Good source
Protein
11.4 g · 23% DV target
A mild, fresh curd cheese with a distinctively lumpy texture, cottage cheese serves as a versatile, high-protein staple that bridges the gap between dairy liquids and aged cheeses.
Cottage cheese is a concentrated source of essential nutrients, particularly protein, calcium, and phosphorus, which makes it a practical food for meeting daily nutrient recommendations .410
Because it is a fresh cheese, it typically contains significantly more protein per serving than liquid milk or yogurt, though it generally has lower calcium levels than hard cheeses like cheddar .10
Practical health considerations for cottage cheese include its often high sodium and fat content, leading experts to recommend moderation or choosing low-fat and low-salt versions to manage cardiovascular risk .125
Early research suggests that specific components in fermented dairy, such as certain saturated fatty acids or bacteria added during processing, may have different effects on heart health and cholesterol than the fats found in red meat .5
Petal shape shows the nine FoodCompass domains, including nutrient density, processing, satiety, fats, and phytochemicals.
11.4 g · 23% DV target
3.47 g · 17% DV target
Not a benefit — best kept low
0.24 g · 24% DV target
Not a benefit — best kept low
59.0 μg · 7% DV target
0.21 mg · 16% DV target
0.50 μg · 21% DV target
Seasonality has not been estimated for this ingredient yet.
Keep tightly sealed; consume within a few days of opening.
As a dairy product, it has a lower carbon footprint than beef but higher than plant-based proteins.
The name 'cottage cheese' originated in the mid-19th century because the simple cheese was typically made in rural cottages using the milk left over after making butter.