adequate protein is crucial for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle growth, and maintaining a healthy immune system. Due to its high protein content, cottage cheese also helps promote feelings of fullness and satiety.

Probiotics

Cottage cheese made with live cultures contains probiotics, beneficial bacteria that support a healthy gut. These probiotics contribute to the balance of gut flora, aiding digestion and promoting overall digestive health.

Essential Micronutrients

Cottage cheese is rich in calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth. It also offers B vitamins, which are necessary for proper energy metabolism and brain function, as well as potassium, choline, and small amounts of zinc.

It is worth noting that cottage cheese contains quite a bit of sodium, approximately 355 mg per half-cup serving. It's important to monitor and potentially limit your sodium intake if you have hypertension or high blood pressure. Cottage cheese can also contain high amounts of saturated fat, depending on the product you choose. Excess saturated fat intake can raise the LDL “bad” cholesterol, contributing to the risk of cardiovascular disease. When it comes to cottage cheese, how healthy it is depends on several factors: whether it's low-fat or whole-fat, the level of sodium, and how much is being consumed.

So, does cottage cheese need to be incorporated to healthify your favorite recipes? Probably not! If adding cottage cheese to a veggie dip allows you to enjoy more veggies or trying cottage cheese with fruit provides you with a protein-rich breakfast option, go for it! However, if you find yourself adding cottage cheese to a recipe that really does not need extra protein and ultimately doesn't turn out the same, (I'm looking at you, cookie dough), it's OK to enjoy the original recipe the way it was intended to be made.

The Cottage Cheese Comeback (2024)

FAQs

Why is cottage cheese making a comeback? ›

If you are on social media with any interest in nutrition or recipes, you may see cottage cheese became viral over summer 2023, resulting in a spike in sales that cleared grocery shelves across the country. The trend started from videos on Tik Tok of people whipping cottage cheese and adding it to crudité dips.

Is cottage cheese complete? ›

You can buy cottage cheese made from 1% or skim milk, which has lower fat and calories. Cottage cheese contains all the essential amino acids needed for it to qualify as a complete protein. A 4-ounce serving of creamed cottage cheese has 13 grams of protein.

What's the deal with cottage cheese? ›

Cottage cheese is a mild and fresh food made from curdled milk. Cottage cheese has some health benefits, as it is rich in protein, relatively low in fat, and high in calcium, B vitamins, and vitamin A. After draining, the curds are washed to remove residual acids, giving cottage cheese a sweeter taste.

Is it okay to eat cottage cheese every day? ›

This fad diet provides quick weight loss by using cottage cheese as the basis for your meals. While it is safe for most people to eat cottage cheese every day, it should not be consumed to the extent that you exclude other food groups. Also, some types of cottage cheese contain high amounts of sodium and/or sugar.

What is the downside of eating cottage cheese? ›

He said that while most cheese, including cottage cheese, contains nutrients such as vitamins and calcium, it can also have high levels of sodium and fat, so he recommends eating it in moderation.

Is it okay to eat cottage cheese at night? ›

For this reason, consuming it before bed has been shown to increase metabolism and muscle synthesis overnight without affecting the breakdown of fats ( 17 ). Due to the slow absorption of casein, some bodybuilders like to eat cottage cheese before bed.

Which is healthier, Greek yogurt or cottage cheese? ›

The Bottom Line. And the winner is... plain Greek yogurt by a very thin margin. Greek yogurt's advantage is very slight due to a little more calcium, lower sodium and a higher chance of containing probiotics.

Can a diabetic eat cottage cheese every day? ›

Cottage cheese is a great snack for people with diabetes. A half-cup (about 112-gram) serving of small-curd cottage cheese provides several vitamins and minerals, in addition to almost 13 grams of protein and only 4 grams of carbs.

Is cottage cheese bad for cholesterol? ›

Although cottage cheese is a healthy part of the diet, it does contain both saturated fat and sodium, two nutrients that are linked to health issues. Excessive saturated fat in the diet can raise LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and contribute to chronic illness, according to the National Institute of Health.

What is the 30 30 30 rule? ›

The rule includes eating 30 grams of protein within 30 minutes of waking up in the morning and then doing 30 minutes of low-intensity exercise.

What does cottage cheese do for your stomach? ›

Besides the reasons outlined above, cottage cheese may help with gut health. Since it is often fermented, (a process that helps remove the cheese curds from the liquid) cottage cheese may contain “good” bacteria called probiotics. Snodgrass says probiotics are “crucial” to good digestion.

What type of cottage cheese is healthiest? ›

Fat-free, 1% and 2% fat cottage cheese have less saturated fat and fewer calories than the 4% fat variety, which includes cream. Lower fat varieties also generally have slightly more protein.

When should you not eat cottage cheese? ›

Although it is good for you, cottage cheese is high in sodium. It isn't great for people with high blood pressure, heart disease or congestive heart failure.

Can dogs have cottage cheese? ›

Is Cottage Cheese Safe for Dogs? Cottage cheese is safe to feed to your dog as an occasional treat. It's also a good option for feeding your dog when they have an upset stomach. A couple of spoonfuls of cottage cheese and white rice can help provide a protein-filled meal that's easy for your dog to digest.

Why is cottage cheese popular right now? ›

In cottage cheese, Gen Z and millennials have found a new and exciting alternative to the tired Greek yogurt trend. It's a neutral canvas that can go sweet or savory, and seamlessly integrates into younger cooks' routines, especially in an age of bowls and fancy toasts—this ain't your grandma's cottage cheese.

Why are people blending cottage cheese? ›

Blending cottage cheese completely transforms the original, curd-based product into a creamy, smooth texture that can be used so many different ways. If you're just dipping your toes into the world of cottage cheese, consider this a beginner's guide!

Why did the government want you to eat more cottage cheese? ›

Cottage cheese doesn't need to be aged or ripened. Consumption of cottage cheese was promoted by the US government during World War I — as we saw with corn — in order to save meat for the military.

Why am I craving cottage cheese so much? ›

Ooey gooey Cheese — and other types of dairy — cravings may mean that your body is in need of more Vitamin A or D (most of us have a Vitamin D deficiency, after all). But it's more likely that you just need a mood boost.

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